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Monthly newspaper magazine concentrating on the Missouri outdoors from Mark Twain Lake to the Bootheel, from Joplin to Springfield to Branson, from St. Louis to West Plains and the Mississippi River to the Niangua and all over the Ozarks. If you like to fish, float, hunt, camp, hike, or just explore the backroads and backwoods of Missouri, we're for you.
The James River offers more for the floater and fisherman than you might think!
https://www.riverhillstraveler.com/floating-the-dirty-old-james/
These days, it’s a not-so-dirty little secret. For years, people avoided the James River because they thought it was polluted — “that dirty old James,” they said.
Update on river access at Ozark National Scenic Riverways
VAN BUREN, Mo. - Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) has announced updates to river access and operations at several locations.
Due to erosion of the riverbank at the Waymeyer access point there is not enough room to safely accommodate the unloading of both commercial and non-commercial vessels at that location on summer weekends. As a solution for potential crowding and safety issues, Waymeyer will continue to serve as a river access for non-commercial floaters only. Waymeyer access is located approximately 10 miles north of Van Buren on State Route M.
The former Pin Oak campground will be the primary access point for National Park Service (NPS)-permitted commercial operators on the lower Current River. From Friday through Sunday, use of the Pin Oak access will be limited to the NPS-permitted commercial operators. From Monday through Thursday (except for holidays), non-commercial vessels can use either the Waymeyer location or the Pin Oak access. For the holiday weekends, Pin Oak access will be limited to NPS-permitted commercial operators from Friday through Monday. This includes the extended weekends of July 3-6 and Sept. 4-7.
Pin Oak will serve as a loading/unloading site only, with all vehicles moved out of the area or parked at the Chilton Creek boat ramp overflow parking area. Chilton Creek boat ramp will continue to provide river access for motorized vessels only. Chilton Creek boat ramp and Pin Oak are located approximately 12 miles north of Van Buren on Route M.
Raftyard will remain a river access for commercial and non-commercial tube use only. Raftyard is located 5 miles north of Van Buren on Route M.
Powder Mill campground and river access point have reopened for use this summer. Both areas were severely damaged during the major flood of 2017. The access point has been repaired to once again allow river access for motorized and non-motorized vessels. The gravel bar has changed significantly from previous years, and vehicles are advised to use caution to avoid getting stuck in loose gravel. Additional repairs to the river access and road will be scheduled in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration at a future date.
Campsites and associated amenities have been restored at Powder Mill campground. There are eight sites in the campground, available for a nightly fee of $5. The flush restroom was replaced with a flood-resistant concrete vault toilet in 2019. Powder Mill is located near the Current River bridge on Highway 106, approximately 14 miles west of Ellington or 13 miles east of Eminence.
The Round Spring lower river access and boat ramp were severely damaged during massive flooding that occurred along Spring Valley Creek in early May. The access road and parking lot have been repaired to allow vehicle access so users can launch or retrieve non-motorized vessels, but the launch ramp for motorized boats is too damaged for use this season. The gravel bar has changed significantly from previous years, and vehicles are advised to use caution to avoid getting stuck in loose gravel. Motorized boats should plan to use the middle landing at Round Spring, located near Group Campsite 9, as a launch point.
As a reminder for non-motorized vessels, when the rivers are above the posted flood levels, temporary river closures are implemented to ensure visitor safety. These closures apply to both commercial and non-commercial vessels. When closures are in place, the closure information is posted on the park’s page by 9 a.m. or can be obtained by calling (573) 323-4236 or (844) 460-3604. Any non-motorized vessels on the rivers during a closure are in violation and can be cited.
As of Thursday, June 11:
Open beaches
Cuivre River State Park, 678 State Rt 147, Troy
Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 E. Peabody Rd, Columbia
Harry S Truman State Park Day Use Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach 1, 403 Hwy 134, Kaiser
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Beach, off Hwy 54, Osage Beach
Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon
Mark Twain State Park, 37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, Mo
Pomme de Terre State Park Pittsburg Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg
Pomme de Terre State Park Hermitage Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg
St. Joe State Park Monsanto Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills
St. Joe State Park Pim Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills
Stockton State Park, 19100 S. Hwy 215, Dadeville
Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 State Hwy. 157, Kirksville
Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson
Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Rd, La Grange
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, 26600 Park Rd N, Lawson
Closed beaches
Harry S Truman State Park Campground Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw - Beach closed due to flood damage.
Lake Wappapello State Park, Hwy 172, Williamsville - Beach closed due to flooding.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm
Heading out to a national park? Make sure you pack the 10 Essentials! The 10 Essentials are a collection of first aid and emergency items that can help you in the event of minor injuries, sudden weather changes, or unexpected delays. The 10 Essentials are only the basic items you should have with yo...
Spending a 3-day weekend in the Eminence-Winona-Van Buren area with the family. Today we ventured north to Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. Loved it. More photos from our weekend adventures will be coming throughout the week. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Litchfield offers so many different fun things for families to do!
