Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
Where to Go Camping
Compiled by the Greater St. Louis Area Council,
Boy Scouts of America
Welcome!
The Greater St. Louis Area Council proudly presents Where To Go Camping. This book will prove invaluable for learning about camping opportunities in this council as well as those in the region.
An action-packed and varied program will keep your Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers and Explorers coming back for more. Remember, “Scouting is outing”, and Where To Go Camping is your complete guide to all the outdoor adventures that awaits you in the Greater St. Louis Area Council region.
It offers many suggestions on camping attractions in the region. While this book is loaded with information, it is only a starting point, and offers some options for how to research more about a specific location.
Two additional websites not listed elsewhere in the book which have been useful for finding camping areas are and
How To Make Reservations
All who wish to use our camps must secure a permit two weeks in advance from the Greater St. Louis Area Council. Reservations will then be mailed back as your confirmation. When you get to camp, you will need to check in with our Ranger. This allows us to be prepared for you by having the gate open and the facility or program ready to go. It also insures that we are not overselling an area or program.
No Fee Programs:Simply come into the CouncilServiceCenter, or call the Camping Service at (314) 361-0600 or 1-800-392-0895 and we will mail your reservation to you.
Fee Programs:All programs or facilities with fees involved must be paid before the permit is issued or reserved. We cannot hold a reservation without the fee.
A weekend is considered to start at 5:00 p.m. Friday and end by 4:00 p.m. Sunday. See the reverse side of your reservation form for additional details.
Use of some facilities is determined by a lottery because of high demand. Winter cabins, lodges, tree houses, and summer camp programs are a few examples.
Reservation Season
Camping reservations for the program season October through September are available beginning with a lottery during the month of August each year. Units that participate in the lottery will be assigned a time to make reservations for the various programs and facilities. Once the lottery sign up is completed units will have the opportunity to reserve facilities on a first come, first serve basis.
Information for the lottery sign up is sent to the unit leader in July and posted in the Council’s newsletter and website.
CampPhone Numbers
Emergency telephone numbers for the camps are:
- Beaumont Scout Reservation(636) 938-5444
Dining Hall & Educational Facility
/Camp May(636) 938-4329
Cub World/Camp Grizzly(636) 587-2690 - CampLewallen(573) 224-5591
Summer Camp only(573) 224-3420 - S bar F Scout Ranch(573) 756-5738
Swift Base Lodge(573) 756-8810 - Pine Ridge Scout Camp(618) 549-0673
Leadership Policy
It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that trips and outings may never be led by one adult. At least two adult leaders, one of whom must be 21 years or older, are required for all trips and outings. It is the responsibility of the chartered organization of a Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, Venturer crew, or Explorer post to inform the committees and leadership of the unit that sufficient adult leadership must be provided on all trips and outings.
The “safety rule of four” requires that no fewer than four individuals (always with a minimum of two adults and two Scouts) go on any activity away from the meeting site. If an accident occurs, one person stays with the injured and two go for help. Additional adult leader requirements reflect an awareness of such factors as size and/or skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions, and overall degree of challenge.
Tour Permits
Tour Permits are our method of tracking unit activities not held on our council properties. The information that local and national tour permits provide is necessary in the preparation of our annual report. Tour permit forms are available at the Council Service Centers.
Tour permits are NOT necessary for:
- Activities within our council boundaries by packs, troops, teams, crews, or posts.
- Activities on council-owned property.
- Council-sponsored activities such as trail hikes, horseback rides, OA functions, district camporees, etc. within our council boundaries.
Local Tour Permit:For trips less than 500 miles one-way.
National Tour Permit:Trips over 500 miles one-way. Maximum travel per day is 12 hours.
Time Required for Processing:Local – two weeks; National – four weeks.
Table of Contents
Section / Page #Outdoor Code / 5
Camping Opportunities in the Greater St. Louis Area Council / 6
Schedule of Fees for Greater St. Louis Area Council Camps / 13
Missouri Campgrounds / 16
Illinois Campgrounds / 21
Kentucky Campgrounds / 28
Tennessee Campgrounds / 31
Arkansas Campgrounds / 33
High Adventure Camping Opportunities / 36
Trails to Hike / 39
Outdoor Code
As an American, I will do my best to:
Be clean in my outdoor manners: I will treat the outdoors as a heritage to be improved for our greater enjoyment. I will keep my trash and garbage out of America’s waters, fields, woods, and roadways.
