Shippey Camporee Field

For those of us in Missouri who understand the unique spirit of outdoor gatherings, particularly within the Scouting community, Shippey Camporee Field stands out as a foundational location. Nestled within the vast and versatile Beaumont Scout Reservation in High Ridge, MO, this camporee field is more than just an open space; it's a dedicated venue for large-scale events, troop camping, and the creation of enduring memories. It's the kind of place where hundreds gather, where teamwork is paramount, and where the energy of collective outdoor adventure truly comes alive.

Shippey Camporee Field embodies the essence of "camporee" – a large, open area designed to accommodate numerous units for camping, skill demonstrations, and various outdoor programs. Reviews from recent events, such as the "2025 Spring Conclave," highlight its continued use as a vibrant hub for significant regional gatherings. As part of the extensive Beaumont Scout Reservation, Shippey offers a blend of natural open space with essential facilities, making it highly functional for events that require ample room for tents, activities, and communal interaction.

This article will explore what makes Shippey Camporee Field an excellent choice for Missouri locals, especially those involved in Scouting or organizing large outdoor group events. We'll delve into its strategic location, the practical services it provides for large numbers, and the key features that contribute to its success as a premier camporee destination. From the shared experiences of a spring conclave to the general good times had, Shippey Camporee Field consistently delivers a robust and memorable outdoor experience right here in our beloved Missouri.

Shippey Camporee Field is strategically located in High Ridge, MO 63049, USA, specifically as one of the key camporee fields within the extensive Beaumont Scout Reservation. This location is a significant asset for Missourians, offering highly convenient access for a large portion of the state's population, particularly those in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding regions. High Ridge itself is situated just southwest of St. Louis, making the journey to the camporee field relatively short and straightforward for many.

For scout units, families, and organizers traveling from St. Louis, the drive is typically less than an hour, allowing for efficient arrival and departure, which is crucial for large events. The camporee field's placement within the well-established Beaumont Scout Reservation means it benefits from robust infrastructure and a managed natural environment. This includes well-maintained access roads within the reservation leading to the field, making it accessible for vehicles transporting equipment and personnel, even for large-scale events.

While Shippey Camporee Field provides a vast open space for gathering, its location within the larger reservation also means proximity to other facilities and the overall natural beauty of Beaumont's 2,400 wooded acres. This balance of expansive open fields for events and the surrounding natural woodlands offers diverse opportunities for outdoor activities. The ease of access from major population centers ensures that Shippey Camporee Field remains a practical and popular choice for significant outdoor gatherings and training programs for Missouri's youth and adult leaders.

Shippey Camporee Field, as a dedicated area within the Beaumont Scout Reservation, provides essential services tailored for large-group camping and events. While it is primarily an open field, its integration into the reservation's infrastructure ensures fundamental amenities are available to support comprehensive programs. Based on the public information regarding Beaumont's camporee fields, the following services are typically offered:

• Large Open Camping Area: Shippey is one of several "camporee fields" designed for accommodating numerous tents and units during large events like conclaves and weekend camps. This expansive space is crucial for managing large groups efficiently.
• Water Facilities: "Water and latrine facilities are found in each area," including the camporee fields. This means access to potable water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. While specific details like spigot type or number may vary, the provision of water is a standard service.
• Latrine Facilities: Each camporee field, including Shippey, is equipped with latrine facilities. These are typically outdoor pit toilets, providing basic, necessary sanitation for large groups in a field setting.
• Designated Fire Areas: Although not explicitly stated for Shippey, general Beaumont policies dictate that "fires should be built in a cleared area and put out all fires with water," implying designated or commonly used areas for campfires, often with instructions against digging holes. Use of only dead wood is standard.
• Trash Disposal: Campers are expected to "bag all unburnables and bring them to the dumpster," indicating a system for waste management to maintain cleanliness across the large field.
• On-Site Ranger/Staff Oversight: All units are required to "check in and out of camp with either the Camp Director or Camp Ranger on duty." This provides essential on-site support, guidance, and emergency response for large gatherings.
• Parking Access: While driving directly into the field is generally prohibited to preserve the ground, designated gravel parking areas are available nearby for vehicles, ensuring accessibility for transporting gear to the camporee field.
• Event Infrastructure Support (Implied): For large events like the "Spring Conclave," the reservation's staff likely provides additional support, such as power for specific event needs, program setup assistance, and coordination for activities across the field.
• Access to Broader Reservation Amenities: Campers at Shippey also benefit from the potential to access other facilities within Beaumont Scout Reservation, such as shower houses (like the Cub World Shower House seasonally) or program areas, depending on the event schedule and reservation type.

