Camp Buck Toms
Near the lakeA well-established Boy Scouts council camp near Rockwood with fifty-plus years of scouting history, lakefront waterfront access, and an activity roster that covers everything from shotgun ranges to sailboats.
Camp Buck Toms operates as a BSA council camp, meaning it is generally accessed through troop and council programming rather than as a public campground. The site is large, scenic, and impressively equipped for its purpose. A newer dining hall handles large groups well. The facilities are well-maintained, with on-site staff quick to address any issues that come up.
The waterfront program is broad by scout-camp standards: canoes, kayaks, sailboats, rowboats, stand-up paddleboards, ski boats, and fishing boats all operate out of the lakefront area. Shooting sports ranges cover shotgun, rifle, and archery. A 60-foot climbing tower, high ropes course, zip line, and V swing give the adventure program strong infrastructure. Merit badge programming is the primary vehicle for summer camp; counselor quality varies by session, which is common for any volunteer-dependent program.
Adult volunteers attending with troops can have mixed experiences depending on staff rotation and session. Families who return year after year are loyal. Power at some campsites, bus transport from drop-off to sites, and Adirondack structures with bunks give the overnight infrastructure more support than primitive camping.
Tips
- Access is through BSA troop and council registration; contact the Great Smoky Mountains Council for current availability.
- Family camp events are held in addition to the summer program; check the council calendar.
- The on-site ranger is the point of contact for facility issues and property questions.
What people love
- A complete waterfront program with sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and motor boats.
- Shooting sports ranges covering shotgun, rifle, and archery, with strong staff at those stations.
- Scenic forested setting on Watts Bar Lake.
- The newer dining hall, which is large and well-equipped.
- A long community history of returning scouts who came as campers and later worked as staff.
What to know
- The camp serves BSA council troops primarily; it is not a public campground.
- Merit badge counselor quality varies by session and year; leadership staff make the difference.
- The slope between the dining hall and waterfront is steep; plan accordingly for groups with limited mobility.
- Aquatics staffing quality can vary by session; confirm credentials with the council for high-stakes programming.
Best time
Summer is the primary programming window. Service project weekends and pack campouts occur in the off-season.
First visit
Contact the Great Smoky Mountains Council (easttnscouts.org) to register for available sessions or group rentals.
With kids
The camp is built specifically for youth programming. The waterfront, shooting sports, climbing, and evening campfire programs are the core experiences for scouts aged roughly 11 to 17.
Location
Frequently asked
When is Camp Buck Toms open?
Summer is the primary programming season; pack campouts and service projects occur year-round on weekends.
Is Camp Buck Toms good for families with kids?
The camp is built specifically for youth programming. The waterfront, shooting sports, climbing, and evening campfire programs are the core experiences for scouts aged roughly 11 to 17.
How do I get to Camp Buck Toms?
Contact the Great Smoky Mountains Council (easttnscouts.org) to register for available sessions or group rentals.
What should I know before visiting Camp Buck Toms?
The camp serves BSA council troops primarily; it is not a public campground.
Last updated: April 30, 2026