ScoutsBSA - Fall Camp-O-Ree
Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis, Illinois
October 16th - 18th, 2026
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The 2026 Southern Illinois Fall Camp-O-Ree will be held in conjunction with the 2026 Annual Fort Massac Encampment. The encampment is a vivid reenactment of 18th-century life, featuring military drills, mock battles, and period demonstrations. Scouts will have the opportunity to camp onsite at the State Park Venue while also exploring authentic encampments, experiencing traditional music, and more during the event on the 17th and 18th of October.
In addition to the encampment festivities, we will also have an event patch that units can pre-order (delivered after the event is completed).
This is the first return to the encampment for our Camp-O-Ree in several years, and while some regional units are regular attendees, we know that some of you will be experiencing this event for the first time. Please use the Q/A below to learn more about the event, camping information, and more.
Southern Illinois Scouting is coordinating with our volunteer team to have a campground host on-site to help reserve camping space in the community group camping area at Fort Massac State Park.
While camping is encouraged, day-event participation is available for units that want to participate in the encampment only.
What does this event cost?
What does this event cost?
Encampment Day Activities: The encampment grounds and related activities are free of charge. (See more below for encampment day activities)
Camping is usually ~$2 per night per camper.
Camping will be paid onsite by each unit to the campground event staff; they will come around on Saturday, much like they do for the regular state park camping.
Event Patch: We will be producing a patch for the event; this will be sold on a pre-order basis and delivered after the event is complete. Patch designs and ordering instructions will be distributed at roundtable and posted to the district social media pages. The patch is available to all attending units.
Beyond that... no additional charges for this Camp-O-Ree.
*** There will not be a Blackpug Registration process for this event ***
How Does Camping Work?
How Does Camping Work?
Units should plan to arrive Friday evening for camping. The event has a group camping area, camp-o-ree style, where units will be able to set up their home for the weekend. Space is on a first-come-first serve basis, BUT we are coordinating a Scouting Camp Host for the weekend to aid with space reservations and site welcomes.
A pre-event sign-up form will be circulated to all units, so we know how much space will be needed.
About the Encampment
About the Encampment
From the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:
METROPOLIS - The popular Fort Massac Encampment, which has drawn thousands of visitors to southern Illinois every fall for 50 years, will return to Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis Oct. 18 and 19.
Since 1974, the encampment festival has provided visitors with a chance to experience what life was like at Fort Massac during the 18th and early 19th centuries. The fort served as a frontier outpost along the Ohio River for personnel from France, Britain, and the early years of the United States from 1757 to 1814.
Event times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. The Fort Massac Encampment is hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by the Greater Metropolis Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Hundreds of military reenactors and other participants wearing period clothing will present the roles of explorers, traders, settlers, and soldiers on the early Illinois frontier. The encampment features an opening "Posting of the Colours" ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Both afternoons, mock military battles and tactical demonstrations will be performed by reenactors on the Fort Massac grounds beginning at 3 p.m. A military retreat ceremony will close the event at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Family and children's activities, musical entertainment, and period craft makers demonstrating blacksmithing, basket-making, weaving, and other skills will be staged throughout the encampment grounds.
Religious Services
Religious Services
Religious services are commonly held as part of the encampment event at 9:00 am on Sunday.
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