B-CC IWLA CAMPGROUND
The B-CC IWLA Conservation Farm covers over 623 acres with a large section designated for primitive tent camping. The camping area is covered with a thick tree-top canopy and substantial ground cover that provides privacy for three distinct campsites. Located up a steep footpath about 100 yards from the parking area, the campsites are accessible only by foot. Motor vehicles cannot enter the camping area. These are primitive campsites. There is no electricity and the campsites share a single pit latrine and a hand pump or creek for water. Camping water filter is required or carry in water. Campers must remove their own trash.
Reservations are required to use the Campground. See below. See also special pandemic-related operating rules below.
Maps of the Farm can be downloaded from the home page of this web site.
The BCC-IWLA Farm address is 20601 Izaak Walton Way, Poolesville, MD 20837, but the entrance to the campground lies over a quarter-mile north of Izaak Walton Way on West Willard Road.
Click here for the campsite entrance map link.
The campground gate can be opened with the B-CC IWLA members’ key or with a combination received when registering (for approved outside groups). About 2 acres of parking is located inside the gate some 100 yards straight ahead through an open field and up to the point where a sign “Do not proceed beyond this sign” is posted. Beyond the sign is a steep slope with a marshy area where vehicles will likely get stuck. About 75 yards down the slope from the parking area is the campground bulletin board, water pump, and a wooden bridge marking the entrance to the campground.
The campground may be used by B-CC IWLA members, their escorted guests, and chapter-approved public groups that have provided requested documentation including proper proof that each group carries liability insurance for their members while camping. The Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America have provided B-CC IWLA with insurance binders. Other public groups having an interest in using the campground are invited to submit insurance binders showing that their group carries liability insurance while camping. The B-CC IWLA Board of Governors will consider all such requests
CAMPING RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Reservations are available to chapter members and scout troops only. Non-members cannot reserve a campsite.
Reservations can be made for one or all three camping areas, for up to seven days. You may request a specific site by name. The names are Fox, Cedar and Ivy. If the entire campground is reserved, a small donation is requested to help in campground maintenance. Otherwise, there is no charge for individual campsites. Reservations can be made on this page of the website. Once you make a reservation request, check the calendar for your confirmed reservation. Reservations are confirmed typically within 48 hours. The campground calendar is posted on the website indicating campsite availability. Reservations can be made online HERE.
The campground is CLOSED during muzzle loader and shotgun deer hunting season and during turkey hunting season. If you are camping and your group does not have a BCC-IWLA member with a key to the gate, you will receive a lock combination that will open the campground gate. If you have further questions, contact the Campground Chairman, Jack Kang at [email protected].
CAMPGROUND PHOTOS
(2019)
Fox Campsite can accommodate more than 20 tents. There are serving/cooking tables, four 8-person picnic tables, a fire ring surrounded by five 8-foot benches and Adirondack shelter.
Fire pit with swinging grill at each site
To the right of the bridge, a hand pump is available for drinking water from an underground well. The water is tested, however it is highly recommended that the water is boiled or run through a camping water filter. Please do not waste the water. The well has been pumped dry in the past by some large Scout groups
The Campground Bulletin Board contains a campground map and campground rules. Please remember not to cut live trees for firewood. Ample fallen wood is available for fires.
4. Past the bridge, the three camping areas named IVY, FOX and CEDAR are located straight ahead up the hill. There are signs along the trail directing you to first IVY, then FOX and finally CEDAR camping areas.
The amphitheater area is located at the end of the trail to the left of the bridge. Seating more than 100 people, it has a large fire ring, a lectern and a demonstration or serving table.
The Amphitheater
CEDAR campsite can accommodate more than 10 tents and contains a serving/cooking table, two 8-person picnic tables, a fire ring, and an 8-foot bench.
Campground latrine located along the trail leading to FOX camping area. Please provide your own toilet paper and use the broom to sweep out the latrine if needed.
The IVY campsite can accommodate more than 9 tents and contains a serving/cooking table, two 8-person picnic tables, a fire ring, and an 8-foot bench.
Primitive skills classes are offered. Check the newsletter each month and below for upcoming classes.
Upcoming classes (All classes are free for members) Email [email protected] to sign up for classes.
