Advice Needed/welcome

[SamC489]

A few buddies and I would love it if the forum could answer a few questions:

Can you physically camp at Baptist Camp? We have been there a few times, and usually put in at Baptist and get to Ashley Creek for our first night of camping, eventually taking out at Akers after 3 nights total, but may run into some time constraints that will allow us to get to Baptist just around dark, so camping at Baptist may be necessary. We wont need much outstide of a fire pit and some flat grassy areas to pitch a tent.

Also, if we put in on our second morning (after presumedly camping at Baptist on night one), and wanted to take out on day four around noon, would Baptist to Welch work? Keep in mind that we would like to do copious amounts of fishing. I thought that camping at Baptist on night one, before Parker on night two, just after Cedar on night three, and hitting Welch around noon on day four may be doable?

Should we just concentrate on fishing and take out at Cedar?

I am aware of the regs, we all fly fish, but also may want to get into the white ribbon if we are having a tough time. Also, one of my buddys has built a crawfish trap and is dying to try it out. I am unaware of the crawfish habits, (if that even exists) and the likelihood of finding more on any one section of the river.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Gene K]

Camping at Baptist is not allowed per park rules, or at least there's a sign at Baptist that says no camping.. But as you probably know, there's a few spots not far down stream from Baptist where you could setup camp. I have never tried to trap crawfish, but there's plenty of them in the river. However, occasionally I'll go below cedar and catch stonerollers in a trap - very easy to do.

[Gavin]

No Camping at Baptist. If the moon is bright...I'd load the boats at Baptist and night float/walk in to the first gravel bar....or you could haul it upstream of the access and camp in the woods above the access...No camping at Welch...but you can leave a vehicle, put in, or haul out there. Its a steep dirt/gravel ramp...and kinda hidden...make sure your lead floater knows what he's looking for.

[jdmidwest]

There are a few gravel bars only 2 holes down from Baptist that are used as campsites, but none at the access. There is a road as you go down the hill on the left that leads to a spot across from the first gravel bar campsite that is a spot for campers also. But you need a 4wd and expect to scratch some paint. I have seen campers there, even a popup. But I really can't swear that it is a legal camp. Horse riders use it.

You should not have any problem making Baptist to Cedargrove in one day, Cedar to Akers the second day and still get in plenty of fishing with normal water. But, I really don't know how low that part is now. It may be rough pulling in the low water.

[SamC489]

Very helpful; thanks guys.