Primitive Campgrounds

Primitive campgrounds offer no amenities, but they explore a variety of natural landscapes.

Courtesy of Wil Marischen

 

What Is a "Primitive" Campground?

Primitive campgrounds are remote camping areas with no amenities. Because of this, they are free and non-reservable throughout the year. Campers can enjoy secluded sites along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. A list of primitive campgrounds can be found below.

These campgrounds are often far off the beaten path. Many are found at the end of gravel roads, requiring high vehicle clearance and a good sense of direction to find. Of course, this means they are far from stores, bathrooms, and (usually) cell signal. Be sure to bring all needed supplies, including toiletries and a trowel for burying human waste.

 

Primitive Campgrounds

These locations are scattered throughout the riverways. Be sure to consult locally-produced maps for directions, as online maps may be inaccurate. Some campgrounds are labelled as "Cluster" sites, while all others are "Standard" sites. For occupancy limits of each site, visit our camping regulations page.

Upper Current

• Parker
• Akers West (Cluster)
• Banks (Cluster)
• Lipps Hole
• Moyer Bluff (Cluster)
• Boyd's Creek
• Wide
• Grassy
• Bee Bluff
• Twin Rocks
• Sutton Creek (Cluster)

Jacks Fork

• Bluff View
• Flat Rock
• Buffington
• Counts
• Effie Smith
• Roscoe

Middle Current

• Martin Bluff
• Martin Landing
• Goose Bay
• Ozark Trail
• Roberts Field
• Beal

Lower Current

• Lost Man Ridge (Cluster)
  • Located near Cave Spring, west of Hunter
• Panther (Cluster)

 

Primitive Camping Rules and Regulations

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

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

Though primitive campgrounds are available free-of-charge, occupancy is limited the same as in developed or backcountry campgrounds.

Camping stays are limited to 14 days in a 30-day period (in the same campground). Said period commences the date the site is occupied. All camping equipment, including vehicles, must be removed from the camping area at the end of such 14-day period.

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 Regulations

Primitive campgrounds have nearly identical rules to backcountry or developed campgrounds. Be sure to visit our camping regulations page for a rundown on quiet hours, generators, and more.

 

Related Pages

• 

  Camping Information

  Learn about camping in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways

• 

  Gravel Bar Camping

  Immerse yourself in the riverways by camping on a gravel bar!

• 

  Ozark Trail Camping

  Experience tranquil camping along the Ozark Trail!