We know it has been a stressful time, and you deserve a break! We took a moment to prepare a safe and relaxing Litchfield getaway package for you.
Did you know that peonies are the traditional flower for Memorial Day? In the 1800s, when the holiday was called Decoration Day, peonies were one of the few flowers in bloom in late May and were widely used to adorn the graves of fallen soldiers. Their huge, lavish blooms continue to make them one of America’s most treasured garden flowers. Our veterans are treasured, too, and we honor and thank them today for their sacrifices.
National Park Service seeks information from the public to help locate missing woman
Van Buren, Missouri - The National Park Service is seeking information to help locate a missing woman from Mountain View, Missouri. Brittany K. Gorman, age 29, was last seen at a residence west of Mountain View, about 3-4 PM on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. She was believed to be headed to Winona, Missouri Gorman is 5'9" tall, has blonde hair, and green eyes.
National Park Service Rangers discovered Gorman's unoccupied pickup truck within Ozark National Scenic Riverways at Buck Hollow, on the Jacks Fork River, along Highway 17 North about 1:30 PM on Thursday, May 21. She was not reported missing, but her family last heard from her on May 20. Items found at the scene suggest she might be injured. Special Agents with the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch have opened a missing person investigation in coordination with the Texas County Sheriff's Department and Missouri Highway Patrol.
If you have information that could help investigators, or if you were in the area of Buck Hollow around May 20-21, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know:
CALL or TEXT the ISB Tip Line 888-653-0009
ONLINE at www.nps.gov/ISB > click “Submit a Tip”
EMAIL [email protected]
EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1
Here is the most up-to-date opening/closure information for this weekend in the Mark Twain National Forest (several sites were able to open on May 21).
Mark Twain National Forest - Memorial Day Weekend Update
(ROLLA, Mo.) – Many of Mark Twain National Forest’s recreation facilities are beginning to open; however, availability of campgrounds, group sites, restroom facilities, trash services, and potable water will vary due to impacts from COVID-19.
Recent flooding may affect availability of some sites. Additionally, a recent windstorm downed many trees which may still be blocking roads and trails across the southern portion of the Mark Twain. Please plan your trips accordingly and be sure to check the website or call the appropriate office for detailed information regarding a specific site, road, or trail. To find the most up-to-date information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mtnf/status or www.facebook.com/marktwainnationalforest.
Remember some campgrounds accept reservations and some are first come, first served. Contact the local ranger district for more questions. Plan ahead as much as possible for an enjoyable trip. Check conditions such as roads, weather, and fire restrictions often.
Below are some things to keep in mind while planning your trip:
• Make a checklist and ensure you have all your gear.
• Get a first-aid kit that includes aspirin, bandages, and antibiotic ointment.
• Be prepared for changing weather and cold conditions with elevation gain. Pack extra layers.
• Scour your campsite. Look around camp for sharp objects left by previous occupants like fishhooks, jagged can lid edges, or anything that may injure someone.
• Pack for the kids. Let each child pack a box or duffel bag full of toys. Add crayons or coloring books, playing cards, or anything else you know they will eventually want but didn’t pack. Bored kids make for a bad camping experience.
• Don't feed the wildlife. Store food items in airtight containers away from sleeping areas, to avoid nocturnal visitors.
• Make a final check and be sure to pack out all trash and gear so it’s clean for the next user.
• Practice the 7 "Leave No Trace" principles. Plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.
Visitors are asked to stay as local as possible when choosing a site to visit and to pack out everything they bring, especially trash. Visitors are also urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with local health and safety guidance. For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
Responsible recreation will help expand access to facilities, services and other opportunities. Certain services may still be unavailable, so visitors are asked to plan accordingly and to remain flexible.
Contact information for the Mark Twain National Forest is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf.
As we prepare for this upcoming Memorial Day weekend’s events, let’s not lose sight of the significance of Memorial Day itself. This observance marks a day of remembrance for those who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.
Though it dates to just after the Civil War, it wasn’t until after World War I that it expanded to recognize those who died in all American wars. In 1971 Congress designated it as an official national observance.
Memorial Day Kicks Off “100 Deadliest Days of Summer”
JEFFERSON CITY – The “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” are designated as the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. These days cover the summer travel season and are historically a deadly time on our nation’s roadways. During this time in 2019, there were 291 fatalities on Missouri’s roadways. That’s nearly three lives lost each day during that timeframe.
As they continue their work toward a goal of zero fatalities on their roadways, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety want to urge all who travel in and around the Show-Me State this summer to buckle up, slow down, drive sober and never drive distracted.
“It’s easy to let your mind wander especially when you might be getting on the road for the first time in weeks,” said Jon Nelson, executive chair to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. “Make a conscious effort to arrive at your destination safely, and do your part by paying attention, slowing down, and always wearing your seat belt.”