Be careful with fire: I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fire in a safe place and be sure it is out before I leave.
Be considerate in the outdoors: I will treat public and private property with respect. I will remember the use of the outdoors is a privilege I can lose by abuse.
Be conservation minded: I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, and wildlife; and I will urge others to do the same. I will use sportsmanlike methods in all my outdoor activities.
Camping Opportunities
Beaumont Scout Reservation
Wright Lodge: This versatile building provides a dining room, two large rooms, and five small rooms. Smaller meeting rooms seat 25 to 30 people. Wright Lodge is ideal for blue and gold banquets, troop dinners, and courts of honor. Use of the kitchen is available for unit activities at an additional cost.
Camping Areas:Lane, Shippey, Laemmli, and Nusser – These camping areas are open for free use by Boy Scout troops. Water and latrine facilities are found in each area.
Outpost Camps: Troops may hike to outpost camps in Blackberry Hollow and Toad Hollow. Additional primitive areas are available.
Winter Cabins: Nine cabins are available for Scout troops as follows:
7 – with capacity of 20 heated by wood stoves
2 – with capacity of 14 heated by furnaces
All cabins have electricity, electric stove, refrigerator, and double bunks with mattresses. 20-capacity cabins have stone fireplaces and the two 14-capacity cabins have indoor water.
Cabins are available for Webelos use from April through September only.
Lottery: Scout troops wishing to use a cabin or lodge this winter will want to enter the cabin lottery to be held in July of each year. Deposit is returned when there is no damage, the cabin is left clean, and the woodbox is refilled.
Nagel Base: NagelBase is used for our horse and hayride programs and has the following facilities:
Recreation Hall: Great for a unit meeting or activity. Heated and has electric. Outdoor bathrooms. Sleeping quarters available, with one room, bunks for 12.
Adirondacks:14 shelters hold 4 each for year-round Boy Scout or Venturer Weekends.
Camping: For Boy Scouts and Venturers.
Picnic Area: For Cub Scouts.
Camping Opportunities
Beaumont Scout Reservation
Programs
Orienteering: How good are you at finding your way using a map and compass? You can improve your skills and have a lot of fun if you use the orienteering facilities available at Beaumont. There is an orienteering kit available to those units who have leaders certified to use the kit. With it you can learn to use a map and compass, to make your own map, and to try a real orienteering course. For those units which fell themselves already skilled in map and compass use, there is a 21 stake permanent orienteering course available by reservation.
Charter Oak Camp: This excellent weekend program is designed to give new troops, or newly reorganized troops a good first overnight camping experience, guided by trained, veteran Scout leaders. A staff of Charter Oak campmasters conducts training in camping, cooking, hiking, and how to live comfortably in the outdoors. Weekends are in the spring.
Horseback Riding Trips Available for Scouts and Venturers:Hundreds of enthusiastic Scouts took advantage of this program last year and are signing up again this year. The Greater St. Louis Area Council is sponsoring this fun-filled adventure, with experienced members of the Trail Guide committee guiding the horseback riding sessions.
Horseback riding sessions of carious lengths are offered any Saturday or Sunday on a year-round basis, weather permitting.
Rides are scheduled as follows (all costs are per person, per ride):
5½ hour ride (Venture crews and Explorer posts only), 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with lunch on the trail, cost $20.
3 hour ride, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. cost $15.
There are generally 20 horses available from September to June.
Restrictions: Persons over 250 lbs. Will be safety checked and may not be able to ride.
Note:The trail guides have the responsibility to restrict any person from riding who may, in their opinion, pose a safety risk to themselves, others, or the horse.
Camping Opportunities
Beaumont Scout Reservation
Hayrides: Wagons are available to packs, troops, teams, crews, and posts, for hayrides. Hayride groups may rent the Nagel recreation hall after hayrides for parties. All hayrides begin and end at the Nagel Base and last for about one hour. Horse and hayrides will not be cancelled because of weather until the day of the event. Available March through November.
MAXIMUM 20 PERSONS PER WAGON.
Who can use?
Hayrides: Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers.
Trail rides: Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers.(A leader from the unit is required on the rides.)
Climbing Tower: Available to Scouts and Venturers. It is even lit at night for night climbing. The troop or post provides its own trained leader.
Ropes Course: Built in 1993, this 12-event low-course and exciting high-course are a team-building and self-esteem boost! Your unit provides the trained leader for each group of 12 maximum.
