Fort McHenry Campsite

For families and youth organizations across Missouri, seeking an immersive and character-building outdoor experience, Fort McHenry Campsite stands as a cornerstone within the renowned H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, MO. This isn't a public campground in the typical sense; rather, it is a dedicated and thoughtfully designed campsite specifically for Scouts BSA, nestled within the larger Camp Piercing Arrow. Fort McHenry Campsite is tailored to provide a foundational outdoor education, blending rustic living with essential modern safety and sanitation improvements.

The H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation is known for offering one of the most comprehensive and impactful Scout camping experiences in the nation. Fort McHenry Campsite embodies this spirit, providing a structured yet adventurous environment where young people can learn vital outdoor skills, develop leadership, and foster a deep appreciation for nature. From its unique canvas tent accommodations to its enhanced safety features, Fort McHenry Campsite is committed to delivering a memorable and secure experience for every Scout and leader, making it an invaluable resource for local Missouri Scouting troops. It's a place where traditional camping values meet necessary contemporary upgrades to ensure a fulfilling and safe adventure.

Fort McHenry Campsite is located within the expansive H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation at 5525 NE Scout Camp Road, Osceola, MO 64776, USA. This prominent address places it in the scenic Osage Hills of Missouri, offering a truly rural and natural setting that is ideal for outdoor education and youth development. While it feels wonderfully secluded and immersed in nature, the reservation is still within a reasonable driving distance for many parts of Missouri, making it accessible for Scout troops from across the state.

The H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation itself is a significant landmark, encompassing 4,200 acres. Fort McHenry Campsite is specifically part of Camp Piercing Arrow, one of three main camps within the reservation (alongside Lone Star and Sawmill). The journey to the campsite involves navigating roads within the reservation, which are maintained to facilitate access for vehicles transporting campers and gear. While visitors should expect a rural drive, the destination offers an unparalleled environment for youth programs. It's important for visitors and Scout leaders to be aware of the specific internal directions to Fort McHenry within the larger Camp Piercing Arrow.

• Wooden Platform Canvas Tents: A defining feature of Fort McHenry Campsite is its provision of wooden platform canvas tents. These offer a classic and durable camping experience, providing shelter and a raised sleeping surface for Scouts, enhancing comfort and protection from ground elements.

• New Chemical Toilets: The campsite is equipped with new chemical toilets, ensuring improved sanitation and hygiene for all campers. This is a significant upgrade that contributes to the overall cleanliness and comfort of the outdoor living experience.

• FEMA Storm Shelter: A critical safety feature at Fort McHenry Campsite is the presence of a new FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) storm shelter. This provides a designated, secure location for campers and staff during severe weather events, prioritizing safety in unpredictable outdoor conditions.

• Covered Pavilion: Adjacent to the storm shelter, there is a covered pavilion. This communal space offers protection from sun and rain, serving as an excellent gathering spot for meals, lessons, activities, and social interaction within the campsite.

• Access to Wider Camp Facilities: As part of Camp Piercing Arrow within the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, campers at Fort McHenry also benefit from access to the broader facilities of the reservation, which can include central dining halls, program areas, and health lodges. (Specific direct access to all amenities from Fort McHenry itself would be determined by camp programming and proximity).

• Dedicated Scout Environment: Fort McHenry Campsite is designed exclusively for Scouts BSA, fostering an environment where youth can focus on learning, growth, and camaraderie without distractions from public camping activities. This specialized focus ensures programs are tailored to their needs.

• Enhanced Safety Infrastructure: The inclusion of a new FEMA storm shelter significantly enhances safety protocols, providing peace of mind for parents and leaders during summer storm seasons. This commitment to safety is a top priority.

• Comfortable Tent Living: The wooden platform canvas tents offer a significant upgrade from traditional ground tents, providing better insulation, stability, and a more comfortable sleeping arrangement, especially during longer camp sessions.

• Modernized Sanitation: The integration of new chemical toilets demonstrates a commitment to modern sanitation practices, improving the overall health and comfort of the camping experience for all participants.

• Program-Ready Design: The campsite’s layout, including the covered pavilion, is conducive to running various Scout programs, from merit badge instruction to group activities and leadership development exercises.

• Immersive Natural Setting: Located in the picturesque Osage Hills, Fort McHenry Campsite provides an authentic natural backdrop for outdoor education, allowing Scouts to connect with Missouri’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

• Part of a Premier Scout Reservation: Being a component of the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation means access to extensive program offerings and resources that are characteristic of one of the nation's most respected Scout camps, including a vast array of merit badge opportunities, waterfront activities on Truman Lake, climbing, and nature programs.

As Fort McHenry Campsite is an integral part of the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, all inquiries and contact should be directed through the main reservation channels.

Address: 5525 NE Scout Camp Road, Osceola, MO 64776, USA

For general inquiries, reservations (especially for groups or off-season camping), or specific questions regarding facilities like Fort McHenry Campsite, it is best to contact the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America, which operates the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation.

A key contact number for the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation is (417) 646-8115. This number can typically connect you with the camp ranger or administrative staff who can provide specific details regarding Fort McHenry Campsite, its availability, and any necessary information for planning a Scout trip. For non-emergency inquiries, you may also find more information on the Heart of America Council's official website (hoac-bsa.org/bartle), which often includes program guides, contact forms, and reservation portals.

For Missouri locals involved in Scouts BSA, Fort McHenry Campsite at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation is not just a destination; it's a vital part of youth development and outdoor education. Its unique design, featuring wooden platform canvas tents, new chemical toilets, and a crucial FEMA storm shelter, reflects a thoughtful approach to providing a safe, comfortable, and authentic camping experience. This blend of traditional Scouting elements with modern improvements makes it an ideal environment for young Missourians to build essential skills, foster resilience, and create lifelong memories.

The specialized nature of Fort McHenry Campsite, catering exclusively to Scouts, ensures that programs and facilities are perfectly aligned with the goals of Scouting: leadership development, character building, and outdoor appreciation. For parents and leaders across Missouri, the proximity and dedicated infrastructure of Bartle, and specifically Fort McHenry, offer unparalleled convenience and peace of mind. It allows local troops to easily access a premier outdoor setting that is committed to the values and safety of their youth members. By choosing Fort McHenry Campsite, Missouri families and Scout troops are choosing a proven path to fostering self-reliance, teamwork, and a deep connection to the natural wonders of their home state, right in the heart of the Ozarks.