Primitive Campgrounds - Ozark National Scenic Riverways

[DaveB]

Can anyone recommend any first hand knowledge on the primitive campgrounds in the ONSR? We've camped at all the bigger campgrounds and are looking to try some of the smaller ones.

Most specifically, we're looking at Gooseneck and Log Yard, but any details anyone can provide on any of these would be great...

http://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/camping.htm#primitive

* Cedargrove

* Bay Creek

* Rymers

* Gooseneck (formerly Hawes)

* Shawnee Creek

* Big Tree

* Sinking Creek

* Cedar Spring

* Grubbs

* Hickory

* Keatons

* Log Yard

[jdmidwest]

Cedargrove is fields and bottoms with a pit toilet above and below the low water bridge. I think most camp above the bridge except during the busy season when they camp out in the field below. The bridges is the boundary between the trophy water and the put and take water. I have been by a few of the others but have never paid them much attention. I assume they are like the other NFS sites, pit toilet above high water line and a few clearings with firepits.

[Gavin]

I've been to Cedar Grove, Parker, Rymers, and Bay Creek..Cant say that I'd want to stay at any of them because of all the drive through and horse traffic... Might be fine if you have a gear guard, but I'd be very reluctant to leave my camp unattended in those areas. Best spots are located in areas that are only accessable by long walk or by boat. Cheers.

[FishinCricket]

There's a catch-22 problems here. The biggest attraction of a primitive camping area is to get away from the crowds, party people, boom boxes and barking dogs of organized camping areas. To publicize them here would ruin them. The best ones are those few people know exist, so the best way to find them is the old fashioned way.

That's a real fine attitude there, Ron... We've had this type of discussion and debate ad nauseum on this forum before... If we're all tight lipped and secretive here then there's very little to talk about. I won't rail on off topic here, but my point is:

You seem like a friendly fella, but you're comment here is a bit off schedule and has been proffered up by others before.. You can start a thread about it if you like (or find one of those old ones), but this here thread is asking about info on primitive campgrounds so your comment is pretty well the opposite of the intention of the thread. (see how that works? Sorry if I sound like a jerk, but someone had to point it out to you sometime)

Have a good day!! :smile_and_wave:

[snagged in outlet 3]

The post Ron replied to is from 2008.

If you want to keep it secret, don't bring it up again in 2012.

Oh yeah, Smile and Wave.

SIO3