Named for William H. Cowles, Sr., an early Spokane pioneer and supporter of Scouting, Cowles Scout Reservation began as Camp Cowles in the early 1920's with a purchase of 80 acres of prime waterfront on Diamond Lake. It has grown to four camps: Camp Cowles, Camp Fosseen, Camp Ponderosa and Camp Sunrise, covering over 900 acres and more than a mile of waterfront.

In a typical summer, about 1100 boys come to Camp Cowles. Carbon Lodge serves the needs of hungry Scouts and 21 improved campsites serve as home for a week to troops of all sizes. Scouting comes alive on our beautiful waterfront, deep woods and calm marshes for Scouts of all ages and abilities.Camp Cowles is a principle centered camp founded on the ideals of the Boy Scout Oath and Law.