Hiking and Camping the Ozark National Scenic Riverway

We brought our motorhome back to Midwest RV Center for service because of our slide outs not working properly (you can read about that here: Summer Camping Ideas in Missouri for your RV). As soon as we got a call that it is ready for pick up we arranged our schedule so we can come get it, leave it on our drive way overnight and camp the next day... little did we know that there is looming problems that would plague us for the first hour of our trip.

We traded our travel trailer we were eager to take advantage of all viable days where we can camp, when we found that we are left with no plans for Memorial Day, Kevin and I scoured the internet for a camping spot for the weekend. Luckily we found a camping spot! We would found Ozark National Scenic Riverways camping at Reservation.gov! Just in time too because it is one of only 2 spots that had electric hook up that was available.

Preparing for Camping

We loaded our RV which was nice because we used to load up our truck then drive to the storage lot and hook up the trailer which is an entire 1.5 hour ordeal, now we can take our time loading up. I don't usually cook when we camp because I have zero interest in doing chores when I am camping so we loaded all of our cooked food, clothes, Georgia's gear that we would need for the next 4 days.

RV motorhome camping is a great way to explore the country and see some amazing sights. But before you hit the road, it's important to be prepared. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Choose the right RV. There are many different types of RVs available, so it's important to choose one that's right for you and your family. Consider your budget, how many people you need to sleep, and the type of activities you want to do while camping.

2. Stock up on supplies. Before you leave, make sure to stock up on all the supplies you'll need, including food, water, toiletries, and camping gear. You'll also want to bring along any necessary medications and prescriptions.

3. Plan your route. Once you have your RV and supplies, it's time to start planning your route. Make sure to book campsites in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season.

4. Inspect your RV. Before you leave, take some time to inspect your RV and make sure it's in good working order. Check the tires, brakes, and other essential components. You'll also want to test the appliances and systems to make sure they're working properly.

5. Be prepared for anything. When you're RV camping, it's important to be prepared for anything. Pack a first-aid kit, tools, and other emergency supplies. You'll also want to make sure you have a plan in case of a breakdown or other unexpected event.

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

• Pack light. It's important to pack light when you're RV camping. Space is limited, so you don't want to bring anything you don't need. Also there are weight limit restrictions to your RV, you have to take note of them.

• Be organized. It's also important to be organized. Having a designated place for everything will make it easier to find what you need when you need it.

• Be respectful of nature. RV camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's important to be respectful of nature. Leave no trace and be mindful of your impact on the environment.

With a little preparation, RV motorhome camping can be a fun and rewarding experience. So follow these tips and get ready to hit the open road!

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri's first national park, is a floater's paradise, with 134 miles of spring-fed rivers, hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, and trails to explore. The Current and Jacks Fork rivers are two of the finest canoeing and fishing rivers in the country, while Big Spring is the largest freshwater spring in the national park system. Visitors can also hike to scenic overlooks, tour historic sites, and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage. Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a great place to relax and reconnect with nature

Coachman Leprechaun RV Camping and Set Up Experience

As soon as we start the engine though we heard the stabilizing jack alarm which happens when you still have the stabilizing jacks down or your battery is dead, we didn't have it down so we figured the battery was drained. We were told though that as we drive the battery would be charged.... ummmm no... this did not happen. We had to listen to this constant long beep for 30 minutes. We started to look for a spot to charge the battery. We looked in a gas station, no luck, a park still no luck. Then we pulled into a Philips 66 gas station in De Soto, Missouri that was shady looking but had a spot where can park to figure WTH to do. We tried priming the generator, again no luck, called the Midwest RV, still no luck. Finally Kevin found a plug that we can use. After asking the gas cashier if we can plug our RV we started charging.

We've been charging our RV for about 30 minutes and I started thinking... is this the spot of our camping now?! Is this the best we can hope for?

Moment of truth, hoping that the warning sound would turn off when we unplug and drive off. It did, we were given an option of Midwest RV to go back to the dealer to have someone look at it but now that it is off, we decided to continue with our adventure. 1 hour away from our campsite though the smoke detector starting beeping... WTH! Georgia is not impressed

We filled up our fresh water tank drove to our site and started our super quick set up. When we used to have a travel trailer set up was usually 1.5 hours that involved a very lengthy set up that was about 20 steps. Now this is the set up

Camping set up:

1. Park

2. Check if lot is fairly level

3. Check if you can slide out

4. Plug electric hookup

5. Slide out

6. Cover driver and passenger window for privacy

After an eventful day we decided that it is better to just chill after dinner! Adventure awaits tomorrow!

It is our first hiking for the year which was weird because we used to hike a lot even in winter but I was in school then shortly after I was training for various races so we've not had a chance to hike.

Gearing up for our hike here is what we usually take on our hike:

1. North Face Backpack - Similar (Kevin). Ours is no longer for sale but a good back pack last a good long time. We've had ours for 13 years and not a seam ripped. It's been through multiple countries and hikes we can no longer count

2. Gregory Maya backpack - Similar (Me). I wanted a different backpack I can put hydration bladder on and stash my camera so it is not just hanging in my neck

3. Camelback bottles. Basically indestructible

4. Good hiking shoes. I am currently using HOKA Anapaka

Georgia's essential gear:

1. Ruffwear Harness. It is key to have handle in the harness because there would be instances where we need to carry G. Specially if we know she's going to hurt herself

2. Hydrapack Stow bottle. I specially like that this collapses and safely freezes so G can have cold water specially in the summer

3. Viper Biothane 15 ft Lead. She gets kind of excited and understandably walk a little fast than us so we give her a little bit more freedom with a 15 ft lead. Also most of the time the trails are empty so we know we wouldn't be endangering other hikers, if we see someone coming we just roll it to be shorter.

4. Tractive GPS tracker for dogs. G likes to chase dear and she already got away from us one time. This safety precaution gives us a little bit more peace of mind

Big Spring Campground Trail was the perfect trail to kick off our hiking season.

You are immediately greeted by roaring spring:

Halfway through the hike we saw one of the park buildings so we thought is would be a good spot for a break for us and Georgia because it was fairly warm and Georgia gets really hot in the summer.

Of course after hiking, we had our breakfast croissant, which is really just hotdog and Just Egg wrapped in crescent rolls.

Of course we napped after that and watched some TV. We've been rewatching the Walking Dead so we are trying to power through it.

Before dinner though we decided to walk around a bit to explore the campground. The Big Spring Campground was really nice. It was not full hook up but just electric but the campground was not over crowded. There was shade in most of the camp sites and park officials are always driving around in their golf cart making sure that everything is on the up and up.

The next day is pretty much the same program. We were going to hike the Chubb Hallow Lookout. It was a bit away from our camp so we walked about 2 miles to the trail head. The park area is so pretty that we did not mind walking to see some sights.

Unfortunately when we get to the trail it was closed

We unfortunately didn't check to see that it was so we just walked all over the park. The park is really gorgeous so we did not mind

Of course Georgia would have to get her customary summer splashes at the end of the activity so she can cool down. We like to think she appreciated it

We were supposed to stay at the park for 3 nights but we since the trails are all closed we decided to go home that Sunday so we can just chill at home that Memorial Day. So we packed up which didn't take that much time with the RV and drove home.

Georgia is of course the co-pilot during the entire drive home

Hope you enjoyed our hiking and camping adventure for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Have you been to the park? Do you plan to go soon? Let me know how your experience was.

TTYL