Pueblo of Jemez Purchases Camp Rancho del Chaparral
The tribe acquired the 1,100-acre site for $4.7 million after a decline in Girl Scout camp attendance.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Camping
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The Pueblo of Jemez has purchased Camp Rancho del Chaparral, a 1,100-acre property formerly part of the San Diego Land Grant. The tribe intends to utilize the site for educational, recreational, mental health, and retreat purposes.
Why it matters
The acquisition represents a significant effort by the Pueblo of Jemez to regain territory within its ancestral lands. The Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails moved to sell the site following a substantial decrease in camp utilization over recent years.
The camp sold for $4.7 million and spans over 1,100 acres of land. Attendance at the site dropped 58% between 2022 and 2025, falling from 235 participants to just 98.
The players
Pueblo of Jemez
This is a federally recognized tribe that has now secured ownership of the site to reconnect with its ancestral territory.
Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails
This regional chapter of the national scouting organization manages various properties across the state and oversees youth development programs.
The details
The Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails listed the property for sale in February 2026 before entering into direct contract negotiations with the Pueblo of Jemez. While this camp changes hands, the organization plans to continue developing its remaining properties in Angel Fire and Albuquerque.
Timeline
1969: Camp Rancho del Chaparral first opened.
2022: Camp enrollment reached a high of 235 attendees.
2025: Camp enrollment fell to 98 attendees.
February 2026: The Girl Scouts put the property on the market.
October 8, 2026: The sale of the camp to the Pueblo of Jemez was officially announced.
Culture Shift
This acquisition mirrors the broader national movement of land back initiatives where tribal nations reacquire ancestral territory. The move signals a shift from private or organizational ownership toward tribal management for community-centered purposes.
Local residents should note that the property is no longer under Girl Scout operation and is transitioning to tribal use. Future visitors should look for upcoming tribal announcements regarding site accessibility and programming.
The takeaway
Tribal acquisition of legacy camp properties highlights how organizations can divest from underutilized assets while supporting indigenous land return. Such shifts demonstrate a transition toward sustainable land stewardship that centers cultural and mental health needs.
What happens next
The Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails will share its 2027 development plans at an annual meeting scheduled for November 14, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on regional outdoor recreation, visit the New Mexico Camping page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rrobserver.
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Should local organizations prioritize retaining land assets over selling them to improve organizational financial health?
