IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ BEFORE EVERY BOOKING
**Camps will not be available for unit camping from May 15 - August 15**
Unit reservations for 2025 open up August 15, 2024
- This online reservation system is only for Scout units. All other enquiries must be directed to Paula.Bramble@scouting.org.
- Campsite reservations are available for Friday and Saturday night. You must book both nights (2 night reservation required) and indicate your actual arrival and departure date/time on your reservation. Note: campsites booked for Friday and Saturday night are automatically reserved from 3:00 p.m. on Friday evening through 12:00pm on Sunday and do not require follow-up.
- Check-in time on Friday is after 3:00 p.m. and check-out on Sunday must be by 12:00 p.m.
- Any date in gray/shaded out (with or without an X) is already booked. All facilities that may be booked by units are listed on this reservation site.
- Any unit wishing to book facilities (pavilions, ranges, canoes, climbing tower, etc.) for use on Sunday mornings (8:00 am - 12:00 pm) must email Paula.Bramble@scouting.org or call 214.902.6707.
- All persons using the camp must have a reservation prior to arrival. Reservations close 7 days prior to arrival date. No adds/changes can be made less than 7 days prior to camp. All requests to change date must be made at least 7 days prior to original arrival date to avoid a cancellation fee.
- Camp facilities will be winterized from Thanksgiving through March 15 (water shut off). These dates may change based on inclement weather. For a list of areas at camp with water during this time, please click HERE. Any campsite or facility without water after this date is due to repairs.
- Inclement Weather: Our camps are open rain or shine. In the event of forecasted severe weather, the camp ranger staff will visit with each unit and advise them of the forecasted weather potentials. The ranger will advise you of available shelter buildings and their locations in camp. If extreme severe weather is forecasted, the discussion will be made if evacuation of camp needs to be the plan before the storm arrives. Units can take cover under campsite pavilions or program pavilions in camp during normal rainfall events.
- A license is required to fish at Lake Texoma (adults). Click HERE to go to the TWPD website to view the latest requirements and choose either a full license or a Lake Texoma license.
- Please direct all questions regarding camp reservations to Paula Bramble at paula.bramble@scouting.org.
About Camp James Ray
Camp James Ray is located on the South shore of the 96,000 acre Lake Texoma, 8 miles Northwest of Pottsboro, Texas.
Camp James Ray is home to Circle Ten Councils summer Webelos and Cub Scout resident camp, and the Circle Ten Council NYLT program.
CJR is made up of two parts of camp, the main camp is made up of 240 acres with 11 campsites, dining hall, swimming pool, shooting sports complex, orienteering course and other great areas. The swimming pool is open from May 15 to September 30.
The South property is 300 acres of undeveloped wooded area, with 10 hike-in only campsites, 2 with Philmont style setups with bear cables, sumps and fire rings. There are also other areas you can access from along the rock road that leads int the property. The primitive campsites are only available to Troops, Packs, and Ships.
Reminders:
- All vehicles must return to the main parking lot when finished unloading. A vehicle/trailer hooked up may stay in the campsite.
- All trash can be placed in the trash dumpsters located at the dining hall loading dock.
- The main camp gates open Friday at 3:00PM for weekend camping, check-in on Friday is from 5:00PM - 10:00PM.
- Saturday morning check-in is from 8:30AM - 11:00AM
- Camp closes Sunday at 12:00PM (noon).
- If your group wishes to change your reservation, please contact the Paula Bramble before your group makes your reservation.
- Please follow our social media page on Facebook for all up to date announcements ( Camp James Ray Scout Reservation)
Thank you,
Ranger Heath
The main gate address for camp is:
Camp James Ray
2026 Mill Creek RD
Pottsboro TX 75076
From Pottsboro:
- Take Hwy 120 West.
- Turn left (West) on Locust Rd
- At 4-way stop turn right on Mill Creek Rd
- Follow Mill Creek Rd 2 miles to the camp entrance, large stone entryway
Day
08:00 AM
08:00 PM
Night
08:30 AM
12:00 PM
Reservations: To ensure the safety of our campers and staff, all reservations and changes must be made at least 7 days in advance of arrival via our online reservations system. No late reservations or walk-ins will be accepted.
