Cole Canoe Base
Private
Edward N. Cole Canoe Base is a 1,440-acre Scouting America (Boy Scouts) camp along the Rifle River in Ogemaw County, owned by the Michigan Crossroads Council. Its week-long Scouts BSA resident camp offers more than 95 merit badges, with daily program choice across athletics, crafts, cooking, scout skills, swimming and boating, plus nightly camp-wide events. Older Scouts can join high-adventure canoe trips on the Rifle, Fox-Manistique and Au Sable rivers. Campers attend with their troop rather than enrolling individually.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Cole Canoe Base directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Timbo SlyceOur family had a wonderful time at Cole Canoe Base during the Family Getaway weekend. Three square meals a day plus plenty of activities. I was shocked to learn the camp guides lived there in huts/tents, I think maybe they were the Boy Scout trainers maybe. They were excellent guides during our stay, they helped us with all the activities; from archery to fishing and kayaking on their lake. Everything is provided.... fishing pole and worms, bow and arrows, BB gun rifles, they didnt miss a thing. We missed the rope bridge I now see in other reviews, make sure to check it out.
★★★★★Fitz FitzgeraldHad a great time at Cole Canoe Base in the spring and excited to be coming back in August with the whole Cub Scout Pack for our summer camp experience. Thanks for all the hard work this team puts in, God bless and we will see you soon!
★★★★★Caitie BolichOne of the best Scout BSA camps in the nation. Our troop loved the 10 mile canoe trip, the rump bump, the climbing wall, the patrol cooking, and the firebowl! Our older scouts did a 75 mile canoe trip and made the best memories! Thank you for a wonderful camp home
★★★★★Mark KennedyOf the 5 camps I’ve been to Cole far exceeds all of them. The best way I can describe it is the Walt Disney World of BSA Summer Camp. While the camp and programs are A++, the staff is what really sets it apart. They are simply amazing. Do not hesitate to book your summer camp experience here.
★★★★★J CarverReally nice scout camp. Facilities were clean and updates seem to happen constantly. Merit badged during the week had enough rigor but Friday makeup day was a bit rushed. Water access points were clear and marked. Lots of host check in with the visiting troops but the merit badge councilors needed a bit more adult guidance. Commissary was accommodating if a bit slow and food was occasionally missing. Directors really care and want to improve the facility.