Our S bar F Scout Ranch is one of the premier Scouting facilities in the United States. The Ranch's 5,200 acres include the 270-acre Nims Lake with the Little St. Francis River running through the property. The entrance to the Ranch is right on MO State Highway 67 just south of Knob Lick at the St. Francois and Madison county lines. It is about 12 miles south of Farmington and very easy to find.

Summer Camp
The Ranch is one of the largest Scout reservations in America. Three Scout camps are available: Camp Sakima, Camp Famous Eagle, and Camp Gamble. The John S. Swift Explorer Base is one of only a very few summer camp facilities dedicated to Venturers and Explorers in the BSA. Dad & Lad, and Mom & Me programs are held for Cub Scouts and their parents during the summer.  Detailed information for any of these programs is found elsewhere on this website.

Cabins
Scout Lodge and Wenzel Lodge are year-round camping facilities available to Scout troops, Venture crews, and Explorer posts.  Webelos dens may use these cabins from April through September. Each of these cabins have bunks for 34, refrigerator, stove, and dry sink. They are heated by woodstove. Water and latrines are outside. You provide your own firewood and cooking gear.

Londe Adirondack Village
This beautiful camping area has five adirondacks, a pavilion, and latrine.  Each adirondack has bunks for four.  An adirondack is a three-sided shelter with a fireplace out front for reflective warmth. Available year-round for troops, crews, and posts; Webelos dens may use from April through September.

Swift Lodge
The Lodge at our Swift Base is available for off-season rental by crews, posts, and troops. This heated lodge has bunks for 35, indoor water, bathrooms, showers, and a full kitchen.  It also has a beautiful fireplace.  You provide your cooking gear, and firewood.

Camping
Year-round camping is available to troops, crews and posts in the camporee area and at outpost trail camps along the Three Notch Trail. We have a Webelos pavilion and camping area also.  Scout units camp free. The camporee and Webelos area have latrines and water.

Three Notch Trail
This 21 mile trail consisting of two circular loops and a cutoff is totally within the boundaries of the Ranch. You can hike one or both loops.  It is a great backpacking trail and tune-up for Philmont. It has a beautiful patch. Maps may be secured from our Council Service Centers. This trail is rated for Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers. It is not recommended for Cub Scouts or Webelos. Beware that sections of this trail are not accessible during high water conditions on the Little St. Francois River.

Tree Houses
Available year-round for troops, crews, and posts; we have five tree houses overlooking beautiful Nim's Lake at the overlook. Each of four tree houses have eight bunks.  The fifth tree house has electric and six bunks and is usually reserved for the adults. Total capacity is 38. This is the perfect spot to base your units' fishing weekend from. A firepit grill, year-round water and latrine are availble.  You provide your own firewood and cooking gear.

Canoes
Canoes are available from April through October for troops, crews, and posts. All participants must be swimmers and wear PFDs at all times. Thirty canoes are available. So schedule your unit's fishing event right away. Those 16-64 years of age must possess a valid MO State Fishing License.


Nims Lake Boating and Fishing Regulations:

• Safety Afloat Guidelines are required for boating.
• A reservation must be made at the Council service center.
• Pay special attention to the Rule of Four. All persons between the ages of 16 and 64 must possess a current state license for fishing.
• Nims Lake 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 (PFD) at all times.
• Live minnows are not allowed.
• Electric trolling motors only - no gas engines.
• 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.
• All other camp rules are in effect.
• Violators will be asked to leave the property.

Tipis
Five authentic tipis are available to troops, crews, and posts whose leaders have gone through the instruction.  Scouts learn and use skills to erect and strike these native structures.  What a great weekend to spend it in a tipi. Leader training is available a number of times during the year.  See the Duffel Bag for dates and details.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling
Available year-round to troops, crews, and posts on the bluffs of the Little St. Francis River. Your unit must provide trained leadership. We provide the site and the equipment.

Challenge Course
Our outstanding high and low challenge course is available year-round for troops, crews, and posts with trained leadership. Camping is available at the course site.

Reservations
All reservations to use the S bar F Ranch and its facilities are made through one of our Council Scout Service Centers.  Our rangers cannot make reservations.

S bar F Scout Ranch
Highway 67
Knob Lick, MO 63651

Rangers Station phone: (573) 756-5738