Safety on Camp:
- To ensure the safest camping experience, all persons utilizing our camps must follow the guidelines set forth in the Guide to Safe Scouting and Age-Appropriate Guidelines. It is the responsibility of the unit to have appropriate trained leaders for each activity and facility rental.
CPAP & Electricity Usage Guidelines:
- CPAP Machines must be battery operated. The batteries may be charged at available power outlets.
- Running extension cords to tents is prohibited.
- Generators are not to be run in Circle Ten Camps.
CIRCLE TEN COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA POLICIES FOR USE OF CAMP JAMES RAY
1. OVERNIGHT CAMPING Available only to registered Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers and qualified prospective members. Tigers are restricted to daytime use only, except for Family Camping.
2. TWO DEEP LEADERSHIP It is REQUIRED that all registered adult volunteers hold a current Youth Protection Training certification. All units must have two adult leaders in camp at all times. Adult in-charge must be a BSA trained leader and at least 21 years of age; the assistant must be at least 18 years of age and it is recommended to have at least two trained leaders. Female BSA Scout Troops and Co-ed Venturing crews must have two leaders at least 21 years of age, one of which must be a female, if the Troop/Crew has female youth (under 21) in camp.
3. ARRIVAL - DEPARTURE Check-in and check-out with the Camp Ranger should be limited to two individuals. The Unit Leader should have their entire group's paperwork ready at check-in. Check-in and check-out are at the Camp Headquarters. Every unit must submit an updated copy of the Camping Activity Roster upon check-in. Gates are open 3:00 PM Friday to 12:00 PM Sunday. Please see Cancellation Rules for the Cancellation Policy.
4. VEHICLES Vehicles will be allowed to the campsite for loading/unloading at site (weather permitting) and must immediately be returned to parking lot. All motorized vehicles are restricted to parking lot. Equipment trailers & tow vehicle may be left in campsite. Only vehicles with a state issued handicap tag will be allowed campsite access beyond loading and unloading. All passengers must ride inside the vehicle, no riders are allowed to ride in the rear of a truck.
5. UNIT PROGRAM For a safe and successful camping trip, units should have a program planned in advance. The buddy system must be used at all times. Water containers are needed to transport water from a central location during times the camp is winterized. All campers must be in their campsite by 10:00 p.m. and lights out by 11:00 p.m.
6. CAMP PROGRAM FACILITIES: All facilities and ammunition must be reserved and and paid for prior to arrival via Circle Ten's online reservation system. Rifle Range: An N.R.A. Certified Instructor and Range Safety Officer is required. For use of .22 caliber rifles, the cost is $13.50 per pound purchased prior to arrival at camp. Shotgun Range: An N.R.A. Certified Instructor and Range Safety Officer is required. For use of 20 gauge shotguns or .50 caliber muzzle loaders, the cost is $1.00 per shot (including clay target or black powder) purchased prior to arrival at camp. Archery Range: A qualified adult Range Officer is required. Swimming: BSA Safe Swim Defense Protocol is required and have approval of Camp Ranger. Pool may be reserved and the fee of $5.00 per person at time of your reservation prior to arrival at camp. The pool usage is a share only. Canoes may be reserved online. All watercraft must be used in accordance with BSA Safety Afloat Plan. Each boat occupant (youth and adult) must be classified as a swimmer and wear a personal flotation device at all times. The human Foosball and Gaga Pits are first come first served areas. Please be considerate of the amount of time spent in these areas.
Important: Water in campsites and bathrooms may be turned off starting November 15 through March 1. Water will not be turned on and off based on the weather so please be aware that water may not be available in all campsites and bathrooms during these dates.Water will be available year-round at Headquarters, Pool Bathhouse, Fry Pavilion, Hanta Pa Ha campsite, and Cochise campsite.
7. CAMP PROPERTY Ground fires may be restricted by property due to local conditions. Local authority recommendations are taken into consideration, but Camp Ranger will have final determination on fire ban status. Camp only in assigned campsite. If permitted, fires must be kept in designated areas and under constant adult supervision. Keep campsite neat and clean. No flames in tents. Buildings and structures may not be used for cooking or sleeping. All trash and garbage must be put in dumpster or taken with you.
