I'm just wondering if anyone here can give me detailed info about suggestions for your favorite campground, trails and lakes to paddle. Will there be any canoe rental available? Any words of wisdom for "must-do's" and "don't waste your time." Our time there will be very limited. Is this area worth a six hour drive? Thanks.

It's a BIG area, what area are you talking about?

I see that. I was hoping someone could narrow it down a bit for me. The info on the internet isn't too helpful. I will be coming from Illinois. I will only have a couple of days. Would like to do a day hike or two, loop trail, ten miles or less, moderate in difficulty, well marked so as not to get lost. I'll be tent camping. My son will be hammock camping. Primitive is ok as long as there are established level campsites (for me). I don't need electric or running water.

Any ideas I could investigate further?

Thanks

I have a lot of ideas, but let's narrow it down. Do you want to camp on the trail or day trips out of one camp? Fish? When you coming down?

Sorry, just now saw your response. Leaving at 0600 in the morning. It has been narrowed to just an overnight so basically just looking for a campsite to stay at. I will scout out some other places in the area for a longer trip and hiking later while I'm down there. Im thinking Johnson's Shut In State Park. But I'm open to any suggestions. We don't need electric or bath houses, just a nice place to set up a tent and hammock.

It is not the way I usually do things but Im headed out tomorrow with no idea of where I will end up at. My son is travelling by motorcycle, will do some exploring and drop down into Arkansas for a bit and then back north to meet up with me at whatever campsite I find. We'll head home Sunday afternoon.

No fishing, no paddling either this time. Just need a hopefully scenic place to stay and spend a bit of time with my son.

Thanks for any ideas.

Doggone it, been so busy lately. Hope you had a good time? Johnson Shut Ins can get busy this time of year if that is where you went?

No problem! We had a great time. I walked back to take a look at the "shut-ins." The campground was full, but that was alright by me. Waaaay too many people there! My son found a very small primitive campground at Lake Mc Cormack Recreation Area off of highway 19 that was perfect. Maybe 8 sites, only three others occupied. Very quiet and a perfect spot for one night. I did drive through Pulltite on the way home. I'd love to come to the "Ozark Rendevous" sometime. I loved the area and will be back sometime.

Also, Ozarkpaddler, I will be planning another 3-4 day trip back with a friend. She and I like to hike so any suggestions for an area to base camp with day trips, preferably loop trails would be great. Thanks for any suggestions!

Nice State Park campground or more rustic NFS type campsite?

I can do either but my friend likes more "amenities" that a state park campground has to offer. Suggestions for either that you are familiar with are appreciated. Thanks.

Just Noticed this. Here's a couple suggestions. Hiking opportunities and nice campground. Sam A Baker has rustic cabins.
Sam A Baker State Park
Hawn

Thanks, Ozarkpaddler. The state park looks nice.