Distracted driving, excessive speed and following too closely are three of the main causes of crashes, particularly in and around work zones. Drivers are reminded to pay attention to warning signs, obey the speed limit and put their phones down. In every instance, wearing a seat belt is a must. Of the drivers and passengers killed in 2020 traffic crashes, 66% were not wearing a seatbelt. Remember: Buckle Up Phone Down.
Travel safely this summer and remember that it’s also peak season for highway work zones. Information on all MoDOT work zones statewide is available on the department’s Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org. The map is available as a free app for iPhone and Android phones. Motorists can also call MoDOT’s 24/7 customer service toll free at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).
Enjoy National Trails Day, June 6, at MDC trail near you
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – June 6 is National Trails Day, an event that annually sends people searching for new trails to discover.
Does Missouri need a bear-hunting season? Would you participate? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is seeking initial public input on a proposed limited and highly regulated hunting season for black bears, which would be open only to Missouri residents. If approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission, a season could occur a...
James River Basin Partnership
Due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, JRBP staff have decided to suspend our annual River Rescue, originally scheduled for Saturday, June 13 2020. Please know that this was a very hard decision to make, but we feel the right one. We are equally committed to protecting your health and safety as well as our area waters.
At this time, we have not identified a potential alternate date for River Rescue later in the year. As the summer continues, we will continue to monitor conditions related to the pandemic, and look at alternate dates. We will continue to update you as we know more.
While River Rescue is suspended, we are hoping to develop a way for you and your family to participate in smaller cleanups whenever you're out in the basin. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Brent, Todd, Tim and Loring
Ozark Mtn Paddlers
The Landing Current River
The Landing is located on the banks of Current River in the foothills of the Missouri Ozarks in Van Buren, MO and is Current River's number one resort destination.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
05/15/2020: River Condition Update. The entire Jacks Fork and Current River systems are closed due to flood stage river levels. All closures apply to non-motorized vessels.
Mark Twain National Forest COVID-19 Initial Reopening Plan
ROLLA, (Mo.) – Mark Twain National Forest has initiated a plan to reopen recreation sites that were temporarily shut down. Some sites will reopen by June 1.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson recently announced the “Show Me Strong Recovery” plan, which began on May 4. While state “stay-at-home” orders may be lifted, there may still be a delay in reopening certain recreation areas on the Forest.
This decision will be made on a case-by-case basis. Reopening will be done in phases similar to what is planned for recreation sites managed by the State of Missouri.
Phase 1, sites to be reopened by June 1:
• Eleven Point Ranger District (573-996-2153): Greer Crossing Campground, and multiple day use sites and restrooms.
• Poplar Bluff Ranger District (573 785-1475): Pinewoods Lake Campground.
• Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District (573-438-5427): Silver Mines Recreation Area.
• Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District (417-967-4194): Paddy Creek Campground, Dry Fork Campground, Slab Town Day Use Area, Big Piney Trail Camp Day Use, and Carrington Pits Day Use Area.
• Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs (ACW) Ranger District (417-683-4428): Cobb Ridge Campground, North Fork Campground, multiple pavilion sites including Shell Knob and Noblett, and multiple day use areas and restrooms.
• Salem Ranger District (573-729-6656): Site reopening expected to be delayed until later in June.
Availability of restroom facilities and potable water at sites will vary. Check the website or call the appropriate office for detailed information regarding a specific site. To find the most up-to-date information, including projected reopening dates, visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mtnf/status.
The Forest recreation site reopening plan was developed while considering workforce capacity and ability to provide service in a manner that ensures the safety of our employees and safeguards the sustainability of the resources we steward. The Forest will continue to collaborate with State and local officials, other Federal land management agencies, permittees, concessionaires, and partners to provide coordinated recreation site reopening decisions.
The Forest Service continues to take risks presented by COVID-19 seriously and adjust our operations to meet changing information, safety protocols, and recommendations from federal, state and local officials.
212 E Main St
Neosho, MO
64850
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Published monthly. $22 one year; $39 two in-state; out of state: $18.32 one year and $30.48 for two. Our tabloid-sized paper features how-to, how I did it, where to go, and outdoor news articles on the traditional and non-traditional outdoor recreation, Missouri history, geology, recipes and more. We pride ourselves that our subscribers are treated like good friends. Need to reach an outdoor audience? Try a Traveler ad! Call 800-874-8423, ext. 1 for ad information
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Day 2 of the Let’s Go Fishing Show! Come by and see us!
River Hills Traveler writers Madee Kelley and Heath Wood are at Bass Pro in Springfield today talking anything and everything hunting. Stop by and see them!
Monthly magazine concentrating on the Ozark outdoors, including all of Missouri, northern Arkansas and Southwest Illinois. If you like to fish, float, hunt, camp, hike, or just explore the backroads and backwoods of the Ozarks, we're for you.
First Bilingual Business Directory
113 S Neosho Blvd
First Bilingual Business Directory
113 S Neosho Blvd