NPS Photo / Wil Marischen How Does It Work?The Ozark Trail is a 430 mile route crossing through the hills and hollows of Missouri. In our park, hikers can camp along the Ozark Trail throughout the year, without a fee or reservation! Campers just have to follow our camping rules and regulations, a few of which are highlighted below. By following these rules and tips, you can help keep the Ozarks wild for everyone. Ozark Trail Camping Rules and RegulationsThe 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. Remember that these are rules for trail camping within Ozark National Scenic Riverways. For Ozark Trail regulations outside of park boundaries, be sure to visit the Ozark Trail website.
Campers are required to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. These practices help reduce disturbance to plants and animals, which in turn reduces disturbance from wildlife along the trail. The seven key principles are as follows:
For details on how and why to implement these practices, visit the Leave No Trace website. 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. Camping is limited to a two night occupancy of any given site. After that point, campers must take down their camp and move to another location. Extended camping causes increased impact through human waste, social trails, and more. Lighting or maintaining fires is only allowed under rules outlined in the superintendent's compendium. A summary can be found below:
To maintain the scenic nature of the riverways, please scatter unused wood as close to its original location as possible. As always, visitors must follow all park rules and regulations while camping in the park. Otherwise, be sure to follow all posted signs. Related Pages
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Last updated: November 4, 2024