Little Niangua Question

[Jeff_L]

Can you camp riverside on the Little Niangua at Fiery Fork Conservation area (or on any conservation area riverside)? I know that most conservation areas have "designated" camp sites; I also know that you can generally camp within the high water mark on any navigable Missouri stream. It seems like you should be able to camp within the high water mark at a conservation area. I've already called conservation headquarters and they weren't helpful ("I think you have to follow the regulations at each area.." "But what if the regulations conflict with Missouri law on use of public streams?" silence...."You should call the general manager of the conservation area.").

[Wayne SW/MO]

This might help. You'll notice a map link on the left side for more information.http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=8103&txtAreaNm=fiery%20fork&txtCounty=&txtRegion=&txtUserID=guest&txtDivision=

[fishinwrench]

Yes you can pitch camp (riverside gravel bar) at Fiery Fork, but I dunno why you'd want to. The designated camping areas are a way better option and "close enough" to the river IMO.

There's plenty of good (Better) camping gravel bars up or down river outside of the CA.

[Jeff_L]

I haven't yet been to Fiery Fork (I've looked at Google earth and the map, and read reviews), but I prefer to be right on the river when I camp, as opposed to gravel pad. It appears there is one site very close to the river, though, which might work. Normally, I'm floating and would choose a gravel bar away from any roads, but this is going to be a drive in camping trip with several small kids. Meaning, more gear than I normally have and not much help moving it, so I would prefer to be able to pull my truck up next to wherever I will camp. It is supposed to be hot, so the closer to water the better.

Also, how busy is the access gravel bar at Fiery Ford? With the kids, I'd prefer to be camping alone. Thanks for everyone's responses, very helpful.

[fishinwrench]

I haven't been to FF since late April but typically after extended low flow periods it will be kinda slimey and gross with algae on that stretch.

If your kids are a little on the timid side they'll probably not enjoy that area much, it's kinda snakey and there IS a fair share of cottonmouths on the LN, so watch your step.

It's considerably cleaner (prettier) further upstream.

During the weekend you'll have plenty of company as the local hillfolk pull down to drink beer, shoot bottle rockets and scream and cuss at their kids.

And after an afternoon of being within sight of them you'll probably be screaming and cussing at them too.

[Jeff_L]

Well, that sounds...not good. I would rather go to a prettier part of the stream, but where can I car camp? Is Mule Shoe a better alternative? Thanks!

[GloryDaze]

I just happened to stop by FF about 2 weeks ago- the gravel bar access looks extremely used (meaning a ton of tire marks, quite a bit of trash and it looks like some 4 wheeling may have gone on. The river is extremely low and that section did not look very appealing to me as I was there.

If memory serves me correctly, Mule Shoe was nothing to write home about- Seems that I remember a bridge right there and the water was about 2 feet deep and river was about 5 feet wide.

[Jeff_L]

Glory, I sent you a direct message, curious to hear any ideas you have. Thanks.

[Wayne SW/MO]

There are a couple of private campgrounds on the Lil Niangua. I don't know the cost or anything about the water, but maybe someone can enlighten you about them?

[podum]

^{you can trust Wrench on these matters}