Camp Eagle is on the tipping edge of the far western Hill Country, encompassing rugged terrain with sheer limestone cliffs and deep gorges and traversed by the pristine Nueces River.

Located at 6424 Hackberry Road, off Hwy 41 in Real county, near the Edwards county line, its diverse 1,400 acres offer a wide range of outdoor recreation designed to accommodate visitors of all ages, with all levels of skill sets. Whether you're a casual weekend hiker, a runner who enjoys a challenging course or a mountain biker, there's a trail for you.

Raise the extreme-sport stakes with heart-pounding rock climbing, rappeling and ziplining. These and a broad variety of other activities offered at Camp Eagle are studded with adventure and imagination.

Matt Reed is Site Director of CE, where overnight accommodations include hotel rooms and suites, dorms, rustic cabins and tent-camping. "We're open to the general public on Open House Weekends, every race weekend and various other times throughout the year. Tent-campers can stay for $10 a night and enjoy the river or hiking activities for free," Reed said. On race weekends, meals are offered also. "Meals are $7 per person, with no charge for children under three years old. Every race weekend, meals are available from Friday night dinner through Sunday breakfast. Visitors can purchase all meals, select only specific ones or they may bring supplies and prepare their own," Reed explained. If camping and preparing your meals, you'll need to bring equipment, charcoal and other essentials.

Any specialized equipment needed for other activities, such as climbing gear and climbing shoes, are provided. Although costs vary by sport, they are reasonable and provide budget-minded choices. Scholarships are available for summer camps. See the Camp Eagle website: www.campeagle.org for more details or call the camp at 830-683-3219 for further information and reservations.

This is a true outdoor adventure camp. According to CE, Competitor magazine rated them as "Texas' best adventure destination". Sports vary widely, requiring different levels of experience, strength and endurance. The novice or less active visitor can choose from a range of activities more suitable to their capabilities. An extreme-sport enthusiast can choose courses designed to challenge their personal best.

The following descriptions are a light-hearted look at some of the more unusual, specific activities offered at CE. However, these are serious sports and it is to be noted that trained professional staff and equipment help ensure that the thrills and chills are enjoyed with the utmost safety in mind. Contact Camp Eagle for any limitations or requirements, specific dates offered, costs and whether they're available as individual, or group-only, activities.

Why wait in line with tourists at a pricey theme park when you can explore your way through Camp Eagle's underground Collapsed Mine and ride the Super Swing? Groups can use the mine as a team building exercise - or you can just enjoy the fun experience on your own as you navigate through tunnels and trap doors! 1.5 hours.

Be harnessed together with two other people on the Nueces canyon mine's 85' Super Swing. Hold on! It's definitely not your average backyard teeter-totter! 3 hours.

CE describes this adventure option as "teammates lowering each other from the cliff face across the river with a rope and a cable. Requires Sherpa Trek." If Spiderman isn't available, you may want to pick your best and strongest friends for this one. 3 hours.

CE's own description says it best: "team members are connected to a cable as they help each other traverse across a trail that runs along a cliff 75' above the river". Whoa! Probably not for amateurs or the faint of heart. I'm just guessing. 3 hours.

Top-rope climbing. Eight climbs, up to 75' in length, on a natural limestone cliff face. Designed for all levels of experience. Looking down is optional, but don't let go - rappeling is another activity altogether! 3 hours.

In the Small Rappel, five people can rappel simultaneously down an 85' limestone rock face. Two people can rappel down an 175' rock face on the Big Rappel. 3 hours each.

The 850' dual zipline takes you on an almost 30mph ride and can also be done at night, if you dare! 2.5 hours.

Not extreme enough? Have fun with your favorite people (or make new best friends!) harnessed together superman style, four-at-a-time on a zipline that ranges over 3,000 feet, soaring high above the trees! 3 hours, 250 lb. weight limit.

With 1.5 miles of spring-fed Nueces River, CE offers a range of water activities. The river is dammed in a few places, adding to the waterfront experience. Enjoy the "blob" and 150' water slides. 4 hours. Lifeguard required when using water toys.

CE has many more options to choose from when planning your outing or getaway. Enjoy Disc Golf over rugged terrain. Clay/Skeet Shooting employs a top-of-the-line automated skeet machine and shooting range. Theme Meals are available including Luau, Fiesta, Disco, Lumberjack or Carnival; fireworks can be included. Outdoor Movies on a "big screen" white backdrop can be provided on a limited basis, complete with popcorn and snacks, depending on weather conditions and courtesy to other groups.

CE states it is "the top venue for an increasing number of state and national adventure events. Camp Eagle's enthusiastic staff join the adventures and serve every step of the way". With natural caves, 18 miles of single track, 6 miles of Jeep road and 185' limestone cliffs overlooking 1.5 miles of the Nueces River, you'll find more diverse conditions, rugged terrain and natural resources than at most other camps across the nation.

Competitive events are held annually, sponsored either by CE or by specialized organizations. Check the website for updated 2015 information, guidelines, registration deadlines and entry fees:

Mountain Bike Festival: The largest mountain bike festival in Texas is presented annually by Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Adventure Race: Sprint, 12-hour and 18-hour adventure races combined with weekend-long family activities.

Holidaze Bike Marathon: By Hill Country Bicycle Works - the Marathon. An event for even the toughest mountain bikers.

Nueces 50 Trail Run: Competition in 50mi, 50km, 25km and 10km trail runs. Compete against some of the nation's toughest runners.

XTERRA Triathlon: Your feet are wet in this off-road triathlon that incorporates a swim of the Nueces River, biking a dry creek bed and a run through the Texas hill country course.

Camp Directors specialize in custom-designing programs to suit every need. Whether corporate team-building, organizations or adventure sport enthusiasts, staff members can suggest and provide games and activities to suit your own goals and objectives.

Camp Eagle offers faith-based, Christian summer camps for select-age groups of boys and girls. Outdoor activities and wilderness experiences incorporate Biblical principles into daily devotions through trained Christian staff. Scholarships are available.

Connect with your family and spend time worshipping, learning and having fun together at Camp Eagle's Summer Family Camp, held in September. Group Camp is a 4- or 6-day summer session combining "outdoor adventure, authentic relationships and Biblical truth". For both groups and individuals, "the Wilderness Program is about real experiences and cultivates memories that inspire action and change in our lives". Father/Daughter Weekend affords an opportunity to strengthen relationships. Other specialized Family Retreats as well as Couples Retreats take advantage of unique outdoor experiences, designed with Biblical focus, providing reflection and refreshing inspiration, while transforming lives.

Since opening in 1999, Camp Eagle has met its commitment to serve and minister to visitors on both a physical and inner, spiritual level. In the beauty of the outdoors, while challenging bodily strength and endurance, often the most important truths of life are also contemplated and faced. Through a caring, Christian staff with a mission to serve, people have left the camp with renewed vision and dedication. Camp Eagle continues to inspire and transform lives, affirming its mission:

How to get there: Camp Eagle's address is 6424 Hackberry Road, Rocksprings, TX 78880. When driving from the east, take IH-10 west. Approximately 16 miles west of Kerrville, exit onto Hwy 41 west (Mountain Home exit). Stay on Hwy 41 into Real county. Turn south onto Hackberry Road and continue 8 miles to Camp Eagle. When driving from the west, consult a map, as Hwy 41 can be accessed from Hwy 277 South at Sonora, or from Hwy 377 South at Junction. Contact CE by phone: 830-683-3219; email: [email protected]; or see their website for information and upcoming events: www.campeagle.org. Camp Eagle is on Facebook at facebook.com/campeagletx.