Locust Campsite

For those in Missouri with a passion for the outdoors, especially those connected to Scouting or seeking a robust wilderness experience, Locust Campsite at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola offers a unique and memorable opportunity. Located on an Unnamed Road in Osceola, MO 64776, this isn't your typical public campground. It’s part of a renowned, expansive Scout Reservation, celebrated for its rich history and comprehensive outdoor programming.

H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation spans a massive 4,200 acres in the scenic Osage hills of Missouri, providing a vast natural playground. While it's primarily known as the ultimate summer camp experience for Boy Scouts, hosting thousands of Scouts and leaders each year, it also extends its camping opportunities to groups during the off-season. This dual functionality means that even outside of the bustling summer camp sessions, the spirit of outdoor adventure and learning thrives.

Locust Campsite, as part of this larger reservation, benefits from the extensive infrastructure and natural beauty that H. Roe Bartle offers. The reviews highlight its suitability as a "great boy scout summer camp" and a "great place to spend summer camp," emphasizing its core purpose. While direct details about "Locust Campsite" itself are limited in the provided reviews, its inclusion within the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation context suggests a rustic, yet purposeful camping experience, likely focused on group activities and outdoor skill development.

Visitors can expect an environment designed for outdoor education and adventure. The reservation boasts a wide array of activities, from various shooting sports (archery, black powder, long-range rifle) to nature exploration (Lookout Point, Osage Wilderness Trail), and a multitude of water sports on Truman Lake (sailing, skiing). Climbing enthusiasts can challenge themselves on climbing towers, mock ice walls, or COPE courses. These facilities, while primarily geared towards Scout programming, speak to the overall capability and resources of the reservation that a campsite like Locust would be part of.

The reservation is structured with a strong emphasis on character development and leadership, epitomized by its premier leadership program, Micosay. This commitment to values and growth permeates the camp's atmosphere, creating a purposeful environment even for general camping. Housing for some programs is in cabins with electricity, offering a more comfortable option for certain events, though traditional camping at sites like Locust would likely involve tenting or more rustic accommodations.

It's important for prospective campers to understand that H. Roe Bartle is a vast property, consisting of three main camps: Lone Star, Sawmill, and Piercing Arrow. While Locust Campsite is listed under the general Osceola address, its precise location within this large reservation would determine the specific amenities and immediate surroundings. The reviews mention a need for tree and limb thinning, indicating a wilder, more natural setting that requires ongoing maintenance, which is typical for such a large, wooded property.

Overall, Locust Campsite at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation offers a compelling option for those in Missouri seeking an immersive outdoor experience. Whether for organized youth groups, Scout troops, or potentially other community groups in the off-season, its reputation as a well-established and activity-rich environment makes it a notable destination for genuine wilderness camping and adventure in the heart of the state.

Locust Campsite is located at Unnamed Road, Osceola, MO 64776, USA. This address places it within the expansive H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, which is situated near Osceola, Missouri. Osceola is the county seat of St. Clair County, a rural area in west-central Missouri.

The fact that the address is an "Unnamed Road" suggests that Locust Campsite is an internal site within the vast 4,200-acre H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. Access to the reservation itself is typically via well-defined roads. The main address for the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation is 5525 NE Scout Camp Rd, Osceola, MO 64776. Visitors would likely follow directions to the main reservation entrance and then navigate internal camp roads to reach Locust Campsite. Access details from Kansas City indicate using Highway 13 South to Highway C, then turning through Iconium, MO, to reach NE Scout Camp Road.

Being part of such a large reservation means that while the specific campsite might be somewhat secluded, the overall property is designed to accommodate numerous visitors and activities. The mention of "4,200 acres in the Osage hills" implies a natural, wooded setting, which can mean gravel or unpaved roads within the camp. The review mentioning the need for "trees and limbs thinned out" further reinforces a rustic and heavily wooded environment.

For those traveling to the area, Osceola, while a small town, would offer basic services like gas, limited dining, and perhaps a small general store. Larger amenities, such as major grocery stores or extensive retail, would likely be found in nearby larger towns like Clinton (approximately 30 minutes away, which has a Walmart) or Springfield to the south.

The location offers a genuine wilderness feel, away from urban sprawl, perfect for traditional camping and outdoor activities. While public transport might not be a feasible option, the roads leading to the reservation are generally navigable by vehicles. Visitors should be prepared for a secluded natural setting once inside the reservation, emphasizing self-sufficiency typical of a scout camp environment.

