Mark Twain National Forest

[Jeep gladiator]

Has anyone been to Mark Twain National Forest? We're heading out this coming weekend to try out our new rooftop tent. We are looking for a good place to set the RTT up and 3 additional tents for the kids. Were looking to do some hiking and also some fishing.....so a lake nearby would be nice. We're just trying to get an idea of where we could pull off and set up.

 

[Offroadnutz]

Hercules Glades wilderness area is nice and has everything you mentioned. Plenty of places to disperse camp or campground camp, it is right by Bull Shoals lake which has good fishing, and Coy Bald is a good place to hike...

 

[Gta6198]

Hercules Glades wilderness area is nice and has everything you mentioned. Plenty of places to disperse camp or campground camp, it is right by Bull Shoals lake which has good fishing, and Coy Bald is a good place to hike...

I've been wanting to check this area out as well. Any restrictions or closed areas during the cooler months?

 

[North American Sojourner]

Has anyone been to Mark Twain National Forest? We're heading out this coming weekend to try out our new rooftop tent. We are looking for a good place to set the RTT up and 3 additional tents for the kids. Were looking to do some hiking and also some fishing.....so a lake nearby would be nice. We're just trying to get an idea of where we could pull off and set up.

I would go to St. Jo State Park. It's wonderful. Then there is Council Bluff State Park. Both are outstanding.
Zim

 

[North American Sojourner]

Washington State Park is also beautiful.
Zim

 

[North American Sojourner]

Has anyone been to Mark Twain National Forest? We're heading out this coming weekend to try out our new rooftop tent. We are looking for a good place to set the RTT up and 3 additional tents for the kids. Were looking to do some hiking and also some fishing.....so a lake nearby would be nice. We're just trying to get an idea of where we could pull off and set up.

I just thought about this. Remember this is hunting season, and these folks down here are really serious about it...lol. I'd be careful bouncing around the forest, even the National Forest and State parks. Orange would be advised. I was in the National Forest almost every week this year and was disappointed with the infastructure, maintenance etc. It looks like hell in some spots. State Parks are Awesome. Go there and visit the other.
Zim

 

[Offroadnutz]

I've been wanting to check this area out as well. Any restrictions or closed areas during the cooler months?

None that I am aware of.
If your interested I can PM you the coordinates of a cool local spot to camp.

 

[Gta6198]

None that I am aware of.
If your interested I can PM you the coordinates of a cool local spot to camp.

That would be awesome! I'd like to head down for a weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

[Jeep gladiator]

We went over the weekend. We ended up staying at Hazel Creek. Beautiful area, the creek is crystal clear and and it's right on the creek. They do have a picnic table and fire pit in some areas. It's definitely worth checking out!

 

[nfsulli]

Hi All,

We just got a rooftop tent as an early X-mas present :) We're local-ish to the Mark Twain area (IL side of the river). I've done lots of backpacking dispersed camping but I'm eager to try my first rooftop adventure.

I wanted to add on to this post to get feedback to any specific spots or big don'ts for this National Forest.

Thanks in advance!

 

[North American Sojourner]

Hi All,

We just got a rooftop tent as an early X-mas present :) We're local-ish to the Mark Twain area (IL side of the river). I've done lots of backpacking dispersed camping but I'm eager to try my first rooftop adventure.

I wanted to add on to this post to get feedback to any specific spots or big don'ts for this National Forest.

Thanks in advance!

Come on over to Lake Wapapello near Poplar Bluff. Beautiful lake, lots of things to see, do, hike.
Zim

 

[North American Sojourner]

I just remembered that I dropped 5 or 6 great camping spots on the Overland Bound APP. All are in the Mark Twain or close.
Zim