Fan Favorite 'Bug Juice' Camp Was Sold — A Look at the Filming Locations

If you were on 'Bug Juice,' which camp would you choose — Camp Waziyatah, Camp Highlander, or Brush Ranch Camp?

Alex West - Author
By

Updated June 17 2024, 9:35 a.m. ET

'Bug Juice' campers in a blue raft as they navigate a river
Source: Disney

The drama of summer camp came to family televisions everywhere when Bug Juice debuted on Disney Channel in 1998. It was a first stab at child-oriented reality television show and followed young teens through their camping days.

Article continues below advertisement

Each season took place at a different camp, exposing viewers to a variety of personalities and traditions. All these years later, some fans might be wondering if their favorite cabins are still standing.

Season 1 — Camp Waziyatah

Camp Waziyatah in Waterford, Maine is considered the classic Bug Juice filming location. Not only was it the first campsite shot for the series, but it also made a reappearance when Disney decided to do a reboot with 2018's Bug Juice: My Adventures at Camp.

Article continues below advertisement

The camp is still functional today, proudly promoting their history with the show on their social media pages and website. Nowadays, they're really pushing a 'drama-free' mindset.

"At Wazi, our no-clique atmosphere welcomes campers for who they are. We help kids become stronger, more independent people who learn to get along with others and care for each other and the environment around them," they write online.

Article continues below advertisement

The camp offers a variety of programming including adventure, performing arts, visual arts, trips, athletics, horseback riding, water sports, and more. They break their camping days into two sessions and still foster an environment for a co-ed experience.

Season 2 — Camp Highlander

In Horse Shoe, N.C., Camp Highlander became a hotshot destination after its stint on the show. They still boast that they're the "best" on their website. The camp preaches heavily on their values and goal "to build character and confidence in the lives of children as we provide lifelong memories, authentic friendships, and a loving home away from home."

Article continues below advertisement

Camp Highlander is still co-ed. They house boys and girls separately across the property, but provide limited access between the sexes through meals and nightly programming. The camp, though, takes a different approach to girls' versus boys' camps.

The camp says they "seek to build courage in every girl as she realizes her value to our community." However, for boys, they explain that "Boys Camp at Camp Highlander is an environment that fosters a firm sense of brotherhood."

Article continues below advertisement

Season 3 — Brush Ranch Camp

Brush Ranch Camp cabins and field
Source: Brush Ranch River Lodge

For the final season of the show, Bug Juice was filmed at Tererro, N.M.'s Brush Ranch Camp. Now, though, the property doesn't hold the same memories that it once did.

During the show, the camp was a fully functional youth-focused summer camp experience. In fact, during the '70s, they opened the Brush Ranch School during their off-season, according to family of the founders' blog post.

Article continues below advertisement

However, the property is now more focused on private rentals, including family trips and business retreats. After fighting among the camp's ownership and family, they decided to pull the plug on the business, which was not financially lucrative, marking their last camp in 2004.

The initial sale split the property up, with the north tip heading to one couple and the south heading to a family. Twelve central acres were held onto by the original family, where they built a home.

Article continues below advertisement

Brush Ranch River Lodge, the company which currently hosts private camping experiences on the land, was established in 2007, according to their website. They "have worked to restore the cabins and lodges."

The home of the original family, including the remaining property, was sold, too, in 2009 following some tragic family-related matters. So, now none of the Bug Juice-famed camp is connected to the original story.

Advertisement
More from Distractify

Latest Disney News and Updates

    Opt-out of personalized ads

    © Copyright 2024 Engrost, Inc. Distractify is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.