DISPERSED CAMPING ON THE RIVERS

Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates.

There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the National Forests calls to you!

1. Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
2. Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
3. Camping on sandbars between the rivers high water marks is permitted.
4. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
5. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
6. Pack out all of your garbage.

Do not camp on private property along the Black River in Missouri, St. Francis River in Missouri, North Fork River Missouri, and White River in Arkansas. On these rivers, camp only in state parks, recreations areas, private campgrounds, or where the river is in a National forest. See the USFS topo map for locations of private property.  All Links open in a new tab.

Now in Missouri the water courses of major creeks and rivers are under state control and as such you can camp anywhere between the high water marks. Some land owners might take exception to this rule however. Ask your outfitter for places to camp.

On the national rivers you can camp anywhere along the river banks. I usually camp within an hours float above a location that has facilities, that way you don't despoil the river nor do you have to bury the, well you know what. Enjoy the Go!

PURPLE PAINT LAW

Ever been on a float trip or camping and crossed the path of a tree or fence that had a purple painted square on it? You probably didn't pay any attention to it. Many floaters and campers don't acknowledge the purple square at all without realizing by ignoring it, they're breaking the law.

The purple square painted on trees or on fences means 'No Trespassing.' Missouri is one of the few states that have this law, although there are some property owners in other states that enjoy this law and are hoping that their state passes it too. The law was passed in 2012 and took immediate effect in 2013. The reason behind it is to help private property owners keep away from unwanted guests. The legal owner of the property can paint these squares anywhere they'd like to keep people away, such as rowdy crowds, floaters who want to stop to eat or swim, or campers.
The Purple Paint Law

Mark Twain National Forest camping Missouri
Ouachita National Forest camping Arkansas
Ozark-St. Francis National Forest camping Arkansas
Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River Missouri
Buffalo National River Backcountry Camping Arkansas
Buffalo National River Developed Campgrounds Arkansas
Camping in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways
River Levels, Camping Information, and Float Times

NOTE: It goes without saying if you paddle you go further in less time. The currents are strong enough that you can just float without paddling on most stretches. The Current River is a floaters dream, as you can do it on a tube.

WARNING
River levels can change drastically depending on rainfall, making passage and maneuverability more difficult. As with all water activities, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. TIE ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT TO THE CANOE - put your equipment into a waterproof bag to keep it dry and tie it to one of the center beams in the canoe so that you don't lose everything if your canoe tips over. DO NOT LITTER - carry out everything you bring in - the animals don't like a messy home.

Before You Start
Be honest with yourself when evaluating your skills (and skills of others in your party). You will have a safer and more enjoyable trip if you choose sections of the river that match your ability. Check on current water levels before embarking on your trip. The difficulty level of certain sections of river can change dramatically with changes in water level. Gentle stretches can become dangerous with high water levels. At extremely low levels, you may find yourself paddling through puddles, dragging the canoe over rocks, or portaging. Know your physical ability, swimming skills and paddling skills. If you are uncertain about how much you can do, start with a short trip. Take time to find out which lands along the river belong to private landowners. The Forest Service has USGS quadrangle maps that have national forest boundaries marked on them.

On the River

• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times. Even gentle stretches of water can have wicked undercurrents. Even good swimmers need to wear one.
• Never boat alone. A preferred minimum is three boats.
• Scout rapids and make rescue plans if needed. Be aware that on some sections of these rivers, land access may be difficult and help is far away.
• Learn basic water rescue techniques and first aid. Learn to recognize the symptoms and treatment for hypothermia.
• Know your limits; do not attempt a section of river beyond your skill level.
• Stay away from low hanging trees and branches near the shore.
• STAY LOW, AVOID SUDDEN OR JERKY MOVEMENTS - do not stand up or walk in your canoe when you are away from shore. Keeping your weight over the centerline.
• AVOID LETTING BIG WAVES HIT THE SIDE OF YOUR CANOE - always try to keep your canoe at a right angle to the waves otherwise the wave might push your canoe over or swamp it.
• Pay attention to weather and water conditions. Wear wool clothing or a wet suit and dress for the water temperature. If the water temperature and air temperature combined total 100 degrees or less, wear protective clothing.
• If you capsize, hold on to your craft and get immediately to the upstream side. Float on your back, feet together and pointed downstream. If you go over a ledge or drop, tuck into a ball. Release your craft only if it improves your safety. Stay upstream away from the boat.
• Carry the proper equipment including dry clothing and a first-aid kit and a rope throw bag. Store all extra gear in a secure watertight container.
• With changing water levels you should be prepared to portage over low water bridges. There may NOT be enough room to pass beneath them.
• HINT: The person in the back (commander) does all the steering while the person in front (crew) supplies power strokes when commanded to avoid sweepers and to get through bends in the river and to paddle on slow stretches.
• Most of the traffic you will see on the river is recreational. Some of this traffic will be fishermen and power boats. Watch out for their wakes. Keep your bow pointed into the oncoming wave and make sure your gear is secured and boat balanced.
• Hug lake shorelines, paddle hard across arms
• Mount a bright colored umbrella or flag on your canoe when crossing lakes

Safety In the Water
Outdoor Safety in the South

Heat and Sun
Summer is hot in Missouri. And paddling is hard work. Please be aware of your body and the messages it is sending you. Remember that with every drop of sweat and every exhale of breath you are steadily losing fluids. You need to be ahead of the curve replacing fluids so that your body can effectively cool itself. Be sure that you are carrying enough water to get you to your next source. If you feel you are overheating, beach your boat and take a swim. Also, be sure to use sunscreen to avoid burns which further reduce your body's ability to cool you.

Mosquitoes and Flying Insects
Swarms of mosquitoes are big enough to carry you away in the bottom lands of the Missouri River. On some segments of other rivers in Missouri and Arkansas mosquitoes come out in the evening. Take plenty of repellant. Skin so soft works if your are not into DEET. In some years the flying insects are obnoxious on the rivers in Missouri and Arkansas. I take a screen face covering to keep them from flying up my nose and into my mouth.

River Traffic on the Missouri and Arkansas Rivers
Most of the traffic you will see on the river is recreational. And most of this traffic will be fishermen. Watch out for their wakes. Keep your bow pointed into the oncoming wave and make sure your gear is secured and boat balanced. At night, be sure to have the required white navigation light clearly displayed. If you see a boat approaching at night, it wouldn't hurt to get the flashlights out and make sure they can see you. Also, you can use a whistle or an air horn to signal.

Tows and barges are also out on the river. The numbers are small, but a tow pushing barges will get your attention in a small boat. Please remember that a tow can be coming from upstream as well, so listen and check behind you from time to time. The tows use the navigation channel which is only about a third of the width of the river. There is plenty of room for everyone. When you see one coming, make a course for the non-channel side. Then, start to assess the size of his wake. A heavily laden barge being pushed upstream makes the biggest disturbance while a light barge going downstream makes almost no wake. Be prepared for the worst by moving off channel and looking for options in case of a large wake. Wing dikes can be excellent hiding places if the water gets too rough.

At night, tows and barges are easily visible as they scan the river with spotlights. In fact, at night you will have more warning of their approach because of these lights. Take care and steer clear.

Paddler's Guide

Under Missouri law, an outfitter is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in paddle sport activities resulting from the inherent risks of paddle sport activities pursuant to the Revised Statutes of Missouri. Chapter 537 RSMO revised to 537.327