Camping at Philmont

Crews will camp in the backcountry every night of their expedition. Each itinerary includes four different kinds of camps:

Starting Camps

The first backcountry campsite for each crew is a starting camp. Rangers are the only staff in starting camps. Crews will receive ranger training and become further oriented and acclimated to Philmont.

Staffed Camps

A camp director supervises each staffed camp, and one to seven program counselors are available to present unique program features. All staffed camps have reliable water supplies and two-way radio communications with the Philmont logistics services. Commissaries, trading posts, and showers are available at some staffed camps.

Trail Camps

Trail camps have water but no staff. Here you are completely on your own. All itineraries include several trail and/or dry camps. They are part of your Philmont experience.

Dry Camps

Dry camps have no water and no staff. They are used because they provide scenic vistas, pleasant campsites, and valuable training. You may need to carry water for several miles before arriving at your dry camp. Check your itinerary to determine the closest place to get water.

All campsites are clearly designated with numbers routed into wood blocks nailed to trees. Check your map and use a compass to be sure you're at the right place. Most camps are designated by rectangular trail signs with the camp name. Look for a map of campsites that is posted in trail camps; sometimes the best campsites are secluded. The map will help you locate them.

Campsite etiquette is important. Philmont serves over 22,000 Scouts, Venturers, and their advisers each year, and the campsites are subjected to heavy use. Crews must be responsible in their use of campsites to preserve the beauty and cleanliness of the Scout ranch.

Each crew is responsible for leaving a neat and orderly campsite, whether it be in Camping Headquarters, staffed camps, or nonstaffed camps. The campsite should be left litter-free, with its latrine and sump clean. Fires, if permitted, must be left dead out and then cleaned of debris.

Metal fire rings have been established at all camps. They are to contain the fires, reduce possibilities of forest fire, limit amounts of wood burned, eliminate unnecessary fire lays, and designate the place for all cooking. Do not scar the beauty of Philmont camps by creating unnecessary new fire lays or enlarging existing ones. Keep your fire small; it will be easier to extinguish.