Pipsico Scout Reservation is a Tidewater Council, BSA property that is managed by the volunteer Camping Committee of the Tidewater Council. Many events are hosted at Pipsico that may not appear in the list below. The list below ONLY consists of events that are hosted by the Camping Committee of the Tidewater Council. Events hosted at Pipsico by Districts in Tidewater Council (Albemarle, Bayside, Princess Anne, and Three Rivers) or other council committees (Advancement, Training, Membership, Finance, Venturing, and Commissioner Service) may be found on the official council calendar located here. Pipsico is available to rent by Scouting and non-Scouting entities. Governance requires that priority is given to Scouts, then non-profit organizations, and then for-profit organizations.
In addition of coordinated events, Pipsico is available for recreational camping. Scouting units, church groups, etc. may reserve the use of camp on weekends and facilitate their own program.
Additional information for the events listed below may be found using the menu above as it becomes available.
Pipsico as a Scout camp dates back to 1958, but its history goes back much further. In fact, the patent history (now deed history) goes back to December 13, 1634 when King Charles I patented 2000+ acres of land, on the South shores of the James River and four miles upstream from Jamestown, to Col. Henry Browne. Henry Browne was born in 1598 in Westminster, London, England and arrived in Virginia in 1634. In 1637 Pipsico Plantation increased in size with the addition of land known today as Eastover. The land was considered part of the original Jamestown Colony, and served as a look-out post to protect the settlers at Jamestown.
The name Pipsico honors of Chief Pepsicumah of the Quioughcohannock Indians. We was referred to by the settlers as Pipsico. Chief Pipsico assisted settlers by providing them with food and training them to raise and manage indigenous crops, such as corn.
Pipsico Plantation, now Pipsico Scout Reservation, was placed in trust for the benefits of Tidewater Council in 1958. The “Red Trail” that encircles the reservation provide a variety of visual and ecological wonders for hikers of all ages to marvel at. Along the trail you may choose to stop and see the “Pipsico Tree” a tulip poplar nearly 20 feet in circumference that predates the arrival of the first English colonists or stroll along the sandy beach of the James River and observe the flight of the bald eagles that nest on the reservation. As you hike through the wooded areas imagine yourself as one of the early settlers and experience the history that is part of this land!
Pipsico Scout Reservation is located in Surry County, Virginia. It encompasses 916 acres of woodland, open fields and marshes. The terrain includes a natural ravine system and ranges in elevation from 20 to more than 100 feet above sea level. Pipsico Scout Reservation’s northern boundary extends for a mile and half along the banks of the historic James River.
Cliffs 60 to 75 feet high overlook a picturesque mile long sandy beach and several cypress tree coves. The cliff walls are studded with marine shells and fossils providing tangible evidence of the James River’s influence on life over the centuries. The beach has proven to be a beach comber’s delight for discovering nautical treasures like shark teeth, prehistoric whale bones, driftwood and a peaceful observation site for beautiful shoreline sunrises and sunsets.
Welcome to Pipsico Online!
Calendar Planning (updated 7/28/2024)
Pipsico Scout Reservation is a Tidewater Council, BSA property that is managed by the volunteer Camping Committee of the Tidewater Council. Many events are hosted at Pipsico that may not appear in the list below. The list below ONLY consists of events that are hosted by the Camping Committee of the Tidewater Council. Events hosted at Pipsico by Districts in Tidewater Council (Albemarle, Bayside, Princess Anne, and Three Rivers) or other council committees (Advancement, Training, Membership, Finance, Venturing, and Commissioner Service) may be found on the official council calendar located here. Pipsico is available to rent by Scouting and non-Scouting entities. Governance requires that priority is given to Scouts, then non-profit organizations, and then for-profit organizations.
In addition of coordinated events, Pipsico is available for recreational camping. Scouting units, church groups, etc. may reserve the use of camp on weekends and facilitate their own program.
Additional information for the events listed below may be found using the menu above as it becomes available.
2024-2025 Camping Committee Coordinated Events
September 27 – 29, ’24 – Guns ‘n Grillin’ 2.0 (Outdoor Adventure Weekend)
October 11 – 13, ’24 –Cub Scout Family Camping Weekend- Fall
November 1 – 3, ’24 – Cub Scout Fall Festival
December 6 – 8, ’24 – Zomboree
January 17-20, ’25 – Winter Camp
February 21-23, ’25 – Klondike Derby
April 25 – 27, ’25 – Cub Scout Family Camping Weekend- Spring
May 9 – 11 ’25 – Guns ‘n’ Grillin’
June 22 – 28, ’25 – Scouts BSA Camp Week #1
June 29 – July 5, ’25 – Scouts BSA Camp Week #2
July 6 – 12, ’25 – Scouts BSA Camp Week #3
July 13 – 19, ’25 – Scouts BSA Camp Week #4
July 24 – 27, ’25 – Cub Scout/ Family Resident Camp
A Little About Pipsico
Pipsico as a Scout camp dates back to 1958, but its history goes back much further. In fact, the patent history (now deed history) goes back to December 13, 1634 when King Charles I patented 2000+ acres of land, on the South shores of the James River and four miles upstream from Jamestown, to Col. Henry Browne. Henry Browne was born in 1598 in Westminster, London, England and arrived in Virginia in 1634. In 1637 Pipsico Plantation increased in size with the addition of land known today as Eastover. The land was considered part of the original Jamestown Colony, and served as a look-out post to protect the settlers at Jamestown.
The name Pipsico honors of Chief Pepsicumah of the Quioughcohannock Indians. We was referred to by the settlers as Pipsico. Chief Pipsico assisted settlers by providing them with food and training them to raise and manage indigenous crops, such as corn.
Pipsico Plantation, now Pipsico Scout Reservation, was placed in trust for the benefits of Tidewater Council in 1958. The “Red Trail” that encircles the reservation provide a variety of visual and ecological wonders for hikers of all ages to marvel at. Along the trail you may choose to stop and see the “Pipsico Tree” a tulip poplar nearly 20 feet in circumference that predates the arrival of the first English colonists or stroll along the sandy beach of the James River and observe the flight of the bald eagles that nest on the reservation. As you hike through the wooded areas imagine yourself as one of the early settlers and experience the history that is part of this land!
Pipsico Scout Reservation is located in Surry County, Virginia. It encompasses 916 acres of woodland, open fields and marshes. The terrain includes a natural ravine system and ranges in elevation from 20 to more than 100 feet above sea level. Pipsico Scout Reservation’s northern boundary extends for a mile and half along the banks of the historic James River.
Cliffs 60 to 75 feet high overlook a picturesque mile long sandy beach and several cypress tree coves. The cliff walls are studded with marine shells and fossils providing tangible evidence of the James River’s influence on life over the centuries. The beach has proven to be a beach comber’s delight for discovering nautical treasures like shark teeth, prehistoric whale bones, driftwood and a peaceful observation site for beautiful shoreline sunrises and sunsets.
Directions to Pipsico from the East, West, North, South
**Top Virginia Destinations and More Nearby**
Pipsico – Regional Mass Transit (Air, Rail & Bus)
Pipsico Map (detailed poster-sized map)