The History
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.
New Stewardship
In 2011, the historic Camp Occoneechee found new stewards, who were instantly captivated by its storied past and rustic charm. Drawn to the authenticity of the original Scout-era buildings and the quiet magic of the land itself, the family purchased the property and set out to preserve the camp’s legacy as a place of connection, exploration, and renewal.
With a professional background in leadership development, Russ and Lynn Carnes brought both vision and heart to the project. Lynn, a passionate waterskier, had long dreamed of a property with lake access—one where the water ski community could gather, train, and grow. As that dream took shape, their daughter Jennifer stepped in to oversee operations, guiding the transformation with care and creativity.
Since acquiring the property, the family has lovingly restored and modernized the camp while honoring its scouting roots. Today, it stands as a welcoming retreat for families, reunions, multi-family vacations, youth and hiking groups, book clubs, and nature lovers alike—a timeless gathering place tucked in the beauty of the Blue Ridge foothills.
Re-Branding and Growing the Dream
Out of deep respect for the First Nations people and their language, the family chose to rename the property, transitioning from Camp Occoneechee to Scout’s Honor Cabins. The new name honors the camp’s rich scouting legacy while reflecting the family’s values of integrity, stewardship, and reverence for the land. As the dream continues to grow, Scout’s Honor Cabins remain a place for meaningful connection, adventure, and the quiet magic of nature.
Two original Scout cabins and the spacious central lodge have been thoughtfully modernized, each featuring fully equipped kitchens, updated appliances, climate control, laundry, Wi-Fi, and Smart TVs—blending nostalgia with modern comfort, perfect for both restful retreats and lively gatherings.
Breathe in the fresh air! Rustic 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.
Autumn paints Lake Lure in vibrant hues—maples, sourwoods, and hickories glowing in crimson, amber, and gold. Winter, mild and photogenic, offers a peaceful escape. The quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge Foothills invites mindfulness, where exploration unfolds at a gentle pace. Nearby are waterfalls, hiking trails, and plenty of scenic vistas.
While secluded in the beauty of Lake Lure’s mountains, the property is less than a mile from a grocery store, gas station, and Starbucks, and just 10 minutes from many great restaurants, pubs, and grilles —offering the perfect blend of peace and convenience.
