Camp Garwood

For Missouri locals seeking a unique and spiritually enriching retreat experience, Camp Garwood, officially known as the South Missouri Baptist Assembly (SMBA), in Van Buren, MO, offers an exceptional opportunity. More than just a traditional campground, Camp Garwood is a dedicated Christ-centered facility nestled in the beautiful Ozark Foothills, overlooking the scenic Current River and bordering the expansive Mark Twain National Forest. It serves as a vibrant hub for summer camps, church retreats, and conferences, providing a peaceful and supportive environment for groups of all sizes to connect, grow, and rejuvenate.

Since its inception, Camp Garwood has been committed to fostering spiritual development and community fellowship. Testimonials from past attendees consistently highlight the transformative experiences had at the camp, often leading to profound spiritual moments. The dedicated staff and the Harper family, who are frequently praised by visitors, play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere. With extensive facilities designed to accommodate both large gatherings and smaller, more intimate groups, Camp Garwood provides comfortable lodging, ample dining capacity, and a variety of recreational opportunities. It’s a place where faith is nurtured, friendships are strengthened, and the beauty of Missouri’s natural landscape provides a perfect backdrop for reflection and fun.

Camp Garwood is strategically located at Co Rd 558, Van Buren, MO 63965, USA. This address places it within Carter County, in the stunning Ozark region of Southeast Missouri. Its position is particularly advantageous, as it directly overlooks the beautiful Current River, a popular destination for floating, fishing, and scenic enjoyment, and borders the vast Mark Twain National Forest, offering endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.

While providing a sense of peaceful seclusion, Camp Garwood remains accessible for groups traveling from various parts of Missouri. Van Buren is a well-known community in the region, and access to the camp via County Road 558 is generally straightforward. The camp’s official mailing address is P.O. Box 513, Van Buren, MO 63965, with a delivery address of 1404 Carter Route D, Van Buren, MO 63965, which may provide more precise navigation depending on the mapping system used. This convenient location allows local church groups, youth organizations, and families to easily reach the camp, facilitating smooth arrivals for retreats and summer programs. The proximity to the Current River also enhances its accessibility for recreational activities, as campers can quickly access one of Missouri's most cherished natural waterways.

Services Offered:

• Group Accommodations: Facilities are designed to host large and small groups, with a substantial sleeping and dining capacity.
• Variety of Lodging: Offers diverse lodging options, including large dormitories, smaller rooms, and cabins, all equipped with heat and air conditioning for comfort.
• Dining Hall: A large dining hall is available for group meals.
• Full Kitchen Facilities: The dining hall includes a full-size oven and a huge microwave with several cooking options, suitable for groups managing their own meal preparation or catered events.
• Chapel: A dedicated space for worship services and spiritual gatherings.
• Indoor Meeting Areas: Various indoor spaces are available for meetings, conferences, and group activities.
• Outdoor Meeting Areas: Designated outdoor spaces for gatherings and events, leveraging the camp's natural setting.
• Swimming Pool: A swimming pool is on-site for recreational use and cooling off during warmer months.
• Basketball Court: Facilities for playing basketball.
• Volleyball Court: Courts available for volleyball.
• Large Playing Field: An expansive field for various outdoor games and activities.
• Game Room: An indoor space offering entertainment options.
• RV Hook-ups: While not explicitly detailed, SMBA's role as a camp suggests the possibility of RV hookups for visiting staff or specific group needs (it's recommended to confirm directly).
• Spiritual Programming: The core service is providing a Christ-centered setting for spiritual growth, with gospel proclamation, worship, and Bible study.
• Catering Options: While groups can manage their own food, the large dining hall and kitchen facilities imply support for catered events or meal preparation assistance for larger groups.
• Customized Retreats: The camp aims to work with groups to tailor experiences to their specific needs.

Features / Highlights:

• Christ-Centered Environment: The primary highlight is its strong focus on providing a spiritual, Christ-centered setting, with a clear mission to facilitate learning about God and fostering faith, as evidenced by powerful testimonials.
• Scenic Riverside Location: Overlooking the beautiful Current River and bordering Mark Twain National Forest, the camp offers a truly picturesque and serene natural environment ideal for reflection and outdoor activities.
• Accommodating Facilities: Despite its focus, the camp provides practical amenities such as heat and air conditioning in lodging, ensuring comfort for guests.
• Versatile Group Hosting: Capable of accommodating a wide range of groups, from youth summer camps with hundreds of attendees to smaller, more intimate retreats like quilting groups.
• Dedicated Staff and Leadership: The "Harper family" and other staff members are consistently praised for being welcoming, kind, and instrumental in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere.
• Diverse Recreational Opportunities: Beyond spiritual activities, guests can enjoy a swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, a large playing field, and a game room, providing balanced engagement.
• Proximity to Outdoor Adventures: Its location near the Current River and Mark Twain National Forest means easy access to river activities (floating, fishing) and forest exploration (hiking, nature walks).
• Focus on Spiritual Growth: Emphasizes opportunities for personal spiritual breakthroughs, as highlighted by a camper's testimony of getting "saved at camp."
• Community and Fellowship: The structure of the camp, with shared dining and meeting areas, naturally fosters a sense of community and fellowship among attendees.
• Year-Round Potential (Spring-Fall Operation): While primarily a "summer camp," its facilities with climate control make it suitable for spring and fall retreats and conferences as well.

Contact Information:

Camp Garwood (South Missouri Baptist Assembly)

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 513, Van Buren, MO 63965

Delivery Address: 1404 Carter Route D, Van Buren, MO 63965

Physical Address (for GPS reference): Co Rd 558, Van Buren, MO 63965, USA

Phone: (573) 380-7806

Mobile Phone: +1 573-380-7806

Email: campgarwood@gmail.com (as found on their official website)

Website: For comprehensive information, registration details, specific camp themes, and to explore their facilities in depth, visitors are encouraged to visit their official website: smbacamp.com (South Missouri Baptist Assembly). For direct inquiries about booking, availability, or any specific needs for your group, contacting them via phone or email is highly recommended. The friendly staff and leadership will be able to assist you with all planning aspects for your spiritual retreat or group event.

For Missouri locals, Camp Garwood (South Missouri Baptist Assembly) in Van Buren offers an extraordinarily suitable and meaningful destination, particularly for those seeking a Christ-centered environment for spiritual growth and community building. Its location in the stunning Ozark Foothills, overlooking the Current River, provides a serene and inspiring backdrop that is easily accessible from many parts of the state, minimizing travel burdens for groups and families.

What truly makes Camp Garwood ideal for local Missourians is its specialized focus on retreats and camps that foster faith and fellowship. The heartfelt testimonials from individuals who have experienced profound spiritual moments there, including personal transformations, speak volumes about the impactful environment the camp provides. This spiritual emphasis, combined with the welcoming nature of the staff and the Harper family, creates a supportive and nurturing atmosphere that resonates deeply with those seeking a deeper connection to their faith and community.

Beyond its spiritual core, the camp also offers a comprehensive array of facilities, including comfortable lodging, ample dining spaces, and diverse recreational activities such as a swimming pool, sports courts, and access to hiking trails and river activities. This ensures that groups of all ages and interests can enjoy a balanced experience of reflection, learning, and fun. For Missouri's churches, youth groups, and faith-based organizations, Camp Garwood is not just a venue; it's a dedicated partner in providing enriching, memorable, and spiritually uplifting experiences right in their home state.

Camp Garwood

Co Rd 558, Van Buren, MO 63965, USA