Our Facilities - Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation

Making Magic
SINCE 1929

For generations, Scouts have discovered adventure, friendship, and memories at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation that last a lifetime. Each summer, thousands return to share in the magic.

Committed to excellence for over 95 years, Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation is a Nationally Accredited Scouting America Summer Camp.

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Welcome Center

The Welcome Center is your first stop at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation. Featuring a historic gatehouse and the camp’s administration building, it’s where units check in and visitors get their first taste of camp life. Inside, you’ll find exhibits of Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan’s history through wall art and maps, while outside a soaring eagle sculpture sets the stage for adventure. Every journey into East or West Camp begins here.

Campsites

With 22 improved campsites across East and West Camp, Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan offers the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience. Each site features water, a wash area, latrine, picnic tables, and a shelter, plus new platform tents with cots. Troops can also bring their own tents in select sites. From small units to large, gender-diverse groups, we can customize accommodations to fit your needs—including a fully accessible campsite with wheelchair-friendly facilities and nearby showers.

Scouts smile at the camera while standing in front of tents at a campsite

A group of scouts sits in front of tents at a campsite

A tent with a chair in front of it, a guitar case and a number of other tools and packs are displayed.

Holstein Aquatic Center

Our waterfronts are designed for comfort, safety, and program flexibility. Private dressing rooms, teaching pavilions, foot-washing stations, and modern privies make the experience easy and convenient for Scouts and leaders alike. Secure storage keeps our wide range of watercraft and safety gear organized and ready for use. Every area is supported by highly trained staff, ensuring safe swimming and boating instruction. With West Camp’s renovation completed in 2025 and East Camp upgrades underway through 2027, units will enjoy modern, well-equipped facilities for years to come.

Lake Killian

Spring-fed and scenic, Lake Killian is the heart of camp activity. Scouts enjoy swimming, boating, fishing from shore or pier, and even the mile swim—no pool laps required. From the campfire bowls, the views are unforgettable, and if you’re lucky, you might spot loons at dawn or a bald eagle overhead.

An aerial shot of Lake Killian shows the forest line of lush green riding directly up to the coast of the deep blue waters.

The lake is seen from the shore, with the bright blue sky reflecting off the clear waters

Muskrat Lake & Quaking Bog

Just south of Lake Killian, Muskrat Lake and its quaking bog offer Scouts a rare, hands-on nature experience. Trek the trail through the hemlock swamp and discover trembling bogs, cranberries, pitcher plants, and sundews in this pristine, untouched corner of Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan.

The sky and treeline reflect off the still surface of Muskrat Bog

People walk in a line near the shore of the bog, with misty forest visible across the bog in the distance

Dining Halls

At Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan, mealtimes are more than food—they’re a tradition. Songs, callbacks, and camaraderie fill the halls as Scouts share in camp spirit and build friendships. Both dining halls showcase MSR’s history with plaques, flags, and signs from generations past. The East Camp hall, built in the 1930s, and the West Camp hall, from the 1950s, continue to be cherished gathering places for Scouts today.

The dining hall as seen from the lake, a large log structure with deep green roof enclosed on all sides by tall trees.

Scouts gather in the dining hall to share a meal.

Scouts sit in the dining hall, paying attention to a speaker

Scouts sit around a table in the dining hall, enjoying a meal

Business Center

Stay connected even at camp! The Business Center provides leaders with a quiet space for calls, internet access, and focused work—so you can manage responsibilities while still enjoying camp.

A man sits in a wooden chair on a clean wooden deck, looking out over a green trail that leads down to Lake Killian

Shuttle Buses

Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan spans nearly a mile from East to West Camp and from the Welcome Center to Triangle M Ranch. To make travel easy, two modern shuttle buses run regularly between key program areas, including the East Range and Target Area.

Scouts stand in front of a "shuttle-bus" van.

Trading Posts

Located in both East and West Camps, the Trading Posts are more than just snack and supply shops—they’re lively hubs for Scouts and leaders. Grab a treat, pick up supplies or souvenirs, play a game, and connect with Scouts from across camp while taking a break from activities.

The East Trading post is a small log cabin with a roofed over porch area and a park bench in front of it.

Country Store

Just down the hill from the Welcome Center, the Country Store is a popular hangout for Scouts from both East and West Camps. Enjoy pizza, ice cream, and other snacks, or reserve a “Pizza Party” for your troop in the evening. During the day, leaders and staff can take advantage of Wi-Fi access to stay connected

From the inside, the country store counter shows their menu and offerings.

Health Lodge

The Health Lodge, located near the Welcome Center, provides 24-hour care for campers and staff. Qualified medical personnel are available to treat injuries or illnesses on-site, with hospital transfer arranged if needed. The lodge features temperature-controlled rooms and beds for campers who require overnight care, ensuring comfort and safety throughout their stay.

Camper Showers & Bathrooms

Both East and West Camps feature modern, private shower facilities with individual locks and heated water—so campers can enjoy a comfortable shower every time (or opt for cold if they dare!). Toilets are conveniently available nearby, making daily routines easy and stress-free.

A stone building for showers and bathrooms, with a few benches and a water fountain outside.

Chapel & Remembrance Area

Overlooking the east shore of Lake Killian, the Chapel is a peaceful setting for “Scout’s Own” services during summer camp. Adjacent, the Remembrance Area honors camp alumni with plaques and markers, providing a serene space for reflection. Each summer, a service of remembrance celebrates those for whom Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan held a special place in their hearts.

Scouts gather around the remembrance area, a small wooden structure with a ceremonial purpose.

Campfire Bowls

East and West Camps each have campfire bowls on the shores of Lake Killian, offering stunning views and seating for all campers and staff. These bowls host opening campfires, songs, skits, and stories, where traditions and camp lore are shared and camaraderie builds between units. Friendly East vs. West call-backs add to the fun.