Overview of The Lodge
This historic 1950s Girl Scout Lodge sits on a quiet, forested hilltop with scenic mountain views. The spacious interior glows with timeless mountain charm. The rustic lodge has been lovingly restored and modernized.
Guests will cherish interior details such as beautifully refinished original pine floors, original wrought iron door knobs and cabinet pulls, warm-toned wood paneling, a huge breezy screened-in porch, a large hearth built from local riverstone, and A bedroom with camper names, troop slogans and cheerful Girl Scout graffiti decorating a wall of built-in cabinets.
Breathe in the fresh air! Rustic Blue Ridge charm evokes the simplicity of old-fashioned lakefront summers—days spent swimming, boating, hiking, archery, and horseback riding. Wake to sunshine and birdsong; fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of crickets and whip-poor-wills as fireflies flash in the mountain scenery.
The Kitchen:
The fully stocked kitchen has a gas stove and oven, double basin sink, full-size fridge, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, and plenty of dishware, glassware, pots, pans, utensils, and cutlery. Plenty of shelving accommodates all your staples. A large capacity washer and dryer are also in the kitchen.
Dining:
The dining room is at the front entry, just off the kitchen. The dining room has a large, sturdy dining table with seating for eight, under a modern wrought-iron chandelier. This dining room is warm and inviting with original wide-plank pine floors and tongue and groove pine paneling. Large windows allow plenty of natural light. Gather your troops here for a family-style meal.
Alfresco dining is available on the large screened-in porch. Enjoy the picnic table and sturdy, mid-century porch furnishings. Dining at this picnic table, easily accessible from the back door of the kitchen, you’ll savor springtime mountain views, filled with blooming redbuds and dogwoods, summer breezes, and evenings rich with owl song.
Living:
This historic lodge has a large central living area with three sofas, a Roku TV, and chairs. Enjoy the comfort of central air conditioning, or curl up under throw blankets as you gather to socialize, dive into a good book, or stream your favorite shows and movies on the SmartTV. The grand stone fireplace is a central feature of this spacious living room. Unfortunately, it’s no longer functional, and hearth fires are not permitted. The living room has a corner desk with a desk chair and a lamp. WiFi is superfast!
Just off the main living room, the large, breezy porch offers the best of serene indoor/outdoor mountain living, a vibe that makes this place so special. This light-filled porch is the perfect spot to start your day with a cup of coffee or sip iced tea on summer afternoons. Unwind here with a glass of wine as sunset paints the sky.
Bedrooms & Baths:
The Lodge has two queen primary bedrooms, connected by a jack-and-jill bathroom with a shower and a single sink vanity. Both of these queen bedrooms have closets, full-length mirrors, and bedside tables with reading lamps. One Queen suite has a Roku TV. Homey mountain touches in these bedrooms include a log-pine headboard, handmade quilts, vintage-style checkered curtains, and warm, woodsy ambiance with original pine paneling and floors.
The third bedroom is really a “kid’s bedroom”, which served as the old Scout Camp bunk room. There are three comfortable XL twin beds in this room. The large windows have light, gauzy curtains. One wall of this third bedroom boasts original built-in cabinets, constructed from natural grain wood. These cabinets are decorated with signatures, troop slogans, drawings, and cheerful Girl Scout graffiti dating from the 1950s through the 1990s.
Bathroom #1 is located at the front of the lodge, in a central hallway between the dining/kitchen and living area. This bathroom has a tub/shower combo with a sliding door. Bathroom #2 is the jack-and-jill between the two queen suites. This bathroom is smaller, with a step-in shower stall. Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers, toiletries, and extra beach towels for the Hot Tub.
Outdoor Spaces & Shared Amenities:
Recreation Room:
Follow a footpath down a hillside on the far side of the Lodge, and you will find the “Rec Shack”. This open barn-style building has a pool table and a foosball table on the upper floor, as well as colorful murals of mountains painted by Girl Scout campers from ages past.
The lower level of the “Rec Shack” has a large, screened-in porch, a ping-pong table, and an arcade-style basketball hoop shoot. There’s also a large movie screen, a projector, and bean bag chairs, perfect for enjoying an evening of popcorn and movies.
A grand, stone fireplace in the rec room adds to the charm. (This fireplace is non-functional and fires are not permitted.) Challenge loved ones to a friendly game of pool, or gather around the card table for board games or puzzles. This versatile space is perfect for making memories and enjoying quality time together.
Hot Tub:
The “Soak Shack” is a screened-in, covered building with a Hot Tub. Relax after a day of hiking or ziplining. Enjoy the steamy spa on a cool night. Had a long day of waterskiing? This hot tub will soothe sore muscles! Enhance the ambiance with jets and colored lights.
Fire Pit:
The fire pit is built on the original footprint of a former Scout cabin that could not be salvaged—its spirit now honored in flame. Dug into the protective curve of a wooded bank, the pit is naturally sheltered from wind, creating a quiet, cozy nook. Framed by large boulders, stone, and softened by moss and pine needles, it invites guests to gather where stories were once told, now warmed by firelight instead of walls. Roast marshmallows and search the skies for shooting stars.
Convenient Parking & Play:
Our central parking area provides ample complimentary parking just steps from the Lodge’s front door, ensuring an easy arrival and effortless access throughout your stay. A basketball hoop adds a playful touch—feel free to bring a ball and shoot a few hoops between adventures.
Add-on Services to Elevate Your Stay!
On-Site Massage Therapy & Private Water Ski Lessons
Massage Therapy with Lighten Up Massage & Bodywork:
Elevate your stay with on-site massage and bodywork services through Lighten Up Massage & Bodywork. The massage therapy business is housed in a separate cabin on-site. Guests can choose from Relaxation Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Lymphatic drainage, Cupping, Gua Sha, Fascial Activation Techniques, Sports Massage, Warm Himalayan Salt or Volcanic Stones, and more. By Appointment Only.
Water Ski Lessons through Abel Ski School
While Lake Lure is closed for the 2025 season due to Hurricane Helene, guests can book water skiing lessons on the pristine, private Lake Occoneechee just down the hill from Scout’s Honor Cabins. Access to Lake Occoneecheeis exclusive to those booking lessons through Abel Ski School. Advance ski school reservations are required.
After more than a decade coaching elite skiers around the globe, Austin Abel has found his home in Western North Carolina at Mystic Waters. Whether you're strapping on skis for the first time or chasing a world championship dream, Austin brings a dynamic, intuitive coaching style tailored to every level, rooted in experience, passion, and a deep love for the water.
History of Camp Oconeechee:
Camp Oconeechee Opens, 1957:
Perched atop a quiet, forested hill just minutes from Lake Lure’s south shore and Chimney Rock State Park, this lovingly restored 1950s-era Girl Scout camp offers a unique mountain retreat. The property features three separate cottages, perfect for families, friends, or group getaways. Guests enjoy shared amenities, including a hot tub, a well-equipped recreation room, and firepit areas.
Opened in 1957, Camp Occoneechee was a beloved Girl Scout haven nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills near Lake Lure. Named for the Siouan Native American word meaning "Tribe of the River" or "Maiden of the Misty River," the camp thrived during the golden age of Girl Scout camping. It was built and operated by the Mecklenburg County Council of the Girl Scouts. During the 1950s and '60s, Camp Occoneechee offered more than summer fun—it fostered freedom, resilience, and sisterhood, where girls learned to paddle, build fires, and share stories beneath the stars.
