Camping On The Jacks Fork?

[Chris Gates]

This is my first post on the forum, I've been lurking for a while and like the site. This late spring I am planning on taking my oldest boy on a float trip down the Jack's Fork. I would like to do an overnight on the river. What is the camping situation? Do you pull over and camp anywhere along the river or are there designated campgrounds for overnights along the way? Any help would be appreciated.

[eric1978]

There are some, though not many official campsites up on the higher stretches. But it's gravel bar galore, and as long as there's no threat of major rain, I always camp where ever I fancy on Jack's Fork, and there's plenty of spots to pick from. You won't have a problem finding a campsite at normal water levels. Great stream. Have fun.

[Gavin]

Camp anywhere you want. I like the Prong's to Rymers, or Buck Hollow (Hwy 17) to Rymers for an overnighter. The river gets a bit wider and slower below Rymers. There are plenty of gravel bars to pick from and lots of nice sandy flat spots in the woods just off the river.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Do you want to float somewhere on the upper JF? Basically the Prongs to Alley Spring. The lower is from Alley to Two Rivers (Current River). How far do you want to float in one day? Lots of fishing or just floating and enjoying the scenery?

Do you need an outfitter to rent you a canoe and shuttle you, or do you have your own canoe (or kayaks?).

My experience is plenty of big fish from Shawnee Creek down to Two Rivers... if fishing you're thing.

The 18" limit on the upper JF I hope is working. Scenery is the best in the state for a float IMO.

Check out a map online. The upper spots not to miss are Jam Up Cave and as far as a place to camp... the gravel bar across from Chalk Bluff is absolutely beautiful. Fun to watch the bats at dusk.

Holler if you need advise or help, I'm friends with a couple of people down there.

KC

[Chris Gates]

Thanks guys, I will be floating somewhere on the upper. I will rent a canoe, I don't have a canoe, just a drift boat and that is too big for that river I'm sure. I appreciate everyone's advice.

[eric1978]

  On 1/14/2010 at 4:04 AM, Chris Gates said:

Thanks guys, I will be floating somewhere on the upper. I will rent a canoe, I don't have a canoe, just a drift boat and that is too big for that river I'm sure. I appreciate everyone's advice.

In late spring you might actually be able to get away with a drift boat as long as we had normal spring rainfall and you were really good at maneuvering it, but a canoe would be more ideal. If the water isn't up for some reason, expect some dragging even in the canoe.

[Gavin]

If your doing the upper..250cfs on the Buck Hollow guage is a good float level if you want to do the Prongs...If your starting at Buck Hollow (17 bridge) 150-200cfs is good..I've floated Buck to Bay at 100cfs and falling before but I did lots of dragging. As for Hazards...There is a bridge culvert just below the Prongs, that could be interesting at high water, a couple ledges to run, and lots of submerged rocks to watch out for. Have fun.

[Chris Gates]

Thanks again, you guys are a wealth of info. I Like the Current River Icecicle avatar Gavin.