Camping Beginner: Advice Requested for Ozark National Forest Dispersed Camping

[RogueRodney]

BS'ers:

Hey, Team, I'm getting into this late in life. Historically, I've always stayed at lodges or cabins. However, my son really wants to "rough it" by going dispersed camping.

We live in North Texas, and it's August, so it's HOT AS HELL. I'm planning a dispersed camping trip to the Ozark National Forest (I'm open to other suggestions) for early October.

I need a lot of advice/suggestions. I plan on having a four-person tent, a portable refrigerator, a Jackery unit for power, a gas grill, a portable firepit, a privacy tent, a portable toilet, a projector, and sleeping bags rated to Zero Degrees.

I want to feel like we are pretty secluded if possible. I was hoping for some advice from the community.

Also, if there are any good forest trails to check out in the area, I would appreciate a heads-up.

RR

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[Oval Office]

Look at twin bridges camp ground and canoe rental near west plains Missouri, on the white river. Don’t come in November due to deer season, a lot of back roads, rivers , mills, float the river, I wouldn’t just camp in the ONF, a few things to look forward to are ticks , snakes, rocks, keep your food locked up because of Bears and hillbillies ?‍lived here my whole life

 

[RogueRodney]

Thanks, Oval Office. I appreciate it. I've been to Big Cedar and loved it—it's beautiful country, so that is a great idea.

 

[kshaw]

BS'ers:

Hey, Team, I'm getting into this late in life. Historically, I've always stayed at lodges or cabins. However, my son really wants to "rough it" by going dispersed camping.

We live in North Texas, and it's August, so it's HOT AS HELL. I'm planning a dispersed camping trip to the Ozark National Forest (I'm open to other suggestions) for early October.

I need a lot of advice/suggestions. I plan on having a four-person tent, a portable refrigerator, a Jackery unit for power, a gas grill, a portable firepit, a privacy tent, a portable toilet, a projector, and sleeping bags rated to Zero Degrees.

I want to feel like we are pretty secluded if possible. I was hoping for some advice from the community.

Also, if there are any good forest trails to check out in the area, I would appreciate a heads-up.

RR

I do camping twice a year for a one-week each time. I like air mattresses. You need one of those or some foam pads. A ground tarp reduces the risk of punctures in the floor of your tent. You say you want a four-person tent. If you have four people, you want an eight-person tent. If you will use a portable refrigerator, make sure your Jackery is large enough to power it overnight. My tiny portable refrigerator consumes 45 watts an hour and will deplete my Jackery before the morning. Take a couple of the folding solar panels. I have one that supplies 100 watts. You will need that to recharge your Jackery, phones, and other electronics. I take a battery powered hotspot to check email and such. If you are camping in the wilderness, take a firearm large enough to repel coyotes and bears. If you are camping in an area with winds, invest in a good quality tent. REI has some that will really hold up. Nothing wrecks a camping trip like broken tent parts.

 

[Mark S.]

Bears and hillbillies

Missouri should put this on its license plates. ?

 

[RogueRodney]

Thanks, KShaw. I appreciate the advice. I plan on testing the Jackery and refrigerator before I go to make sure everything is good. I also appreciate the heads-up on the air mattresses and foam pads.

 

[bronco68halfcab]

October in southern Missouri can be anything from freezing to 90's so be ready for all kinds of weather. I was born in NE Missouri but last lived there in the 90's at Fort Leonard Wood. Beautiful country with lots to see and do. Enjoy your trip, we had many great family adventures exploring the state. But be warned visit once and you will start planning your next visit.

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