Camp Shands Introduce
Seeking a "camping near me" experience in Hawthorne, Florida? Camp Shands, located at 1453 Baden Powell Rd, Hawthorne, FL 32640, USA, offers a natural environment that has impressed some visitors with its wildlife. You can contact them at (352) 475-1212 or their mobile number, +1 352-475-1212, to learn more about what this campground offers for local users.
Based on the available reviews, the environment of Camp Shands appears to be a significant draw for those interested in nature. One camper recounted an "incredible experience witnessing wildlife," specifically mentioning spotting "wild turkeys and deer grazing peacefully" through the treeline. This encounter added a "serene and natural touch" to their adventure and created a "memorable moment" connecting them with the outdoors. This suggests that Camp Shands is situated in an area where local wildlife can be observed, which could be a major attraction for nature enthusiasts looking for "camping near me."
However, another review brought up a point about potential noise disturbance, particularly for overnight stays. This camper "Had a pleasant experience during the day" while camping with Scouts. However, they were "Awoken a few times by very loud traffic from adjacent hard road." This indicates that while the campground might offer a pleasant natural setting, its proximity to a road could result in noise that might affect the tranquility of the night for some campers. This is a factor that local users sensitive to noise should consider when evaluating Camp Shands for their "camping near me" needs.
Given the name "Camp Shands," it is highly probable that this campground is associated with the Boy Scouts of America, similar to Camp Francis, BSA. BSA camps typically provide facilities and environments tailored for youth scouting activities, which often include a range of outdoor adventures and educational programs. While the reviews don't detail specific services and features, one might generally expect a BSA camp to offer:
- Designated camping areas suitable for tents and potentially some RVs (though this is not confirmed in the reviews).
- Communal facilities such as restrooms and water sources.
- Areas for group activities, campfires, and potentially specific scouting program facilities.
- An environment conducive to outdoor learning and exploration.
The mention of camping with Scouts in one review further supports this likelihood.
Considering the limited information, we can summarize the potential appeal and a noted drawback of Camp Shands for local users seeking "camping near me":
- Environment: Offers opportunities for wildlife viewing (wild turkeys, deer) in a seemingly natural setting.
- Services and Features: Likely includes basic camping amenities associated with a BSA camp, catering to group camping and outdoor activities. Specific details are not provided in the reviews.
- Potential Drawback: Proximity to a "hard road" may result in loud traffic noise, particularly during overnight stays.
- Promotional Information: There is no explicit promotional information in the provided reviews. The appeal lies in the potential for wildlife encounters and the likely suitability for group camping, especially for Scout-related activities.
For local users in the Hawthorne, FL, area looking for "camping near me," Camp Shands presents an option where you might enjoy observing local wildlife in a natural setting. However, the potential for noise from a nearby road is a factor to keep in mind, especially if a quiet overnight experience is a priority.
To gain a more detailed understanding of Camp Shands, local users are encouraged to:
- Contact the camp directly using the provided phone numbers to inquire about their facilities, availability for different types of campers (if applicable beyond Scout groups), and any specific features or guidelines.
- Seek out additional reviews or information online that might provide more insights into the campground's amenities and overall experience.
- Consider if the potential for wildlife viewing outweighs the reported issue of traffic noise based on their personal preferences for a camping trip.
In conclusion, if you are in the Hawthorne, FL, area and searching for "camping near me" with a potential for wildlife sightings, Camp Shands might be worth investigating further. Just be aware of the possibility of noise from an adjacent road, particularly if you are planning an overnight stay. Contacting the camp directly would be the best way to get comprehensive information tailored to your camping needs.
Camp Shands Photos






Camp Shands Location
Camp Shands
1453 Baden Powell Rd, Hawthorne, FL 32640, USA
Camp Shands1453 Baden Powell Rd
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Camp Shands Reviews
During my time camping at Camp Shand, I had an incredible experience witnessing wildlife. Through the treeline, I spotted wild turkeys and deer grazing peacefully, adding a serene and natural touch to the adventure. It was a memorable moment that truly connected me to the beauty of the outdoors.
Dec 31, 2024 · Alex Vane1Had a pleasant experience during the day. Camped with Scouts overnight. Awoken a few times by very loud traffic from adjacent hard road.
Feb 14, 2025 · Cal Norton Jr
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