Camping is a fundamental part of the Girl Scout experience. It is a wonderful way to experience nature, and develop life skills.
GSCM Camp Properties
GSCM currently has three GSCM properties available for troops to rent. GSCM used to have a fourth property, Camp Illchester, but sadly it was sold by GSCM in June 2022 to Howard County.
All GSCM properties have a Check Out List that troops need to complete that lists check out Instructions. The list can be summarized as ‘leave no trace’. Troops should leave areas as good as or better than they found them.
Camp Conowingo
Camp Conowingo, located in Cecil County, is 600 acres of forests and meadow fields adjacent to the Susquehanna River, and is also the site of the GSCM summer resident camp program. Throughout the year, girls enjoy day camp and troop camping options, along with swimming and adventure activities, including the high- and low-ropes challenge course.
Camp Conwingo is divided into two sides: Shadow Brook and Chimney Trail. There is a road that runs between the two sides for emergency vehicles only. To get to the other side, visitors will need to either walk or drive along Bell Manor Road and Pilot Town Road to get to the other entrance. On the Chimney Trail side is the historic Bell Manor. GSCM hosts events in which girls can earn the GSCM Victorian Heritage Patch at Bell Manor.
For more information about the summer resident camp program refer to the guide, or the GSCM website. Brownies-Ambassadors (scouts who in Fall will be 2nd-12th graders) are welcome to attend.
Camp Whippoorwill
Camp Whippoorwill, the oldest facility, is located on the Magothy River in Anne Arundel County. This facility offers a boathouse and pier for waterfront program opportunities, along with a variety of sleeping accommodations for troop camping.
Camp Woodlands
Camp Woodland is also located in Anne Arundel County on Broad Creek, and is home to historic Lamb Lodge.
Camp Cone
Camp Cone is a Youth Group Camping site located in Gunpowder Falls State Park. Camp Cone features primitive camping, fire rings, and tables. An amphitheater is available for programs. As the closest camp to home, what it lacks in facilities, it makes up for in convenience. Any scout or adult who is not ready to camp overnight is able to stay late and enjoy night activities before heading home, and join the rest of the troop in the morning.
How to Reserve
Interested troops will need a valid Maryland Park Service Youth Group Pass in order to reserve a campsite. Details on how to obtain a Youth Group Pass can be found here. The troop will need to submit the following with the application: 1) Proof of tax-exempt status and 2) Documentation to confirm your organization is a current, valid youth group. GSCM can provide copies of their tax-exempt status (i.e., copies of a letter from IRS and of the Comptroller of Maryland Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate). Troops will need to request these in addition to asking for a letter on official letterhead from GSCM confirming their troop is an active troop of GSCM.
Locating Camp Cone
From Harford Road (MD-147), turn onto Sharon Drive.
When you reach Camp Cone Road, turn left.
The park is located at the very end of Camp Cone Road.
There will be a designated turnaround and a park sign by the main gate.
GPS Coordinates for Camp Cone:
39.437475-76.471605
Maps
Pictures
History of Camp Cone
Camp Cone is named after Frederic W. Cone of the famous Cone family.
Camp Running Bear
Formerly called Camp Alkor, this camp is located in Monkton along the Gunpowder River. The land has been used for 85 years to provide recreational
opportunities for scouts. Camp Running Bear is the lower camp, while Camp Dancing Bear (formerly Camp Kalor) is the upper camp. In total, both camps encompass 228 acres of forest land in the Gunpowder Conservancy.
Address: 17433 Big Falls Rd
Monkton, MD 21111, USA
Maps
- U.S. Geological Survey Map-Hereford, MD -For Orienteering
The following amenities are available for use at Camp Running Bear:
o Dining Hall (heated) with full kitchen, seats 100, fireplace
o Nature Lodge with fireplace
o 5 cabins – sleep 8-10 each
o Ample parking and tent camping available in field
o Rope swing and chair swing; GaGa Pit; Xylophone
o Small campfire ring (50); Large campfire ring with large grill (200)
o Full bathroom available April 1-Nov. 20, with showers
o Latrine (winter use)
Both camps are leave no trace facilities. Troops will need to bring trash bags, and remove all trash before leaving.
The site has been improved over the years by various Eagle and Gold Award Scout Projects for future groups to enjoy. Troop 4474 replaced the seesaws on our first visit during Spring 2026 after hearing they were in poor shape.