Learning how to access and recreate in wilderness areas can be daunting. The Atchafalaya Swamp is a breathtaking, 1.4 million acre, wetland environment that houses an array of plants, animals, history, and cultures. In my completely unbiased opinion…the best way to immerse yourself in this unique wilderness is through a Swamp Base Trek. There are however, some prerequisites to be able to participate. You must be registered in Scouting America, at least 13 years of age, pass the BSA yearly physical, and be at least a beginning level swimmer. If you do not meet the qualifications, fear not. The beauty of the Atchafalaya is still very much within reach.
In 2017 Swamp Base purchased McGee’s Swamp Tours. McGee’s helps fulfill Swamp Base’s mission of immersing people from all over the world into the unique and often misunderstood landscape of America’s greatest swamp. McGee’s aids with this goal daily by providing insightful, entertaining, and educational tours to the general public, tour companies, and school groups. You can experience the swamp through a swamp tour, airboat ride, or canoe excursion. McGee’s is perfect for everyone, especially those looking for a single day outing, or not yet involved in Scouting. If you are wanting to spend multiple days exploring the swamp and are not registered with Scouting America, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park offers camping areas, an RV campground, and Cabin rentals nearby.
If you are registered with Scouting America, but don’t think you are ready for a full length trek just yet, Swamp Base has a few options for you. One of these options is a weekend trip. We have a few different camping options for weekend groups. You can camp onshore or on our floating campsites for an even more immersive experience. Along with camping at unique times of the year, your paddling gear and trail recommendations are provided by Swamp Base. Your group has the option of choosing a Swamp Base trek guide to accompany your paddle as well. Our trek guides are awesome, and can provide interpretive information, help with navigation, and ensure safety standards are met during your adventure.
Once a year, typically in the Spring, Swamp Base hosts Swamp-o-ree; a weekend of camping, swamp exploration, challenges, and fun! If your unit is looking for a great introduction to Swamp Base, then Swamp-o-ree is the place to be. We offer canoe treks, swamp tours, baby alligator interactions, swamp ecology programs, Scout skills challenges, and more. The 2025 Swamp-o-ree will be held on March 21st - 23rd. Registration is open now, so reach out to book a spot for your unit!
For more information about or to book an experience with McGee’s Swamp Tours follow this link: https://www.mcgeesswamptours.com/
For more information about a weekend trip call Robert Donadieu at 337-235-8552 or follow the link: https://www.swampbasebsa.org/weekend-trips
For more information or to register for Swamp-o-ree call Robert Donadieu at 337-235-8552 or follow the link: https://www.swampbasebsa.org/swamporee
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