Because the waterfall is easily accessible and open year-round, large groups and families with children may enjoy the falls, too. Not the best choice for long trips or hikers who need to carry a large amount of gear. Great for hiking in warm weather, thanks to the breathable construction, mesh straps, and hydration bladder hook up. This hydration compatible backpack has a connection for a water bladder built in to the design.
The long and narrow green angles back from left to right with a high mound on the back part of the green. Take in the views of the Ozark Mountains on this long downhill par 4. Keep your tee shot left to avoid the large bunker along the right side of the fairways. This green slopes away from left to right with multiple bunkers short of the green. The park offers a variety of campsites that cater to all comfort levels, including basic tent and secluded spots as well as group tent areas.
Here the 30-mile Current River section picks up, following the river for two miles before veering south toward Stegall Mountain. You’ll find this area along the Indian Creek and Rocky Creek flush with shut-ins, water-eroded rock formations unique to the Ozarks that feature complex systems of plunge pools, rivulets, and shallow waterfalls. Enjoy views of the Ozark landscape as you gain 500 feet of elevation up 2.5 miles to the top of Stegall Mountain. Camp out at the top overnight, catching a glimpse of a full sky of stars if it’s clear. After Middle Fork, head into the 29-mile Karkaghne section, which mixes sweeping wetland prairies and ridge-lined valley views through the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area. Camp riverside on a natural gravel beach along the West Fork of the slow-moving Black River, or set up a dispersed camp anywhere in the Mark Twain National Forest that’s at least 100 feet from the trail.
To reach the green on your tee shot, aim over the left edge of the right fairway bunker and watch your ball feed down towards the putting surface, or target a safe layup spot away from the fairway bunkers. Keep your tee shot on the right side of the fairway for the best opportunity to get home in two on this risk-reward par 5. This relatively small green is heavily protected by a creek and lake in front of the green with bunkers on the short and left side. Hitting driver could give you a great look at birdie, but it will also bring the bunkers short of the green into play. The wide fairway offers plenty of room for a safe layup shot and easy short iron or wedge into the green. But if there’s one park you must check out, it’s Castlewood State Park, which features nearly 17 miles of trails.
Split the bunkers on your tee shot at the 11th, but favoring the right side will give you the best look at the green. Keep your approach shot safe by aiming on the right side of the green to avoid the deep bunker on the left. This uphill par 4 has a generous fairway with a large natural limestone formation on the right. Aim just right of the middle fairway bunker to hit the widest part of the landing area. The elevated green slopes from back to front with a dangerous false front on the left side. If you’re not interested in taking a splash, you can still enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the waterfall during sunset or sunrise.
When we set up a dozen chairs around the campfire without comment, people consistently claimed them from largest to smallest. Because people use outdoor chairs for an array of purposes and have different preferences when it comes to comfort, it was almost impossible to choose just one best chair. We did select our favorite upright chair for car camping and tailgating, and then additional low-to-the-ground, ultra-lightweight, and canopy picks, as well as a great chair for kids. Not only does the park offer stunning natural landscapes and flourishing forests, campers also get views of the scenic Meramec River. During your camping trip, you’ll enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities including wildlife watching, fishing, hiking, and swimming.
Those who find themselves at Castlewood can pick among seven routes. But my personal favorite is the RiverScene trail, which is a 3.4-mile moderate loop near Ballwin, Missouri, only 30 minutes from St. Louis. The trail follows the cliff’s edge, passing several scenic overlooks that offer unique panoramic views of the Meramec River valley from over 200 feet below. Most people spend about an hour and 15 minutes on the trail—but no harm in spending more, taking pictures and soaking in the views.
Some sites within the park even provide additional amenities such as hot showers, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a well-rounded camping experience for all. The ozark trail backpack state park is family-friendly and has several picnic areas and playgrounds. It was the perfect size bag to hold water bottles and a few other important things in it.
Portable outdoor chairs are also helpful for anyone who doesn’t have the room or budget for permanent backyard furniture. And they can save your back, make it easier to juggle a picnic plate and a cold beverage, and generally help you to relax comfortably outdoors. This low-profile chair is easy to carry, and it adjusts for uneven ground. Take the opportunity to relax and enjoy this fun extra par 3 at the base of a giant limestone rock wall featuring flowing waterfalls.
Truman Lake offers full-service marinas and local fishing guides to enhance your experience, whether you’re a beginner or a highly skilled fisher. The lake also hosts various fishing tournaments throughout the year, providing opportunities for anglers to socialize and connect with others. Missouri offers some of the best fishing across the Midwest, thanks to its over 568 lakes, 2,278 reservoirs, and hundreds of fish species.