Camp Cherokee and Camp Meisenbach comprise the Clements Scout ranch located just outside of Athens, Texas. The ranch, named after former Texas Governor Bill Clements, has over 3,300 acres of towering pines and hardwoods with four well-stocked lakes.

Camp Cherokee has nine weekend campsites with two large pavilions and 19 summer campsites complete with a dining hall, headquarters building, first aid lodge, swimming pool, waterfront, horses, the 60 ft. John Coffman Climbing Tower, the Roy & Frances Rea COPE Center, and many more traditional program areas. Camp Cherokee is also home to a first class Museum of Natural History. A variety of wildlife trails, great fishing on all four lakes, rowboats, canoes, rifle, shotgun and archery ranges are available.

Camp Meisenbach has eight weekend campsites with two large pavilions and beautiful Lake Murchison which provides 160 acres of great fishing, several fishing docks and a large pavilion along the water's edge.

The Roy & Frances Rea COPE Center located at Camp Cherokee is a challenge course designed for boys at least 13 years old. The programs have been carefully developed to build trust in one and other and strengthen the self esteem of the participants. While solving problems and accomplishing challenging tasks participants overcome obstacles while swinging, climbing, jumping, zipping and camping together. There is a fee for each boy to attend a weekend session.

The John Coffman Climbing & Rappelling Complex is also located at Camp Cherokee. This 60 ft. wooden structure is for climbing and rappelling activities for Scout Troops, Varsity Teams and Venturing Crews.

The ranch also has a herd of horses just waiting to be ridden. Trail rides can be reserved on Saturday only.

Camp Cherokee and Camp Meisenbach have some of the best-stocked fishing lakes in the State of Texas. Just bring your rod and reel along with some bait, and you just might land yourself a giant largemouth bass.

Map of Camp Cherokee

Map of Camp Meisenbach

Driving Directions (approx 2 hours)

Map Overview

From Circle Ten Headquarters to Clements Scout Ranch, Athens, Texas (approximately 88 miles)

1. Take Regal Row West to I-35E

2. Go South on I-35E for 2.3 miles

3. Merge onto I-30 East on the left towards Texarkana

4. Merge into I-45 South via Exit 46 towards Houston

5. Merge Onto US-175 East toward Kaufman

6. Stay on US-175 to Athens, Texas.

7. After the Athens Courthouse, turn right/south on SH 19.

8. After 3.4 miles turn right on FM 753

9. After 3.9 miles turn left on FM 2970

10. After 2.4 miles the Ranch entrance will be on the left.

11. Follow ranch direction signs to Camp Cherokee (take the right fork at the check in gate).