A support pole system for supporting articles above the ground or earth includes a support pole formed from at least two elongated pole sections that are movably coupled together so that the pole sections can be moved relative to one another between collapsed and extended positions to shorten and lengthen the support pole. An article head piece is coupled to an upper end of the support pole for attaching articles to the support pole. A base assembly couples to the lower end of the support pole and has a stake configured for insertion into the ground or earth for supporting the support pole in an upright position. The stake has projecting members that engage the ground or earth when the stake is inserted therein to prevent rotation of the stake about the longitudinal axis of the stake. A cross member is positioned at an upper end of the stake to form a footrest to facilitate insertion of the stake into the ground or earth.