“The Philmont of the East”
–Scouting Magazine
During the fleeting summers of youth, a few experiences shape your view of the world and yourself. The camps of the Blue Ridge Mountains Council…Ottari, Powhatan, and Claytor Lake Aquatics Base…offer a range of activities for Scouts and leaders to enjoy and connect with one another and nature. Although each camp offers a variety of activities, all are designed to convey the definitive Appalachian nature experience.

Camp Powhatan
While Camp Powhatan is the largest of the three camps, each campsite offers a small-camp atmosphere. Scouts have the option to sleep in canvas tents or Adirondacks. All campsites have modern shower facilities. Camp Powhatan has a large waterfront offering BSA Lifeguard, Mile Swim, a beginner swimming class, blobbing, and swimming.
- Base Camp Powhatan
- Brownsea Island for first-year campers
- Fish Camp
- New River Adventure
- Voyager

Camp Ottari
A smaller camp focused on a traditional Scout experience. Scouts stay in traditional tent campsites with remodeled shower facilities. The mountainous terrain offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Waterfront activities include swimming, canoeing, and small boat sailing. Older Scouts and Leaders can soar over the lake on an 800-foot zip line.
- Base Camp Ottari
- Brownsea Island for first-year campers
- High Knoll
- Mountain Man Adventure

Claytor Lake Aquatics Base
Claytor Lake Aquatics Base is the Reservation headquarters for advanced fun on the water. Sitting on the edge of Claytor Lake, this camp gives participants many opportunities to enjoy the lake. The Aquatics Base offers SCUBA, waterskiing, sailing, motorboating and more. Claytor Lake Aquatics is the newest base camp on the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation, offering attendees comfortable cabins and modern shower facilities. Meals are served in the air-conditioned dining hall.
- Base Camp CLAB
- SCUBA Camp
- Wakeboarding