camping at Cedar Grove - question

[Lisa]

Steve - how do I contact the campground in Cedar Grove? Can you make reservations? We are coming that way on Friday, Aug 11 - first timers. We thought about camping at Big Spring and floating from Van Buren. What is that part of the river like - do you know? Any info you can give would be appreciated. I have read your comments about floating the upper section of the river and we may change our minds!

[Steve King (Admin)]

Lisa,

The upper part of the Current River is by far more serene and scenic than the lower part in my mind due to 3 factors. 1) Down around Van Buren the river gets A LOT LOT wider, 2) Motor boats are more prevalent on the river and 3) houses start to pop up along the river since there is a section not in the ONSR down there. Don't get me wrong though, it is still pretty down there, but I suppose that I am biased, since I personally stick above Two Rivers.

Cedar Grove is a rustic campground that is unmanned onsite by the park service., but there is a park ranger trailer (at least there used to be) right up the road in which, from what I understand, they come around and collect the $5 nightly fee plus make regular visits to make sure all is well. Therefore, there isn't anyone to contact to make a reservation. It's first come first serve.

Pultite, Round Spring and Montauk campgrounds have reservations and campsites are near or along the river. As well does Jason's Place, Larimores, and Jadwin Canoe Rental which are all a few miles from Cedar Grove but not along the river. If you can, camp the upper Current River preferably above Two Rivers. It's sooooooooo beautiful up there and you don't have to worry about the 3 factors that I stated above. However, if you want to miss the crowds, don't go or camp overnight on Saturdays during the summer. All other days are a peach!

Feel free to ask if I can be of any further assistance. Hope this helps. )

Steve King

[shelahschenkel]

Steve,
My son's and hubby are bringing a canoe and a tent and wish to do primitive camping. They had considered Alley Springs until seeing pix of campgrounds. Where do you recommend close enough to river to camp and still be primitive?

[Steve King (Admin)]

Primitive to me is loading up your canoe with camping gear, putting in at Cedar Grove on the Upper Current River and floating down to find a gravel/sand bar to camp on overnight. There are numerous gravel/sand bars along the Current River. I would highly recommend anywhere between Cedar Grove and Two Rivers to camp. This is my mind is the BEST way to do primitive camping on the Ozark National Scenic Riverways due to the numerous sites to pick to camp along the upper Current. Have an outfitter take you and your canoe and gear up river and float down to your vehicle. For example, leave your car at Akers or Pulltite or Round Spring and go up river. Try to avoid Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day due to the crowds.

Semi-Primitive camping would be Cedar Grove ($5 per night honor pay to the ranger that comes around -- multiple sites) or Parkers Hollow (1 good spot, first come first serve).

Pulltite ONSR campground for those who want a nice small campground area that is managed by the park service. There is an outfitter next to the campground. Round Spring campground is larger, like Alley is larger.

As a summary, load up the canoe and pick a bar along the river. It's the best and only way in my mind to avoid EVERYONE! ;D