Camping Opportunities
CampLewallen and WappapelloLake
Five hundred eighty (580) acres in Southeast Missouri. Year-round camping available for Scout troops, Venture crews, and Explorer Posts. A small lake and the St. FrancoisRiver provide fishing opportunities. CampLewallen is at the end of Highway K, 2 miles west of Highway 67. Highway K is approximately 3 miles north of Highway 34 or 35 miles south of the S-F Scout Ranch.
Climbing Tower: Available for Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers. It is a great weekend program. The troop, crew, or post must provide its own trained leader.
WappapelloLake – Pool Lodge: On WappapelloLake, Pool Lodge is able to accommodate 24 campers. Available for Scout troops year-round (except for summer camp). There is indoor plumbing and the lodge is equipped with a fireplace and stove.
WappapelloLake – Baker Lodge: It is a beautiful lodge built in 1995 and it is located on WappapelloLake. It is available to Scout troops year-round (except for summer camp). There is indoor plumbing and the lodge is equipped with a fireplace, stove, and showers. It has a capacity of 30 campers.
Camping Opportunities
Pine Ridge Scout Camp
Pine Ridge Scout Camp is nestled in the heart of the ShawneeNational Forest along the shore of Little Grassy Lake, southeast of Carbondale. The land is part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. GiantCityState Park, the River to River Trail, and the Crab Orchard and Panther’s Den Wilderness all surround the lakes of this refuge. Scouts have unbelievable outdoor resources at their disposal. Pine Ridge Scout Camp is located on the northwest shore of the lake. From Giant City Road, turn on State Fish Hatchery Road, staying to your right follow the gravel road to the camp. Year-round camping and fishing is available.
Tipi Program:Three tipis for your troop to erect and spend the weekend at Pine Ridge Scout Camp. A trained leader for your unit is required.
Lodges:Front and Scout Lodges are available for meetings, training sessions, or courts of honor.
Musgraves Lodge: A log cabin which sleeps 20 people contains refrigerator, wood burning stove , and bunk beds.
Camping Opportunities
S bar F Scout Ranch
Five thousand two hundred (5,200) acres of Scouting paradise with the 270-acre NimsLake in the middle and the Little St. Francois River running through it.
Camping: Weekend camping is available for Scout troops and Webelos dens in the Camporee Area. Year-round water and outdoor latrines are provided. The three Boy Scout Camps are not available and use is prohibited except during summer camp.
Outpost Camping: For Boy Scout troops and Venture crews, outpost camping is available along the Three-Notch Trail and along the Little St. Francois.
Swift Explorer Base: Available for weekend camping by Venture crews and Explorer posts.
Swift Base Lodge: Available to crews and posts from September 15 to May 31. This heated lodge with indoor facilities and kitchen, houses 40. Scout troops may reserve it within one month if still available.
Tipi Program: Five tipis for your troop to erect and spend the weekend at S bar F. A trained leader from your unit is required.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Overcoming fear, instilling confidence, peering over the edge or staring up the cliffs of Freedom, RangerFalls, Collarbone, or Baby Snake is a highlight for many troops and posts. Patrol camping sites are available on top of the cliffs or along the Little St. Francois River. Climbing equipment is available for units with qualified leadership.
Ropes Initiative Course: An outdoor adventure that challenges your troop, crew, or post both physically and mentally. The ropes course has 12 events that are fun, but they require cooperation, trust and some courage to complete. There are 5 patrol camping sites at the course. Qualified leadership is required. Training is held twice a year for both rock climbing and the ropes course.
Scout and Wenzel Lodges: Great places for a weekend with your troop! The lodges accommodate 34 people. Stove, refrigerator, and woodstove heat. Water, latrine and large grill outside. The cabin lottery is in August.
Tree Houses: The best view of NimsLake is from the 5 tree houses at the Overlook! Thirty-eight (38) beds, latrine, and grill are for your use. This lottery is also in August.
Overlook Picnic Area: Great for a Cub pack or Scout troop fishing derby or family picnic.
Huck’s Cove: USE IS PROHIBITED IN THE OFF SEASON. Please keep out.
Canoeing: Available to troops and posts April 1 through November 1.
Camping Opportunities
S bar F Scout Ranch
NimsLake Boating and Fishing Regulations
- Safety Afloat Guidelines are required for boating.
- A reservation must be made at the CouncilServiceCenter. Pay special attention to the Rule of 4.
