Camp Daniel Boone — Hotel in Waynesville

I went to this camp 2 whole years ago as a scout. I could go on a long review, which i will, but if youre short on time, here it is: ever since, ive been trying to get back to a place just remotely like this.

Im a mountains kinda guy, and Boone is literally perfect. Each campsite has its own benefits and drawbacks. I know some were deeper into the camp and were closer to merit badges, but they had beautiful streams and forests around them that, in certain lights and without too many people, almost looked unreal, like some fantasy forest in Lord of the Rings or something. I was in a newer campsite, Arrowhead, and it was on the side of a steep hill, just under the reenactment place (which was awesome btw. Tell me if you can chug the root beer faster than 11 seconds and ill applaud you). Every morning id wake up, walk outside of the tiny 4 person cabin and sit on this stump that i carried back from the woods. The mountains had misty fog, with a beautiful view over the valley. The trails were so much fun and were a joy to walk. The lake was picturesque, and there were certain times of the day that you could sit next to the brook and be taken to paradise by the sound of the water and the birds. Not only is it a paradise for mountain ecosystem lovers like myself, but its got a wonderful layout with beautiful cabin-styled architecture thatll make you feel like youre part of some guild... which in a way, you are if youre a scout. And on top of it all, if you ever get a chance, explore a bit off the beaten path. Keep in mind erosion and safety of course, but have some fun. I hear there are really quiet places around the camp that are fantastical, with beautiful trees, bushes, and even a few brightly colored flowers.

So, do i recommend this place? Of course. Is it what you will make of it? For sure. Id give nearly anything to go back there and spend time with my scouting buddies, and i will forever look for a home that can make me feel the same way as Boone did.

20/10...

As a lifelong scouter, Eagle Scout, scout parent, volunteer leader, as well as former professional scouter and former camp staffer (not CDB), I give Camp Daniel Boone my highest recommendation. Our troop of 38 boys and 13 adults traveled over 16 hours by charter bus to be here and were not disappointed.

The camp’s summer program handles 600-1000 visitors every week and is very well organized for that high volume of Scouts, leaders, and staffers. From medical to kitchen to rangers and programming, the staff went above and beyond to ensure that our experience exceeded our expectations. Was everything perfect? No. Was it safe, memorable, and fun? Heck yeah. Did our Scouts and leaders have opportunities to learn, grow, take risks, and try new things? Absolutely. Are there hills, rocks, bugs, spiders, long walks, occasional rain, hot days, cold nights, and in-ground latrines? Yes. It’s SUMMER CAMP. But are there also hot showers, running water, air conditioned dining hall, rifle ranges, climbing walls, zip lines, white water rafting, mountain top hikes, a 1700s town, and more merit badge options than you can shake a stick at? Oh yes. I will also add that the trading post is well-stocked and very affordable, including a snack shack in the middle of camp for easy access.

Lastly, if you know anything about summer camps, the tenure and retention of the staff speaks volumes - and they have a very senior leadership team with years of experience serving the Scouts, leaders, and programs of Camp Daniel Boone. Big shout out to some key leaders on the 2022 camp staff team who made our experience exceptional. Melinda, Tucker, Ian, Sweetpea, Thomas, Dave, Wendy, Sam, and the many others working on the frontlines of the scouting movement. Thank you for delivering on the promise of scouting. We look forward to putting Daniel Boone into our summer camp rotation and seeing you again in...

Boys did High Adventure Backpacking-2 different treks. They loved it! Amazing views with gorgeous mountain landscapes to walk through on Joyce Kilmer Trail, and beautiful terrain with breathtaking waterfalls on Panther town Trek-which one waterfall you can walk behind it (like in The Last of the Mohicans). Also enjoyed and give a special thanks to the High Adventure staff that make these treks possible-they are cut from a special cloth. The camp itself is beautiful and diverse, with a lake, great amphitheater, grand dining hall, picturesque stream running through it, campsites on hillside toward Boonesboro and opposite side toward other trailheads. Some troops I met enjoyed at least one hike, who had a variety to choose from easy to hard right at their doorstep-you should buy trail maps ahead of time if going on the cooler/hard trails up the mountains or even consider adding pre-trip through areas near Sliding Rock (near Brevard, NC), which is Panther town area with a few waterfalls right off the roadside. Many quality merit badge counselors, even extra horseback riding and animal study options. And let’s not forget to say how cool visiting Boonesboro Village was! That is another request to go back just to sign up for a “mountain man camp week” from boys. Might want to bring extra money for the artisan crafts and shops. Wonderful camp-worth the cross country drive...