Camp Etiquette:

• Objective: to have a great outdoor experience.
• Drinking water is not available so bring your own.
• The campers are to leave the camp in better condition than when they arrived.
• There is no hiking on Shell Road.
• No swimming or wading at any time in the canal.
• No cutting of live trees.
• Know the boundaries of the camp and stay within them.
• Close and latch the entrance gate each night and when you leave camp.
• Do not cut any of the locks or damage the fence entering the camp.
• Do not remove knee high white PVC posts that mark the compass course in camp.
• Do not move/adjust the metal fire rings located in each site. No fire ring means it’s not a site.
• Only 4 vehicles per 20 participants permitted. Park to allow emergency vehicles to enter safely.
• Service projects are available. Contact Camp Ranger for a current list of projects.
• Open Air Burn Policy for Chesapeake More info online here
• 4PM Burn Law in effect 2/15 to 4/30 More info online here
• Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities

You must contact the Camp Ranger prior to your scheduled dates to inquire about entering camp, locks, fire restrictions, etc. If someone arrives on the camp property and is not a Scout unit, contact the Camp Ranger so he can contact the Corp of Engineers.

If you need to cancel your reservation, call the Camp Ranger so the property can be secured properly.

Camp Ranger: Ron Misfeldt – C) 757-646-1384 mustangron@aol.com

Upon completion of your campout/ activity, please conduct a thorough review of your are to ensure now trash is inadvertently left behind. All camp fire areas must be cool to the touch. Please "pack out" all trash as there is no trash receptacles onsite. 

We know plans can change, and we want to make cancellations as straightforward as possible while keeping things fair for everyone who wants to use our campsites and facilities. Last-minute changes really impact our team: we turn away other groups, hold spots open, and dedicate time to prep that could go toward maintenance, improvements, or welcoming other groups. Your understanding helps us steward our properties efficiently and keep costs at a minimum.

Here's the policy for Tidewater Council property reservations (Baker, Moonyah, and Pipsico):

• More than 14 days before arrival: Your reservation is fully transferable to another available period. You can also request a refund minus a small $20 cancellation fee (or the full reservation fee if that's less).
   
• Within 14 days of arrival: No refunds are available, as we've already committed resources and turned away others. But the reservation remains transferable to another rental period within the same calendar year, so you can reschedule and still enjoy the woods, river, and Scout spirit.

If your situation changes early, reach out right away— We are happy to help transfer dates or answer questions.

• For reservations at the Pipsico Scout Reservation (Camps Lions, Rotary, or Kiwanis), text or call Ranger Evan at (540) 537-6305 or email ranger@pipsicobsa.com.
   
• For reservations at Camps Baker or Moonyah, please contact Ron Misfeldt, the Ranger for our “city camps,” at (757) 646-1384 or email  mustangron@aol.com.

Cleaning Policy

We all live by the Scout Oath and Law, and part of that means being clean in our outdoor manners—packing out what we bring in, leaving sites better than we found them, and treating the land with the respect it deserves as part of God's creation. Here's the straightforward scoop to make cleanup simple, fun, and effective:

• Pack it in, pack it out: Depending on which of our camps you are staying at, please bring your trash bags and either use our onsite dumpsters (Pipsico Scout Reservation's Camps Lions, Rotary & Kiwanis) or be prepared to pack everything out (City Camps Baker & Moonyah)—no burying, burning, or leaving behind. Why? It keeps wildlife safe, keeps pests at bay, and ensures the next group finds a pristine spot ready for their adventures.
   
• Sweep and shine your site and facilities: Do a thorough patrol of your campsite, latrines, shelters, fire rings, and any shared areas you used—pick up litter, sweep floors, wipe tables, and make sure everything looks (and smells) fresh. Latrines get swept clean, lids down, and any provided tools (like hoses or rakes) are put back where they belong.
   
• Fire ring care: Extinguish fires completely (think mud soup), scatter cold ashes if needed (or dispose properly), and leave the ring ready for the next crew—no ash piles or hot coals hanging around.
   
• Common areas count: If you used program fields, pavilions, or other shared spaces, give them a quick police line—walk arm-in-arm and grab any stray wrappers or bits so the whole property stays beautiful for everyone.

A spotless site means high-fives all around and no surprise cleaning fees. If something needs extra attention, we'll handle it, but your effort upfront keeps fees low and the Scout spirit high!

Pro tip: Turn cleanup into a game—time your patrol, award the "Cleanest Patrol" title, or give the winner first pick on the next campfire song. It builds teamwork, reinforces Leave No Trace, and makes the job fly by.

Thanks for helping keep every camp safe, clean, and beautiful. Your care shows true stewardship, and it makes the next group's arrival just as exciting as yours.

See the camp-specific details for more information.