The Summit Bechtel Reserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Summit Bechtel Reserve, located in the state of West Virginia, is a premier outdoor adventure center and national scouting reserve.
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Summary
There are several compelling reasons to visit this unique destination, including its beautiful natural surroundings, numerous recreational activities, and rich scouting heritage.
One of the main attractions of The Summit Bechtel Reserve is its stunning natural beauty. The reserve spans over 14,000 acres of forested hills, valleys, and lakes, offering visitors breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. The area is also home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
The reserve is an adventure seeker's paradise, offering an extensive range of outdoor activities. Visitors can participate in thrilling adventures like rock climbing, zip-lining, mountain biking, and even whitewater rafting on the nearby New River. The reserve also boasts high ropes courses, archery ranges, and a shooting sports complex, providing endless opportunities for excitement and adrenaline.
For scouting enthusiasts, The Summit Bechtel Reserve holds great historical significance. It is the permanent home of the National Scout Jamboree, a large-scale event gathering scouts from across the United States. The reserve has modern camping facilities and hosts various scout programs and training events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among scouts of all ages.
Interesting facts about The Summit Bechtel Reserve include its development for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, which required extensive construction and infrastructure improvements. The summit's sustainability features, such as solar panels and water conservation practices, have earned it the LEED Platinum certification, making it one of the greenest outdoor facilities in the world.
The best time to visit The Summit Bechtel Reserve is during the summer months, particularly in July when the National Scout Jamboree takes place. This is when the reserve is at its peak activity level, with thousands of scouts engaging in various programs and activities. However, it's important to note that the reserve is open year-round, and each season offers its own charm and opportunities for adventure.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided by consulting multiple independent sources such as the official website of The Summit Bechtel Reserve, reputable travel guides, and scouting organizations.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Army Camp
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Summit Bechtel Reserve
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Primitive Camping
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