S bar F Scout Ranch

For more than 50 years, S bar F Ranch has been providing the ultimate in Scouting experiences. One of the foremost Boy Scout facilities in America, The Ranch features 5,200 wooded acres including Nim’s Lake, a 270-acre swimming, boating, and fishing facility at the heart of the property. Scenic Little St. Francis River runs throughout the entire property.

Click here for photos of S bar F Scout Ranch

S bar F interior roads (Map)
Camp Famous Eagle (Map)
Camp Gamble (Map)
Camp Sakima (Map)

Swift Base (map), one of the primary summer camp facilities used by Venturers and Explorers, is also located at S bar F Ranch.

Reservations

All reservations for S bar F Scout Ranch and facilities are made through the online camp reservation portal. Rangers cannot make reservations.

S bar F Scout Ranch
Highway 67
Knob Lick, MO 63651
(South of Farmington and North of Fredericktown on Hwy 67)

Map to S bar F Scout Ranch

Ranger Station phone:
573-756-5738
Rangers:
Rich Panosh and Matt Unterreiner

Year-Round Camping

Year-round camping is available to troops, crews, and posts. In addition to the lodging options below, a camporee area and outpost trail camps are also available along Three Notch Trail. Use of these units is free. Camporee areas are equipped with water pumps and outdoor pit toilet facilities.

Three Notch Trail Map

Dining Halls
S bar F has two dining halls on property. A brand new 16,000 square-foot dining facility was built at Famous Eagle in 2015. The building features seating for up to 300 people, commercial kitchen equipment, audio visual capabilities, and indoor toilets.

Swift High Adventure Base also has a dining hall.

Cabins
Scout Lodge and Wenzel Lodge offer bunk beds. Each cabin sleeps a total of 34. Both have a refrigerator, stove, and dry sink and are heated by a woodstove. Water pumps and pit toilet facilities are located near each lodge. Scouting units must provide their own firewood and cooking gear.

Londe Adirondack Village
Here, Scouts can discover the world of adirondack camping. These unique shelters have three sides and use a fireplace placed near the opening for warmth. The village includes five adirondack shelters, a pavilion, and latrine facilities.

Swift Lodge (available August-May)
The Swift Base lodge is heated and has bunk arrangements for 35. A wood-burning fireplace, indoor water, full kitchen, showers, and bathrooms with flush toilet facilities are all included. Scouting units provide their own cooking gear and firewood.

Tree Houses
The Tree Houses at S bar F are the perfect spot for your unit to overlook beautiful Nims Lake. Five tree houses are available for use. Four of the houses contain eight bunks each. The fifth house, usually reserved for adult campers, is equipped with electricity and features six bunks. Total capacity for all five tree houses is 38. An outdoor fire pit, grill, water pump, and pit toilet facilities are available. Scouting units provide their own cooking gear and firewood.

Tipis
Five authentic tipis are available to units whose leaders have participated in the proper instruction. Scouts get to put their skills to the test erecting and camping in these Native American structures.

Webelos Camping

S bar F offers a Webelos pavilion and camping area for year-round use. This area is equipped with water pumps and outdoor pit toilet facilities.

Webelos dens are welcome to use the cabins or Londe Adirondack Village from April through September.

Programs

Three Notch Trail
This 21-mile trail consists of two circular loops and a cutoff all completely within the boundaries of The Ranch. Units can choose to hike one or both loops. Upon completing the hike, Scouts may obtain a patch Scouts to celebrate their achievement.

Three Notch is a great backpacking trail and the perfect training warm-up for Philmont. This trail is rated for Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers. It is not recommended for Cub Scouts or Webelos. NOTE: During high-water conditions on the Little St. Francois River, sections of this trail are not accessible. Trail maps are available at any council service center.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling
Experience the thrill of high adventure on the cliffs of Freedom, Ranger Falls, Collarbone, or Baby Snake. Scouts learn the ups and downs of safe rock climbing and rappelling while building new levels of confidence and overcoming uneasiness of heights. Campsites are available cliff-top along the Little St. Francis River or near Castle Rock.

Scouting units must provide their own trained rock-climbing instructors. Climbing equipment is available for a fee.

Shooting Sports
The Eagle Range provides units with trap & skeet shooting facilities. Archery and rifle ranges are also available on the property.

Challenge Course
This outstanding high- and low-challenge course is available year-round for troops, crews, and posts with trained leadership. It involves a series of outdoor tasks—beginning with basic group initiative games and progressing to more advanced low-course and high-course activities. Participants climb, swing, balance, jump, and think their way through a variety of physical challenges. These events put teamwork, as well as individual skills and agility, to the test.

Camping facilities are available at the course site.

Canoes
Canoes are available from April through October for troops, crews, and posts. Every participant must be a swimmer and wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times. Thirty canoes are available. If fishing, all participants 16-64 years of age must possess a valid Missouri State Fishing License.

Fishing
Whether Scouts are casting from the shore or trolling from a boat, Nims Lake offers miles of excellent fishing right in the heart of S bar F Ranch. Units are welcome to use their own boats.

See boating and fishing rules below.