4.3432 reviewsPrice
$10 - $11/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
19 campsites
Season
Campground Open May ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Top 1% in state
Price
$10 - $11/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
19 campsites
Season
Campground Open May ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Top 1% in state
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State Route CC, Dora, MO 65637
Fall weekenders who can arrive early on a Friday will find the best of this place: cold, clear water for trout fishing or a float run to Blair Bridge, hardwood color peaking around the bluffs, and 19 first-come sites that stay quiet on weekdays. Canoes and kayaks launch right fro
Toilet facilities are currently out of service, so anyone who can't rough it completely should wait this one out. Even when they're running, there's no potable water, no hookups, and only one site with electric, big rigs and anyone dependent on amenities will be frustrated fast.
Reference information about North Fork Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>North Fork Recreation Area provides camping, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking and fishing access to the beautiful North Fork of the White River, which has a total of nine major springs flowing into it.</p><p>As you drive into the site, the first right takes you to the boat access area. If you go straight you’ll hit a t-intersection, if you go left you enter the campground, if you go right you enter the day use.</p><p>The site is surrounded by an oak/hickory forest, there are a lot of tulip poplar and sycamore in that area.</p><p>From the day use area, and sometimes the campground, you have amazing views looking across the river of the mixed hardwood and pine forest and the rock bluffs that envelope the river. On the other side of the river is the beginning of the Devils Backbone Wilderness Area. Some sites have views of the river before trees and bushes leaf out.</p><p>North Fork Recreation Area serves as trailhead for the 35-mile long <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=21756"><strong>Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail</strong></a> and the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=21750"><strong>Blue Spring Trail</strong></a>.</p><p>There are multiple springs that contribute to the river, one of the largest is Blue Spring, which contributes around <a>7 million gallons</a> of cold, clear water every day to the river. Near North Fork, from the river you can paddle up into Blue Spring or hike the Blue Spring Trail. The spring is about 30 feet in diameter. One three sides, the stone wall is made of cherty Gasconade dolomite that surrounds the spring and represents the karst topography of Ozarks.</p>
The elevation is 600 ft. The campground has three loops named Dogwood, Willow, and Pine, between two day-use areas along the North Fork of White River. These loops are tight so anything over 30 ft. long will have a problem turning. Campsites are tucked under a towering canopy of mixed deciduous trees, suggesting nice fall foliage. With groomed grass understory, spacing, rather than vegetation provides good privacy. Although the campground stretches along the river, the dense vegetation hides the water and prevents direct access. However, the sounds of passing canoeists and floaters can be heard. The river has a Blue and Red trout section beyond the campground. The campground is located close to Devil's Backbone Wilderness and is well situated for canoeing into the wilderness. Contact the ranger district office for information about outfitters. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques..
Open May 15 through December 1 NOTE: Water system is shut off October 15
Canoeing and wading in the North Fork of White River. Although the day- use area claims to have swim area, there is no designated swim area. Contact ranger district office for local outfitters or check the Mark Twain, Forest Service website. Hiking: Ridge Runner trail (foot) - 12 miles Blue Spring trail (foot) - 0.1 mile Fishing: Rainbow trout, catfish, bass and Sunfish
Canoeing and wading in the North Fork of White River. Although the day- use area claims to have swim area, there is no designated swim area. Contact ranger district office for local outfitters or check the Mark Twain, Forest Service website.
The parking aprons are paved. Tight curves on the interior road will make turning a challenge for large travel trailers and motorhomes. An RV dump station with no potable water is available for a fee at Ozark RV Park, 320 N 20th St, Ozark, MO (N37 01.282, W093 13.875).
In Dora, MO, at the intersection of State Rts. 181 and CC, take Rt. CC east 4.1 miles to North Fork campground sign. Turn right into campground.
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Fall delivers the best mix of mild weather and scenery. Mornings drop into the 40s and 50s, days reach the mid-50s to low 70s, and the forest turns brilliant. Water clarity peaks, making paddling and fishing ideal. Wildlife is active and visible. Weekends draw leaf-peepers and anglers, but weekdays stay quiet. Summer brings temperatures in the 80s. The campground operates mid-May through December.
Spring praised: refreshing Blue Spring waters and good conditions; review signal 1.00.
Potable water is not available at this site.
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