Shippey Camporee Field, as a significant component of the Beaumont Scout Reservation, offers several key features and highlights that make it particularly well-suited for large-scale outdoor events and group camping, especially within the context of Scouting. These attributes contribute to its reputation as an effective and memorable venue:

• Large, Flexible Open Space: As a "Camporee field," Shippey provides ample open space capable of accommodating hundreds of tents and numerous activities simultaneously. This flexibility is crucial for large-scale events like conclaves, allowing for diverse program stations, patrol areas, and communal gathering points.
• Proven Track Record for Major Events: The mention of it being used for the "2025 Spring Conclave" highlights its consistent use and proven capability as a venue for significant regional Scouting events, demonstrating its reliability and suitability for large gatherings.
• Integrated into a Comprehensive Reservation: Being part of the Beaumont Scout Reservation means Shippey benefits from the overall infrastructure and management of a 2,400-acre property. This includes professional staff, safety protocols, and access to additional specialized program areas (e.g., shooting ranges, climbing towers, hiking trails) that can complement activities held on the field itself.
• Essential Basic Amenities: The provision of "water and latrine facilities" directly within the field areas addresses fundamental camping needs for large groups, making multi-day events feasible and more comfortable.
• Horse Program Interaction (Potential): The humorous but noteworthy mention to "watch for horse puckey" indicates the field's proximity or shared space with areas related to the horse program at Nagel Explorer Base, which is part of Beaumont. This can be a unique highlight, adding to the rustic, active feel of the location and potentially offering additional experiences for campers.
• Emphasis on Traditional Scouting: Camporee fields are central to traditional Scouting experiences, encouraging patrol-based camping, outdoor skill demonstrations, and large-group fellowship. Shippey supports this ethos perfectly.
• Accessibility and Centrality: For the Greater St. Louis Area Council and surrounding districts, Shippey's location within Beaumont makes it a central and easily accessible point for participants from across the region to gather.

For information regarding Shippey Camporee Field, including reservations and inquiries, it is essential to note that it is part of the larger Beaumont Scout Reservation. Therefore, all contact and booking procedures are typically managed through the reservation's central office. The provided address is for the overall reservation:

• Address: High Ridge, MO 63049, USA (within the Beaumont Scout Reservation)

While a direct phone number specific to "Shippey Camporee Field" may not be separately published, you can generally reach the Beaumont Scout Reservation's main contact for all inquiries regarding their facilities, including camporee fields. Publicly available information for the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, or the Beaumont Scout Reservation's official website will provide the most up-to-date and accurate contact details, including phone numbers for their Camping Department or main office. For instance, common contact numbers for the overall reservation facilities are often in the (636) or (314) area codes, though it's always best to verify directly.

It is always recommended to consult the official website or call the main reservation office well in advance, especially when planning large events, to inquire about availability, specific reservation procedures, capacity limits, and any unique requirements for using the camporee fields.

Shippey Camporee Field is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in Missouri, particularly for the Scouting community and other organizations planning large-scale outdoor events. Its core value proposition lies in its unique ability to host significant gatherings within a well-managed, expansive natural environment, easily accessible from across the state, especially the St. Louis metropolitan area.

For Missourians, Shippey offers a dedicated space where hundreds can come together for shared outdoor experiences, fostering community, learning, and personal growth. The fact that it regularly hosts major events like the Spring Conclave speaks to its proven capacity and the reliability of the facilities and management within Beaumont Scout Reservation. This means organizers can confidently plan events knowing the venue can accommodate their needs, from ample camping space to essential water and latrine facilities.

Beyond the practicalities, Shippey Camporee Field provides a quintessential outdoor setting that aligns with Missouri's rich tradition of natural recreation. It's a place where youth can develop vital outdoor skills, participate in team-building activities, and forge lasting friendships under the wide-open sky. The humor about "horse puckey" even hints at the genuine, rustic charm that many locals appreciate in their outdoor adventures. For any Missourian seeking a robust, large-group friendly, and authentically outdoorsy venue for their next big event or multi-unit campout, Shippey Camporee Field stands as a top-tier choice, offering a true taste of Missouri's diverse and welcoming outdoor spirit.

Shippey Camporee Field

High Ridge, MO 63049, USA