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In 1919, the officers of Conewago Council, which then oversaw Scouting in Hanover, Littlestown, New Oxford, Locust Grove, Abbottstown, and East Berlin, saw the need for a Scout camp in their area. Along with the assistance of other civic-minded citizens, the council solicited funds in the area for a camp. On September 13, 1919, they purchased approximately 25 acres of land in Hamilton Township, Adams County, from George T. Gitt.
The camp is located at the “Forks” where the Little Conewago enters into the Big Conewago stream. It was formerly at the point of a traders cabin where the collection of furs and trading was done with early settlers and the Conewago Indian Tribes in the area.
Today, Camp Conewago is still blessed with many of the original buildings constructed over the years.
Please note: Camp is not accessible by commercial motor coach bus.
The Main Lodge building was built in 1920 and has a spacious wrap-around-porch. Inside the Main Lodge is a large stone fireplace, full kitchen and sleeping area equipped with bunk beds for 21 persons.
Other sleeping quarters known as “Rothrocks” were built after the first few years of the camp’s operation. The name “Rothrocks” derived from the Chairman of the Department of Forest and Waters, whose name was Rothrock.
These buildings were given individual Native American names such as Sioux, Susquehannock, Seneca, Mohawk, Delaware, and Shawnee.
Each Rothrock has bunks for eight people and there are a total of six Rothrocks at camp.
The small cabin, originally the Administration Building, was dedicated on August 1, 1937 in memory of H. Merle Stokes, Camping Chairman. It is equipped with bunked beds (with mattresses) for 10 people, a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, wood stove (for heat only – wood is available between the Main Lodge & the Latrine Building), electricity (with ceiling fan & lights), and a 6′ table with chairs.
Camp Conewago is located at 450 Boy Scout Road, New Oxford, PA 17350. Only a little more than 10 miles from Gettysburg, PA, Conewago is an easy drive to the battlefield for groups touring the area.
To see more views of the facilities available at Conewago, please take a look at the image gallery below.
See what’s available and book your reservation online!
Visit our webstore to purchase Camp Conewago Patches!
Camp Conewago – 100 Years of Service to Youth – Electronic Booklet
Camp Map & Directions
Special thanks to Camp Conewago 75th Anniversary booklet in preparing this information.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
If a written cancellation is received 90 – 60 days prior to your arrival date, all fees will be fully refundable.
If a written cancellation is received 59 – 31 days prior to your arrival date, 50% of the full fee will be refundable or transferable.
If a written cancellation is received less than 30 days prior to your arrival date, all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
During heavy snow, the camp roads are plowed and the camp remains open.
Only if the local highways are closed by the State Police and your unit cannot attend camp will your unit will be given a credit for another weekend session.
New Birth of Freedom Council Camp Rules
Winter Camp Safety Rules
Camp Conewago
450 Boy Scout Road
New Oxford, PA 17350