Camp Sherwood Forest

For families and groups across Missouri seeking a blend of outdoor adventure, community fun, and a touch of history, Camp Sherwood Forest, nestled within the expansive Cuivre River State Park near Troy, offers a truly unique camping experience. This isn't just any campground; it's a place where generations of Missourians have created lasting memories, whether it's through traditional camping, splashing around in the pool, or enjoying one of the park's vibrant seasonal events. As one enthusiastic visitor recounted, "We stayed a few nights at Sherwood and it is a beautiful place. They have a nice pool and splash pad for the kids and the weekend we were there in August they were celebrating Halloween. Everyone decorated the RVs. It was really fun." This captures the lively and engaging atmosphere that makes Camp Sherwood Forest a standout destination for locals.

Camp Sherwood Forest carries a rich history, having been originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. This heritage is evident in the rustic, well-crafted structures that still stand, providing a unique backdrop to your outdoor adventures. While one review suggested the camp "would have been nice in the 80's" and "needs to be upgraded," modern visitors frequently praise the well-maintained facilities and the continuous efforts by Missouri State Parks to enhance the camping experience. The focus here is on providing a solid foundation for outdoor enjoyment, combining essential amenities with engaging activities that bring people together. From a refreshing swim on a hot summer day to participating in themed weekends, Camp Sherwood Forest invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Missouri's outdoors and create your own cherished traditions. It truly is a place where every stay can be an adventure, filled with genuine fun and a touch of nostalgic charm.

Camp Sherwood Forest is located within Cuivre River State Park, with its address being Camp Sherwood Dr, Troy, MO 63379, USA. This strategic location places it in Lincoln County, in the northeastern part of Missouri, making it a highly accessible getaway for residents from various parts of the state, particularly the St. Louis metropolitan area.

For those traveling from St. Louis, the drive to Camp Sherwood Forest is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, typically involving routes via US-61 North. From Columbia, Missouri, it's about a 2-hour drive, generally taking US-61 North after connecting from I-70. From Kansas City, while a longer journey, it's still a feasible option for a weekend trip, typically around 3.5 to 4 hours. The park entrance itself is a tranquil transition, following a narrow corridor that leads you away from the main roads into the serene wooded hills. As a reviewer noted, this journey allows you to "gently withdraw from the workaday world into peaceful wooded hills and valleys," culminating in the beauty of Cuivre River State Park.

Once inside the park, Camp Sherwood Forest is well-marked. While there might be occasional road construction requiring detours, the Missouri State Parks system typically provides clear signage, as mentioned in historical event descriptions, ensuring visitors can navigate effectively. The park's extensive network of trails and roads further enhances accessibility once you've arrived, allowing easy reach to different camping loops, recreational areas, and the historic CCC structures. This blend of rural tranquility and convenient access to Missouri's population centers makes Camp Sherwood Forest an ideal and practical choice for any local looking for an outdoor escape.

Camp Sherwood Forest, as part of Cuivre River State Park, offers a wide array of services and amenities designed to cater to a diverse range of campers and visitors:

• Diverse Campsites: The park provides a variety of camping options within its two campgrounds, including RV sites (with 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups), tent sites (both electric and non-electric), and backpack camping sites for a more rustic experience. There are 31 full hookup sites, 28 electric-only, and 51 non-hookup sites, with gravel or grass surfaces.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Clean, heated restrooms and hot showers are available year-round, ensuring comfort for campers in all seasons.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is provided for RV and trailer waste disposal.
• Water Spigots: Non-site specific water spigots are available for drinking water.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring or grill, perfect for outdoor meals and campfires.
• Swimming Facilities: A large swimming pool and a splash pad are available, particularly popular with families and children, offering a refreshing way to cool off during warmer months. Note that the pool typically operates from late May to early August.
• Playground: A dedicated playground area provides entertainment for younger campers.
• Boat Ramp: Access to Lake Lincoln via a boat ramp is available for boating and canoeing activities.
• Fishing: Opportunities for fishing are available in Sugar Creek and the 55-acre Lake Lincoln.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities are typically available, a significant convenience for longer stays.
• Visitor Center/Park Office: Knowledgeable staff are available to assist with check-ins, provide maps, local information, and answer any questions.
• Organized Group Camps: The park features large, historic group camps (Cuivre, Derricotte, and Sherwood Forest) with cabins, dining lodges, and recreation halls, available for rent by schools, churches, families, and other organized groups.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in designated areas and campsites, provided they are kept on a leash.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office or campground host sites.