8. CONSERVATION Protect wildflowers, trees, and wildlife. Do not cut trees, picking up dead fall is allowed. The elements of Outdoor Ethics / Leave No Trace are practiced in all phases of your outdoor program. Units are encouraged to complete a conservation project or service project while at camp.
10. DO NOT BRING Any alcoholic beverage or controlled substances. Fireworks. Dogs or pets of any kind; service animals will need credentials. Firearms, ammunition, or archery equipment that is not authorized by the Council Camping Director. Paintball or airsoft guns of any type.
11. Off road vehicles such as golf carts, UTV's or ATV's are only allowed with prior approval by the Camp Ranger and Circle Ten Council. Off road vehicles must only be used for medical emergencies. Drivers must show a completed certificate from an approved UTV/ ATV online course and provide proof of insurance with the vehicles driver listed on the policy to the Camp Ranger before unloading your vehicle. Passengers must ride in the seat area of the vehicle and no rider is allowed to ride in the rear.
NO EXCEPTIONS!!
I have read these policies and agree to follow them. I will share them with all participants. I have read the Guide to Safe Scouting and our group will abide by its policies and procedures. Violation could result in my unit being asked to leave camp.
Thank you,
Camp James Ray Ranger
Any deposits will be refunded after check out, with verification from Camp Ranger that facilities were clean, undamaged and all equipment is inventoried.
Check-in is conducted at our camp Headquarters (HQ) building located North of the parking lot, (bright OPEN sign flashing).
Reservations are required for camping and any access to camp. Reservations must be made online at least 7 days prior to arrival.
Unit check-in and gate opening times for all camps are as follows:
- Friday: Open - 3:00pm; Close - 10:00pm
- Saturday: Open - 8:30am; Close - 10:00pm
- Sunday: Open - 7:00am; Close - 12:00pm (noon)
All questions regarding your reservation should be directed to paula.bramble@scouting.org. For access outside of the set hours you MUST contact the camp Ranger:
- Heath Spindle: heath.spindle@scouting.org, 903-786-2591
Emailing the Camp Ranger is the preferred communication method, as we don't always hear our cell phones ring, and we don't sit in the office to answer the camp phone.
Any other days to use camp requires special prior approval by the Camp Ranger and Circle Ten Council. Requests must be directed to paula.bramble@scouting.org (not the rangers).
Documents Required at Check-In
Unit Events: Unit Leader must collect each person’s forms and turn into the Ranger at check-in. Unit Leader to collect and retain Annual Health and Medical Records. Blank forms will not be provided to you at camp.
- Participant Roster (downloaded from my.scouting.org)
- Any certifications required for activities
Thank you.
For weekend camping, Camp James Ray conducts check out on the HONOR SYSTEM.
We expect your campsite to be cleaner when you leave than when you arrive and fires extinguished.
Trash can be placed in the trash dumpsters located at the West side of the dining hall at the loading dock area.
When leaving, please stop by the HQ and radio the Camp Ranger your group is exiting camp.
For Council or District events, your campsite will be checked by a member of the event staff.
- All refund requests must be submitted by email at least 10 days before the start of the event to: 571.RefundRequest@scouting.org. Refund requests will be considered for personal illness or family emergencies.
- A service charge of 10% of the amount paid (minimum of $5.00), less any non-refundable deposits or any already purchased items (food, t-shirts, etc.), will be assessed to cover administrative fees.
- Refund requests must include the following:
- Event Name and Event Date in the email header.
- Name, telephone, email, and address of person requesting the refund.
- Unit type and number.
- Receipt or confirmation number, if available.
- Reason for request.
- Circle Ten Council will consider moving a reservation once within the calendar year, if space is available. The request must be received before the original arrival date.
All Units are required to follow Leave no Trace guidelines while on camp. Please clean any faciliies used such as ranges, campsite (including latrines) prior to checkout. Bring all trash to the main dumpster.