- All persons between the ages of 16 and 65 must possess a current state license for fishing.
- NimsLake was built for Scouts, and each leader fishing must have at least one Scout with him.
- Each person in watercraft (maximum 3) must be a swimmer and WEAR A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE AT ALL TIMES.
- Live minnows are not allowed.
- Electric trolling motors only – no gas engines.
- Watercraft is restricted to daylight hours.
- Everyone must check in with the rangers and present the camp use permit.
- Fishing is a unit activity – not individual. Buddy boats are required – see Safety Afloat Guildlines.
- All other camp rules are in effect.
Violators will be asked to leave the property.
SCHEDULE OF FEES AND FACILITY SIZE(For members of the Greater St. Louis Area Council, B.S.A.)
FACILITY/PROGRAM / CAPACITY / RESERVATION FEE / Fee Return
Beaumont Scout Reservation
Camping Areas: Lane, Shippey,
Laemmli and Nusser / Unlimited / Free (Boy Scouts only) / -----
Webelos Scout Area / 100 max. / Free / -----
Lodges (2/7) / 14/20 max. / $80.00 / $10.00
Charter Oak / ----- / $5.00 per person / -----
Council Ring / 300 / $25.00 / -----
Sverdrup Lodge / 75 / $40.00 per day / -----
Ropes Course / 2 groups of 12 max. / $55.00 per group per day / $10.00
Orienteering Kit / 1 Troop / $10.00 per day / -----
Climbing Tower / 1 Troop / $35.00 per session / $10.00
NAGEL EXPLORER BASE
Adirondack Cabins (14) / 4 / $15.00 / $2.00
Recreation Hall / 20 (approx.) / $80.00 per weekend / $10.00
75 (approx.) / $40.00 per day / $10.00
Horseback Rides - 5-1/2 hour / 20 (approx.) / $20.00 per person / -----
- 3 hour / 20 (approx.) / $15.00 per person / -----
Hayride Wagons (3) - horse drawn / 20 per wagon / $50.00 / -----
WRIGHT LODGE -
Large Meeting Rooms (2) / Closed for renovation
Small Meeting Rooms (5)
Kitchen
CUB WORLD -
ActivityBuilding / 100 / $10.00 per hour / -----
Activity Pavilion / 50 / $10.00 per hour / -----
Family Camp / $5.00 per tent per night / -----
Tent rental / $10.00 per tent / $5.00
Picnic Shelters / $5.00 per hour / -----
Council Ring / 250-300 / $5.00 per hour / -----
Camp Lewallen/Wappapello Lake
Camporee Area / Unlimited / Free (Boy Scouts, Venturers, & Explorers) / -----
Climbing Tower / 1 Troop / $35.00 per session / $10.00
Pool Lodge (WappapelloLake) / 24 / $80.00 per weekend / -----
Baker Lodge (WappapelloLake) / 30 / $80.00 per weekend / -----
Pine Ridge Scout Camp
Rock Climbing / 1 group / $55.00 / $10.00
Camping Areas / Unlimited / Free (Boy Scouts, Ventueres, & Explorers) / ----
Canoes - Little Grassy Lake / 10 canoes / $5.00 per day per canoe / ----
Musgraves Lodge / 18 / $80.00 per weekend / $10.00
Lodges – Front and Scout / $40.00 per day / $5.00
Tipi Program / 3 tipis hold up to 10 each / $30 per tipi / $5.00 per tipi
FACILITY/PROGRAM / CAPACITY / RESERVATION FEE / Fee Return
S bar F Scout Ranch
Camporee Area / Unlimited / Free / ----
Webelos Area / 50 max. / Free / ----
Webelos Pavilion / $5.00 / ----
Adirondaks / 20 / $80.00 per weekend / $10.00
Scout and Wenzel Lodges / 34 max. each / $80.00 per weekend / $10.00
Tree Houses (5) / 38 max. / $35.00 per weekend / $5.00
Ropes Course / 2 groups of 12 max. / $55.00 per group per day / $10.00
Rock Climbing / 2 groups of 12 max. / $55.00 per group per day / $10.00
Canoes - NimsLake / 30 canoes / $5.00 per day per canoe / ---
Tipi Program / 5 tipis hold up to 10 each / $30.00 per tipi / $5.00 per tipi
Swift Lodge / 35 max. / $100.00 / $15.00
Policy on Refunds of money Paid for the Use of Camping Facilities or Programs