Camping
Note: Richland Creek Recreation Area Currently Closed Due to Slide
There are many choice locations available in the national forest
campgrounds. Camp along the river or lake, or at one of the mountain
camping areas. There are plenty of developed campsites from which
to choose your own personal spot in the forest. 
Several locations have hot showers. Some are year round such as
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, Redding, and Cove Lake, while
others are available May-Oct. at Lake Wedington, Shores Lake ,
Storm Creek, and Long Pool. Day-use areas with cold showers, May-Oct.,
are Lake Wedington, Horsehead Lake, and Spring Lake. Shores Lake
day-use area has hot showers May-Oct. Camping and day-use fees
vary. If you are camping at the developed campground, day use
is no additional charge.
Camping
fees vary from $4.00 - $10.00 per night per site.
If you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged
camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere
in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests unless there is a sign
stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout
the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years.
These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near
streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities:
"Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry
experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash
around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you
found it.
The Ozarks are known for the clear mountain streams, but please
filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after
heavy rains.
Wilderness Area Camping in any of the five designated Wilderness
Areas is welcome. No facilities or campgrounds are available.
Water will not be available, so you must pack it in or use a water
filtration system. Please sign in at the trailhead to leave information
about the direction you are taking and how long you expect to
be gone, so Forest personnel can locate you in case of emergency.
Use "Leave No Trace" ethics, pack it in pack it out.
No mechanical equipment is allowed in the wilderness areas.
Private property borders the roads and trails in various places.
Please respect the owners by not trespassing.
PLEASE PAY ALL FEES. The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest is
participating in a Pilot Fee Program, which means fees collected
at recreation areas or from donation tubes located throughout
the Forest will go directly to the area where the fees are collected.
This means the facilities may be repaired, up-graded or maintained
with these dollars.
