Gravel Bar Camping

Gravel bar camping is one of the best ways to experience the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.

Courtesy of Wil Marischen

 

How Does It Work?

Visitors who are floating (or boating) may pull off the river and camp on gravel bars. It does not require a fee or reservation! Campers just have to follow our camping rules and regulations, which are outlined below. With proper planning, campers can enjoy natural beauty along the riverways year-round.

 

Gravel Bar Camping Rules and Regulations

The following is a summary of rules and regulations from the Superintendent's Compendium. It is your responsibility to understand and follow these rules while camping in the park.

Approved Camping Locations

• Gravel bar camping is only allowed on National Park Service-owned land.
• Locations must be at least 300 yards away from any Developed Campground or Backcountry Campground.
• Locations must be at least 100 feet from other gravel bar camping groups.
• Camping within 50 feet of river access points, landings, or cave mouths is prohibited.
• Camping inside caves is also prohibited. Bats and other wildlife are highly susceptible to disturbance by humans.

Human Waste Disposal

Where a restroom is not available, human waste must be buried at least 6 inches underground, a minimum of 100 feet from any body of water, trail, or other developed facility.

Maximum Stay

Camping is limited to a five-day occupancy of a given site. After that point, campers must take down their camp and move to another location. Extended camping on gravel bars causes increased impact through human waste, social trails, and more.

Fires

Lighting or maintaining fires is only allowed under rules outlined in the superintendent's compendium. A summary can be found below:

• Utilize "Leave No Trace" practices for a small fire.
• Burning of tires, metal, aluminum, plastic, glass, or any other type of hazardous material is prohibited. Please do not attempt to burn human waste.
• During periods of elevated fire danger, open fires may be restricted or prohibited.
• Fires are prohibited in caves and within 50 feet of cave mouths.
• Fires are prohibited within 50 feet of designated river accesses/landings, except during gigging season.
• Campfires and cook-fires must be extinguished and free of litter before any site is left unattended.
• Burn all wood to ash and ensure fire is extinguished by soaking with water. Never leave a fire burning/smoldering.

To maintain the scenic nature of the riverways, please break apart any manmade fire rings and scatter ashes/coals. Scatter unused wood as close to its original location as possible.

Other Restrictions

As always, visitors must follow all park rules and regulations while camping on gravel bars. Otherwise, be sure to follow all posted signs. For example, there is no camping at Welch Hospital.

 

Tips for Gravel Bar Camping

Apart from following rules and regulations, these tips will help you plan for your float trip.

Pack Appropriately

Be sure to have enough food and water for your trip. Water refill stations are few and far between. If you're floating for multiple days, consider buying a water filtration system. 

Likewise, pack equipment for a variety of weather conditions. Rainfall can happen unexpectedly. Temperatures can drop off sharply at night, and wind can bring chilly breezes off the water. Prevent hypothermia; always bring more layers than you need.

Use Dry Bags

Keep your clothes, food, and valuables safe: use a dry bag for anything you do not want to get wet. Rainfall can happen unexpectedly, and capsizing is always possible.

Every year, countless keys, phones, wallets, jewelry, and pairs of glasses are lost/damaged in the river. Strong currents and deep pools can make recovery of valuables impossible.

Know Local Conditions

Check the local weather forecast and river levels. Rivers are safer when they are near or below average levels.

Be Aware of Fast Rising Waters

Weather varies throughout the year. Be aware of potential flash flooding conditions, and always plan an escape route when camping. 

File an Itinerary

Send your plans to a trusted family member or friend. Include your route, planned stops, vehicle description, and expected start or end times.

Know Your Limits

Know the limits of your own body and equipment. Floating with heavy camping gear can be more challenging than usual. Plan a reasonable distance for each day of your trip, and be prepared to self-rescue in case of an emergency.

 

Related Pages

• 

  River Safety

  Learn about safe floating on the riverways!

• 

  Camping Information

  Learn about camping in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways

• 

  River Regulations

  Keep yourself and others safe by following the rules of the river!