Al and others: Primitive camping Qs

[Mark]

Looking for alternative since flooding has destroyed accesses to some of your usual rivers. Never been on the Black River. What we like to do is set up base camp on a gravel bar for 4-5 days, and wade fish and take short floats throughout the day. Noticed on the maps there are a few accesses located off county roads. I'm thinking we could find a gravel bar a hundred yards upstream or downstream from the access, and set up base camp. Is this plan possible or are we likely to get hassled by landowners? Is all the land private or is there sections public? I realize there is a campground at Hwy K, we want to get away from crowds.  I also realize that a on a lot of rivers, private landowners may not mind floaters camping for a night along the way on their private property, and move on the next day. I'm just wondering if we can get away with setting up camp for 4-5 nights somewhere??? 

[Gavin]

Not many spots that are out of sight of someone's property or a private campground on the Black, and it gets crowded. Usually stay at Rivers Edge when we visit and we only go during the week. Not sure how the flood affected that area.

 

 

 

 

[MOsmallies]

Before memorial day you don't have to worry about big crowds. I've stayed at Parks Bluff Campground this time of year and we have been the only ones or maybe just a few other folks. If you go during the week the chances of you guys being the only ones are much greater. Lots of good wading and floating in that area and within a short drive. Ask for a site close to the river and I think you'd enjoy it.

[Al Agnew]

Like Gavin said, nearly every gravel bar on the upper Black is within sight of a cabin or farm or campground, or at least has a well-used ATV trail or road coming down onto it.  You probably wouldn't get hassled for so-called trespassing, but might run afoul of doofuses on ATVs churning up the gravel bar.  Kinda hard to recommend what you want to do, since I don't know the upper Black well enough (especially after this flooding) to tell you what is close to any access, but the only way I'd do what you want to do is if I knew of a SMALL but high gravel bar somewhere within paddling distance of an access, one that isn't likely to be an ATV racetrack.  I really like that river, but really detest the pounding it gets from the ATV dorks.

[darbwa]

I know this topic is a bit old but his question is almost relevant to my current situation. However, I am planning to canoe and camp for 3 days/ 2 nights (Wednesday to Friday) and my target river (Upper Gasconade) is too high. I’m hoping the upper Black might be a good backup plan and maybe I can find better camping options if I am in a canoe. Any info is appreciated (outfitters, river section, fishing tips...).

[jdmidwest]

All depends on the rain.  Black can come up fast and run down fast.  Assume its next week.  Lot of rain coming down the pipes here too.

[Gavin]

Current is my usual high water fall back. Looks fine now. Plenty of outfitters. Stay above Akers for trout. Go below Round Spring if you want to fish for bass. Akers to Round Spring is a VERY scenic part of the river, but the fishing is poor.

 

 

[darbwa]

On 6/5/2020 at 8:12 PM, Gavin said:

Current is my usual high water fall back. Looks fine now. Plenty of outfitters. Stay above Akers for trout. Go below Round Spring if you want to fish for bass. Akers to Round Spring is a VERY scenic part of the river, but the fishing is poor.

 

 

We have hit the Current the last 3 years and looking for a change so we targeted the Gasconade.  Keeping options open within eye on Kings, Buffalo and Current (I like starting on the Jack’s Fork).  We will just have to keep a close eye on the rain on Monday night!