Given that Locust Campsite is part of the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, the services available would be those generally offered by the reservation, particularly to groups or in an off-season context:

• Campsites: Designated areas for camping, likely for tents and potentially small RVs, though specific amenities at Locust Campsite aren't detailed beyond being a "campsite."
• Off-Season Camping: The reservation explicitly offers opportunities for camping outside of its primary summer camp season.
• Cabins with Electricity (for some programs): While not specifically for Locust Campsite, cabins are available elsewhere on the reservation for certain events, providing an alternative to tent camping.
• Bunks and Mattress Pads (in cabins): Provided in cabin accommodations, though campers need to bring their own bedding.
• Shared Facilities: Likely access to shared bathroom facilities (though not specified for Locust Campsite, clean bathrooms are implied by the nature of such a large camp).
• Water Access: While not specified for Locust Campsite directly, the reservation has significant water access including Truman Lake for water sports.
• Outdoor Program Areas: Access to various activity areas across the reservation, including ranges for archery/shooting, climbing towers, and nature trails.
• Emergency Services: Emergency contact numbers are provided for the reservation.
• Laundry Facilities: Available on-site within the broader reservation.
• Trading Post: A store for purchasing camp merchandise and snack food items is available on the reservation.
• Internet WiFi: Available in the Dining Hall and some classroom areas within the reservation.
• Cellular Coverage: Available throughout the camp property.

• Part of H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation: Benefits from being part of a large, well-established 4,200-acre Scout Reservation known for its extensive outdoor programming.
• Dedicated for Scouting and Youth Groups: Primarily designed for Boy Scout summer camps, offering a structured and activity-rich environment.
• Off-Season Camping Opportunities: Available for groups to camp outside of the main summer camp schedule.
• Extensive Outdoor Activities: Access to a wide range of activities across the reservation including shooting sports, nature trails, water sports on Truman Lake, and climbing programs.
• Focus on Outdoor Skills and Education: The camp's core mission revolves around developing outdoor skills and leadership.
• Rustic Wilderness Setting: Immersed in the Osage hills, offering a true wilderness experience.
• Large Property: 4,200 acres provides ample space for exploration and various activities.
• On-site Amenities (Reservation-wide): Includes laundry facilities, a trading post, and WiFi in communal areas.

As Locust Campsite is part of the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, which is primarily a youth summer camp and off-season group camping facility, traditional "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense are not typically advertised. Pricing for summer camp sessions for Scouts and leaders is usually set annually by the Heart of America Council, with tiered rates for early registration.

For off-season camping, which is what would apply to groups outside of the summer camp schedule, reservations are usually made directly through the Heart of America Council's "Off Season Camping" portal. Instead of promotional discounts, the pricing would likely be based on:

• Per-person or Per-unit Rates: Depending on the size of the group or the type of unit (e.g., Scout Troop, Pack).
• Duration of Stay: Rates might vary for weekend stays versus longer periods.
• Facility Type: Prices would differ for rustic campsites like Locust versus cabin rentals (if available for off-season use at other parts of the reservation).

Specific details on off-season rates and how to make reservations can be found on the Heart of America Council's website for H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, usually under an "Off Season Camping" section. They offer online reservation links and direct contact information for their Camp Ranger. For example, their website mentions contact information for the Camp Ranger, BJ Straw, at 417-646-8115 or robert.straw@scouting.org for information about making reservations.

Prospective campers in Missouri should contact the Heart of America Council directly to inquire about availability and pricing for Locust Campsite or other areas within H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for off-season use. This will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to book and any associated costs.

Address: Unnamed Road, Osceola, MO 64776, USA (This refers to Locust Campsite's internal location within the larger reservation.)

For inquiries regarding H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, including off-season camping at Locust Campsite, the primary contact information for the overall reservation is:

Main Reservation Address: 5525 NE Scout Camp Rd, Osceola, MO 64776-9000

Phone: (417) 646-8115 (H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation main office)

Fax: (417) 646-2446

Email: robert.straw@scouting.org (Camp Ranger, for off-season reservations)

For Missouri residents, particularly those with a background in or interest in Scouting, youth programs, or robust outdoor adventures, Locust Campsite at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola offers a highly suitable and deeply enriching experience. This vast 4,200-acre property is more than just a campground; it’s a living monument to outdoor education and character development, providing an unparalleled environment for group camping and skill-building right within the heart of Missouri.

The primary suitability for locals lies in its specialized nature. If you're part of a Boy Scout troop, a youth group, or any organization seeking a comprehensive outdoor program, H. Roe Bartle is designed precisely for that purpose. Its extensive facilities, including ranges for shooting sports, climbing programs, and vast natural areas for hiking and water activities on Truman Lake, provide a rich curriculum for learning and adventure that few other places can match. For Missouri families involved in Scouting, it's a foundational experience that builds character and outdoor proficiency close to home.

Beyond the structured summer camp sessions, the availability of off-season camping at sites like Locust provides flexibility for local groups to utilize these exceptional grounds. This allows for weekend trips, leadership training, or specialized outdoor events that benefit from the reservation's established infrastructure and wilderness setting. While the campsites might be rustic, the underlying support of a large, well-organized Scout Council ensures a certain level of essential services and safety protocols, even in a primitive environment.

For Missouri residents who value immersive nature experiences and believe in the benefits of challenging outdoor activities, Locust Campsite at Bartle provides a genuine wilderness escape. It’s a place where young people (and their leaders) can truly disconnect from urban distractions, hone practical skills, and forge strong bonds amidst the natural beauty of the Osage hills. The logistical convenience of being located within Missouri also reduces travel time and costs for local groups, making it an accessible and recurring option for their outdoor programming needs. This makes it an invaluable resource for fostering the next generation of outdoor leaders and enthusiasts in the state.