Camp Sherwood Forest

For organizations, schools, churches, and large families in Missouri looking for a unique and expansive group camping experience, Camp Sherwood Forest, nestled within the beautiful Cuivre River State Park, offers a compelling option. This isn't your typical individual family campsite; rather, it's a historic group camp designed to accommodate large gatherings, providing a structured yet rustic environment for shared adventures. With its Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era origins, Camp Sherwood Forest carries a rich history, providing a distinct atmosphere for any large group looking to connect with nature and each other.

Camp Sherwood Forest is primarily a facility rented by organized groups, making it an ideal choice for youth camps, retreats, and large family reunions. While some visitors acknowledge that the facilities reflect their historical roots and might not be "upgraded" to modern luxury standards, this rustic charm is part of its appeal. The focus here is on communal living, outdoor activities, and the shared experience that only a dedicated group camp can provide. Reviewers consistently praise the park staff for their dedication to ensuring "everything is in working order," highlighting a commitment to guest satisfaction despite the camp's vintage. It’s a place where tradition meets the tranquility of a Missouri State Park, offering a special setting for building memories.

Camp Sherwood Forest is located at Camp Sherwood Dr, Troy, MO 63379, USA. This places it directly within the expansive Cuivre River State Park in Lincoln County, northeast of Troy, Missouri. The camp is not a standalone commercial campground, but rather one of three historic organized group camps (alongside Camp Cuivre and Camp Derricotte) situated within the state park's vast acreage. This setting provides groups with immediate access to all the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Cuivre River State Park has to offer, from its varied landscapes to its extensive trail system and Lake Lincoln.

Accessibility to Camp Sherwood Forest, given its location within a large state park, is generally straightforward. The park itself is accessible from major roadways leading into Troy, Missouri, such as State Route 147. While the internal park roads, including those leading to the group camps, might be more rustic and winding, they are typically navigable for buses and larger vehicles bringing groups. The very nature of a group camp means it's designed to handle multiple vehicles and people efficiently, even if the individual structures retain an older charm. Its location within Cuivre River State Park means groups have easy access to the park's main office for assistance and resources, and the overall peaceful setting ensures a true escape from urban noise, while still being within a reasonable driving distance for many communities in the greater St. Louis area and surrounding Missouri regions.

Camp Sherwood Forest, as an organized group camp, offers a unique set of services tailored for large gatherings rather than individual campers. These services leverage the historic infrastructure of the camp to provide a comprehensive experience.

• Group Cabin Rentals: The camp consists of multiple cabins designed for dormitory-style lodging, ideal for housing large numbers of campers. These are original CCC-built structures, offering a rustic overnight experience.
• Dining Lodge: A central dining hall is typically available, equipped to serve meals for large groups. This facilitates communal eating and bonding experiences.
• Recreation Areas: The camp includes dedicated areas for recreational activities, which might range from open fields for games to covered shelters.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Centralized restroom and shower facilities are provided to serve the group cabins. While they may be basic, park staff aim to ensure they are in working order.
• Infirmary: Historically, group camps like Sherwood Forest included an infirmary, indicating a provision for basic first aid or medical needs for large groups.
• Access to Park Amenities: Renting Camp Sherwood Forest grants groups access to the broader amenities of Cuivre River State Park, including:
  • Hiking Trails: Miles of trails for various skill levels.
  • Lake Lincoln: Opportunities for swimming (at the beach), boating, and fishing.
  • Cuivre River Access: For floating activities.
  • Natural Environment: The expansive park setting provides a backdrop for nature exploration and outdoor education.
• Park Staff Support: As noted by reviewers, park staff are actively involved in ensuring the camp's facilities are functional and that groups have a positive experience.

Camp Sherwood Forest offers distinct features and highlights that make it a notable choice for large organized groups seeking an immersive outdoor experience in Missouri.

• Historic CCC Construction: A significant highlight is its origin as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built camp from the 1930s. This gives the camp a unique historical character and rustic charm, with many original buildings and structures still in use.
• Ideal for Large Groups: Specifically designed to accommodate large numbers of people (with a maximum capacity of 190 and a minimum of 75), making it perfect for summer camps, school trips, church retreats, and large family reunions.
• Dedicated Facilities for Group Living: The layout includes multiple cabins, a central dining lodge, and recreation areas, fostering a sense of community and facilitating organized activities.
• Immersive Natural Setting: Located within the expansive Cuivre River State Park, groups have direct access to a diverse natural landscape, including forests, grasslands, bluffs, and waterways, offering a true outdoor adventure.
• Access to Varied Park Activities: Beyond the camp itself, groups can utilize the park's extensive trail system for hiking and backpacking, enjoy Lake Lincoln for swimming and boating, and explore the Cuivre River for floating.
• Supportive Park Staff: Reviews highlight that park staff are dedicated and do their "best to make sure everything is in working order," providing valuable support to groups during their stay.
• "Sleep Away Camp" Suitability: The camp's structure and facilities are well-suited for traditional sleep-away camp programs, offering a safe and engaging environment for youth.
• Secluded Environment: While within a state park, the group camp's specific location often provides a sense of seclusion, allowing groups to focus on their activities without external distractions.

For inquiries regarding reservations for Camp Sherwood Forest or other group camps within Cuivre River State Park, please use the following contact information. Please note that group camp reservations are handled directly by the park office.

Address: Camp Sherwood Dr, Troy, MO 63379, USA

Phone: (636) 528-7247

Mobile Phone: +1 636-528-7247

It is recommended to call the park office directly or visit the Missouri State Parks website for detailed information on group camp applications, availability, and rates, as arrangements often need to be made well in advance.

For locals across Missouri, Camp Sherwood Forest presents an invaluable resource for organized group activities. If you're part of a school, church, scout troop, or any large organization seeking a dedicated facility for an overnight camp, retreat, or large family gathering, this historic camp offers a unique and functional setting. Its ability to accommodate a significant number of people, combined with access to the diverse recreational opportunities of Cuivre River State Park, makes it an excellent choice for fostering team-building, outdoor education, and shared experiences.

While the facilities retain a classic, rustic feel consistent with their 1930s origins, this contributes to the authentic outdoor camp experience. The dedicated park staff are committed to ensuring your group's stay is well-supported and enjoyable. For Missourians, having such a large, historic group camp within a state park provides an accessible and affordable option for large-scale outdoor programs, allowing generations to connect with nature and each other in a truly special environment.

Camp Sherwood Forest

Camp Sherwood Dr, Troy, MO 63379, USA