Just camping - best choice

[Mark]

If a couple fellas were just wanting to camp a couple nights on the Jacks Fork and do some wade fishing and hiking, what would be the best choice - Buck Hollow, Rhymers, Bay Creek, or Alley Springs?

Thinking of doing this over Easter weekend, and I am aware that water levels may narrow my choices or even eliminate camping on the Jacks Fork, and I have a pretty good idea on what is a good water level from readings on here and following the gauges online. Based on current river levels, let's assume the river will be at optimal spring levels or maybe slightly above = 100-300 cfs. We would go somewhere else if water is high. Water level now at Buck Hollow is 300 cfs, which I believe is about the max for optimal floating and fishing. Rain between now and Easter will be deciding factor. Guessing 100-300 cfs at Buck Hollow would be great for this trip, with 300 cfs being about the upper limit, and too early in spring for it to drop below 100 cfs.

Just not familiar with campgrounds and wondering if one of them would be more conducive to wade fishing. I am considering a short float, but my buddy isn't real big on floating and has just as good of time with some wade fishing and hiking. I am fine with that, too. I'm thinking Rhymers since I visited it once and really liked the spot. Alley Springs may have a few more people than we care to camp with, not familiar with Bay Creek, and don't remember much about what Buck Hollow campground was like from my one time tour of the area.

Thanks in advance

[countryred]

We have a place pretty close to Buck Hollow and I don't remember much camping there. Rymers looks ok, Blue Spring to me looks even better. Alley Spring is a nice place.

[Mark]

Thanks hope the weather cooperates

[moguy1973]

Alley has some good wade fishing opportunities me its a nice campground.

[countryred]

Lots of water there now, but depending on more rains, should go down fast.

[Gavin]

Best choice is to rent a canoe and get away from the access points. Plenty of rentals down there and it's the best way to cover water and see the sights.

[Mark]

Would definitely bring my canoe. Unfortunately, looks like going to be a wet week this week. Expect rivers to be high for Easter break.

[Mark]

Bumping this up. Heading down next week for several days. Setting up base camp at one of accesses on upper JF. Right now it looks like Rymer. Although we will float one day, mostly want to wade fish from camp. Looking for advice on which access offers best wading - Rymers, Buck Hollow,or Salvation Army camps.. River at 500cfs today but was down to 280cfs before last Sat rain, so I expect it to be back down by next week.

[Gavin]

Don't think I'd want to camp at Buck Hollow since its right by Highway 17. Would check the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Facebook page to see what is open and what is not. Several facilities, campgrounds, and access points are still closed. They are pretty good with updates.

 

[Mark]

Rymers, Buck Hollow, and Alley Springs open. Gavin, I've only went sight seeing once at all JF accesses. You seem pretty familiar. River is at 500 cfs now but was at 280 before Sat. rain. Nothing major in near future so I expect it to be back under 300cfs by next week. Do you think we can wade a good ways upstream and downstream at Rymers? Or do you have a better choice? My buddy isn't big on spending all day in a canoe, so we want some place to wade.