Kit Carson

Kit Carson is a storied and significant campsite located within the bounds of Camp John H. Ware 3rd, part of the renowned Horseshoe Scout Reservation in Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania. Nestled in the southern reaches of Lancaster County, this campground is steeped in the rich traditions of the scouting movement and the natural beauty of the Susquehanna River valley. As one of the original "stockade" campsites established at the reservation, Kit Carson has served as a backdrop for generations of youth as they learn the values of leadership, conservation, and outdoor skill-building. The site is named after the legendary American frontiersman, reflecting the camp's commitment to the spirit of exploration and the rugged history of the American pioneer.

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those involved in the scouting community or looking for a structured outdoor environment, Kit Carson offers an experience that is quite different from a standard commercial RV park. It is a place where the focus is on the patrol method and teamwork. The environment is designed to be immersive, allowing campers to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the wooded hills and winding waterways that define this portion of the Mason-Dixon line. Whether it is during the bustling summer camp season or a quiet weekend of winter camping, the site maintains a sense of historical importance and peaceful seclusion.

The campground is part of a larger 700-acre reservation that spans both Pennsylvania and Maryland, but the Kit Carson site itself is firmly rooted in the Peach Bottom landscape. It is surrounded by diverse flora and fauna, offering a living classroom for those interested in forestry and wildlife. The proximity to the Octoraro Creek, a major tributary of the Susquehanna River, provides a constant soundtrack of moving water and opportunities for aquatic education. For those visiting from within the state, it remains a pillar of local heritage and a premier destination for organized outdoor activities.

• Location and Accessibility

Kit Carson is located at the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, specifically within the Camp John H. Ware 3rd section in Peach Bottom, PA 17563. The reservation is situated on the historic Mason-Dixon line, making it easily accessible for families from Lancaster, York, and Chester Counties, as well as those coming from nearby Maryland. The drive to the camp takes visitors through the scenic, rolling farmlands of southern Lancaster County, characterized by quiet roads and beautiful vistas of the Susquehanna River valley.

Regarding accessibility, the camp is designed to accommodate various needs while maintaining its rustic charm. The main facilities near the campsite are reachable via well-maintained paths. Notably, the walk to and from the primary Dining Hall is on relatively level ground, which is a significant advantage for logistics and for campers carrying gear. While the terrain is naturally hilly, as is common in this part of Pennsylvania, the campsite is structured to provide a stable base for groups. Parking is available at designated areas within the reservation, and the camp office provides clear guidance for check-in and vehicle movement to ensure the safety of all participants.

• Services Offered

• Group Camping Facilities: Designed to host Scouts BSA, Cub Scouts, and other organized youth groups with space for both tents and permanent shelters.
• Resident Summer Camp Programs: Fully staffed summer sessions offering merit badge instructions, high adventure activities, and traditional campfires.
• Winter Camping: Access to heated lodges and facilities for year-round outdoor education and cold-weather survival training.
• Potable Water and Sanitation: Easy access to nearby shower houses and modern restroom facilities, including flush toilets and running water.
• Educational Workshops: Programs focused on nature conservation, woodcraft, and pioneering skills led by experienced staff.
• Dining Services: Seasonal access to a central dining hall providing nutritional meals for large groups of campers.
• Equipment Support: Availability of permanent shelters and Adirondack-style structures to supplement traditional tenting.

• Features and Highlights

• Historic Stockade Design: As one of the five original sites built at the reservation, it carries a unique historical character not found in newer parks.
• Proximity to Octoraro Creek: Offers scenic views and access to the water for fishing, canoeing, and ecological study.
• Dedicated Fire Pit: A permanent fire circle for evening gatherings, storytelling, and troop bonding.
• High Adventure Access: Nearby access to the reservation's climbing tower, shooting ranges (rifle and archery), and swimming pools.
• Abundant Wildlife: The protected lands of the reservation are home to deer, eagles, and various native bird species, perfect for nature observation.
• Central Program Area: Located near the camp's main activity hubs, including the trading post and the parade field for retreat ceremonies.
• Electricity Available: Unlike more primitive sites, Kit Carson offers electrical access to support modern camp needs and safety requirements.

• Contact Information

For information regarding reservations, council-led events, or summer camp registration, you may contact the Chester County Council which manages the reservation:

• Address: 86 Fox Hollow Rd (Reservation Area), Peach Bottom, PA 17563, USA
• Phone: (717) 284-4587 (Standard contact for regional scouting inquiries).

• What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Kit Carson at Camp Ware is worth it for those who seek more than just a place to sleep. It is worth choosing for its deep sense of tradition; staying here means walking the same paths that scouts have walked for nearly a century. If you are a leader looking for a site that balances convenience with a "back-to-basics" feel, the level access to the dining hall and the availability of electricity make this an ideal choice for both new and experienced campers. It allows you to focus on the program and the people rather than the logistical stress of a difficult terrain.

Furthermore, the site is worth choosing because of its placement within the Horseshoe Scout Reservation. You get the benefits of a large, professionally managed facility—including top-tier safety standards and a wide array of activities—while feeling the intimacy of a dedicated campsite. The ability to engage in high-adventure sports like climbing and shooting, and then return to the quiet, creek-side atmosphere of Kit Carson, provides a well-rounded experience. For the Pennsylvania local, this is more than a campground; it is a landmark of character development and an essential part of the state's outdoor culture.