Camp Sherwood Forest and Cuivre River State Park are rich with features and highlights that make them a compelling destination for Missourians:

• Historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Structures: The park is a living testament to the CCC's work during the New Deal era, with many restored stone and timber structures still in use today, including recreation halls, dining lodges, and cabins. Camp Sherwood Forest itself is a prime example of a traditional New Deal group camp.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 35 miles of trails are available for hiking, backpacking, biking, and equestrian use, winding through diverse landscapes of rugged hills, glades, and woodlands. Trails like Big Sugar Creek Trail, Blackhawk Point Trail, and Lakeside Trail offer varied lengths and difficulties.
• Lake Lincoln: A 55-acre lake perfect for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking). The beach area provides a great spot for families to relax by the water.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere & Events: The park is known for its welcoming environment for families, and it often hosts engaging events. As highlighted by a reviewer, "Halloween in August" or similar themed weekends where RVs are decorated create a festive and memorable experience for all ages.
• Scenic Natural Beauty: Cuivre River State Park is part of the Lincoln Hills region, characterized by unique rugged topography, rich woodlands, limestone glades, and sinkhole ponds, providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities.
• Wildlife and Birdwatching: The diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, including various bird species, making it an excellent spot for nature observation and birdwatching.
• Group Camping Opportunities: The historic group camps, including Sherwood Forest, offer a unique opportunity for large groups to stay together, complete with dedicated facilities.
• Visitor Center & Interpretive Programs: The park's visitor center offers exhibits on the natural and cultural history, and seasonal interpretive programs provide educational opportunities for all ages.
• Natural Areas & Wild Areas: The park encompasses significant natural areas like Lincoln Hills Natural Area and designated wild areas like Big Sugar Creek and Northwoods, protecting unique ecosystems.

While Missouri State Parks, including Camp Sherwood Forest, don't typically offer seasonal "promotions" in the traditional commercial sense, there are several value-added programs and considerations that make a stay here very appealing for locals:

• Missouri State Parks Annual Pass: For frequent visitors to Missouri State Parks, an annual park pass can provide significant savings on daily entrance fees, though Cuivre River State Park generally does not have an entrance fee. However, the "Camper Award Program" can incentivize repeat visits.
• Affordable Rates: Compared to private campgrounds or other lodging options, the daily rates for campsites at Missouri State Parks are generally quite affordable, providing excellent value for access to well-maintained facilities and abundant recreational opportunities. Daily rates range from $12.00 to $36.00 depending on site type and time of year.
• Group Camp Reservations: For larger groups, reserving one of the historic CCC group camps like Sherwood Forest offers a unique and cost-effective solution for reunions, retreats, or youth programs. These can be reserved up to 11 months in advance with a $50 deposit.
• Seasonal Themed Weekends: While not a discount, the park's tradition of hosting fun, engaging events like "Halloween in August" (as mentioned by a reviewer) adds immense value to a stay without additional cost, creating memorable experiences for families.
• Online Reservations: Using the Missouri State Parks reservation system (typically via mostateparks.com or through Recreation.gov) allows campers to secure their preferred sites and rates in advance, avoiding disappointment and potential last-minute rate fluctuations.

For specific inquiries about current rates, seasonal availability, or details on group camp reservations, it's always best to consult the official Missouri State Parks website or contact the park office directly.

For direct inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Camp Sherwood Forest within Cuivre River State Park, please use the following contact information:

Address: Camp Sherwood Dr, Troy, MO 63379, USA (This leads to Cuivre River State Park)

Park Office Phone: (636) 528-7247 (This is the primary contact for Cuivre River State Park, which oversees Camp Sherwood Forest)

Toll-Free Reservations (General Missouri State Parks): 1-877-422-6766

It is highly recommended to visit the official Missouri State Parks website (mostateparks.com) for the most up-to-date information on camping reservations, park hours, seasonal amenities (like pool operation dates), and any special event schedules. For campsite reservations, the online system is generally the most efficient method.

Camp Sherwood Forest, as an integral part of Cuivre River State Park, is an ideal destination for locals in Missouri, offering an accessible and enriching outdoor experience. Its location near Troy makes it a convenient drive for many across the state, particularly from the St. Louis area, allowing for quick weekend getaways or longer family vacations without extensive travel.

The park's diverse camping options, ranging from full hookup RV sites to rustic tent camping and historic group cabins, cater to every style of outdoor enthusiast. The abundance of activities, from splashing in the pool and splash pad to exploring miles of hiking and biking trails, ensures there's something for every age and interest. The unique historical significance of the CCC-built structures adds an educational and architectural dimension, making a visit more than just a camping trip.

Furthermore, the vibrant community atmosphere, often enhanced by themed weekends and friendly park staff, creates a welcoming and engaging environment where families can truly connect and create lasting memories. For Missourians seeking a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a touch of historical charm, Camp Sherwood Forest at Cuivre River State Park offers an affordable, well-maintained, and genuinely enjoyable escape right here in our own backyard. It’s a place where outdoor adventure and family fun come together seamlessly.