falls cove camp
Camp property timeline
1924 - 1981
boy scouts of america
The Boy Scouts of America’s regional council, Piedmont Council, bought the land from the developers as Lake Lanier was being built. Piedmont Boy Scout Camp was established in 1924 and opened in 1925. The camp was later renamed Schiele Scout Reservation in 1960. In 1981, the camp closed on Lake Lanier and relocated to Rutherfordton, NC.
1981 - 2019
Private owners
In 1981, a private developer bought the property and developed two sides of the lake cove. Before they could develop the third phase, which was the main Boy Scout Camp, the economy changed and they were forced to sell the property. Another owner purchased the property and did minor upfits but left the property mostly in disrepair.
2019 - Present
The Falls Family
The Falls family purchased the property in June of 2019 and spent 4 years on major renovations. Although not the original intent, in 2024 the family decided to make the camp their primary residence.
We bought the camp
in 2019…
The Falls Family in fall of 2019 at the camp.
In 2019, the Falls family had just sold their beach house and were looking for a mountain/lake house that was close to their home in Greenville, SC. They wanted to find a place the entire family could enjoy, regardless of age. They visited various lakes and properties throughout the Carolina’s, but ultimately came to the conclusion that they needed a place that would be just as fun during the winter as during the summer. This meant they had to find a property that was more than just a lake property. After visiting friends who owned property on Lake Lanier, the family had noticed the run-down camp property and found out that it was for sale.
Upon touring…
Upon touring the property, they immediately had a vision: A place where they could enjoy a weekend getaway, have friends and family visit, and enjoy year-round. However, there was going to be a lot of work to bring their vision to life.
The Dining Hall before renovations.
Pre-renovations
When they first bought the property in June of 2019, it was a mess. Despite minimal renovations made to the Dining Hall and Main House by the previous owner, most buildings were in disrepair and the property was overgrown. The Falls were also not fully aware of the history and impact the old Boy Scout Camp had on the community. After meeting neighbors and others from the area that attended the camp, along with finding a book that included personal accounts of time spent at the camp, the Falls family slowly began to understand the impact the camp had on local area.
As renovations were underway, the camp took on a life of its own. Throughout renovations, Phil and Kathy realized that this project was becoming something much bigger than what they had originally intended, and that it would reveal what it was going to be as time went on.
As renovations were underway…
The Dining Hall under renovations.
renovations
Renovations began as soon as they purchased the property, and most of the work was completed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Falls were determined to keep the “spirit” of the Boy Scout Camp while turning into a modern place for friends and family.
When beginning renovations in 2019, the original footprint of the property remained the same as they did not tear down any structures, The Dining Hall was a challenge due to the prior owners leaving it mostly untouched. In keeping with concept of a family camp, the Falls decided to renovate the building and space as a communal area for all to enjoy. Renovations were completed in 2023.
“Why have a place like this if you can’t share it?”
— Kathy Falls
Dining Hall after renovating.
Post renovations
It is all about spending time with family and friends. While there are always projects, the family enjoys hosting girls’ weekends, guys’ golf outings, Halloween parties, and all the times they can share the property with others . As Kathy explained, “showing the camp to others helps me see it with fresh eyes and really appreciate it more.”
The Falls family decided that they wanted to give the camp a name because they thought it would add a fun personal touch. After struggling to come up with an idea, their friend Matt Ferebee, effortlessly said “Falls Cove Camp.” Phil and Kathy instantly fell in love.
The purpose of creating merchandise and a logo was purely to have some fun! Phil and Kathy thought it would be fun to create a logo and create t-shirts, mugs, pens, notepads, coasters, and more.
Merchandise & Logo
A logo draft that was almost used.
virtual tour
Please enjoy this video of the camp property shot on our drone!