Chowenwaw, meaning “Camp of the Little Sisters” in Creek, was the name given to the first Girl Scout camp in Florida upon its establishment in 1933. Construction occurred during the Great Depression when crews of local unemployed men banded together to build the first structures and furnishings using materials found onsite. The original buildings included multiple sleeping quarters for troops and staff, a bathhouse, a hospital, and the future dining hall known as Big Cabin. Workers also built the nearby Jungle Trail, arguably the state’s first boardwalk trail, so the girls could reach a designated Black Creek swimming area without facing the dangers of Florida wildlife. For over 70 years, the camp hosted many generations of young women on its grounds, with visiting troops bonding outdoors through life experiences and lasting lessons.

Today, Clay County has cultivated and conserved the camp’s storied history while also opening Chowenwaw to the general public. If you visit on a weekday, it’s probably just you and the wildlife, so enjoy the shaded serenity and peaceful park time. Weekends, however, see scores of families and friends of the park who set up camp, traverse the winding trails, paddleboard, and play in the pool. Look around, and you’ll see smiling faces filling the event facilities, children giving chase on the playground, and parents passing out sandwiches in the picnic areas. Chowenwaw has entertainment for all ages and interests, including kayak access, fishing, a museum, and a nature center. Stop by and you’ll understand why this celebrated spot continues to be one of Florida’s most iconic parks.