We used to do a pot luck but stopped that years ago and changed it to more of a “happy hour” which we call “High Tea” (yes there is a long standing joke in there). We all typically gather for drinks and snacks. You just bring whatever you want to drink and if you want to bring a snack (dip, etc.) you can but it is not required. Typically it is at my campsite, just how it’s kind of happened over the years, plus I have a sign. LOL My husband and I are in site 23.
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Thanks Pam, looking forward to meeting you!
As our dates approach it looks like a Govt. shutdown is in the air. According to a Park Service individual who I heard interviewed on the radio (not the definitive source, I’ll grant) they’re understaffed to begin with and are somewhat “up in the air” about how to handle a shut down at the present time. The fellow interviewed suggested that anything requiring services would be suspended but “open air” activities would remain open. (As an aside, there was opposition from within the park service in light of trees that were cut at Joshua Tree during the last shut down when patrols that would have protected against vandalism were suspended.)
In the past we’ve had the Current river closed (meaning the parking at landings was prohibited and cars towed and campgrounds closed) during the last shutdown. Perhaps “open air activities” like paddling may be possible this time, but what about Pulltite campground? They do clean the restrooms, presumably check reservations, and pick up garbage, in other words provide services. I’m thinking that if the guy interviewed is correct, they may close the campground…
So if the campground is closed, do we have a back-up plan? I think that is how, at Pam &Rob’s excellent suggestion, we came to go to the Northfork for the first time years ago. If that is our fall-back location, Twin Bridges or Sunburst Ranch?
Things seem very uncertain to me, but with about two weeks to go maybe we should be thinking about this. Perhaps I’m being overly concerned: Hopefully there won’t be a shutdown, it may last only a couple of days if there is one, if there is one and it lasts it might mean we have to supply our own TP at the campground and there won’t be garbage pick-up… there are all sorts of scenarios that might play out.
Thoughts?
I have been watching several boards on FB about the Current River and the Ozark Scenic Riverways and there seems to be a lot of opinions but no concrete answers. One poster did say they called the ranger district for the Eleven Point and they will closing down the campground at Greer today, but there is a gate there, so they can do that easily. Problem with the North Fork is that some of those put ins/take out like Hammond Camp are US Forest Service, so since that is federal they may shut them down. It looks like Twin Bridges is under new management as of 2025, if you look at the website you can see they had several concerts there this summer. I can call Sunburst and see what they say about using the access points. I think we need to give it some more time and see if they work out a deal or not.
I know Bill O’Donnell posted on one of the Current River FB pages that he was going to do some checking and see what he could find out (he is a former ranger).
There are contingency plans posted on the US Department of the Interior but I think they could be subject to change so I would want to get an answer from someone in the know about the Ozark National Riverways and the campgrounds, etc. I can also call Carr’s and see what Stacy has heard but again let’s give it till next Wednesday as things could change.
I have not received anything form Recreation.gov but this is what they have on their site - The Recreation.gov website will remain operational during the Federal government lapse-in-funding period. Depending on agency operations, you may not be able to complete a reservation for any time in the future or complete a purchase for some passes during the lapse-in-funding period.
Depending on agency operations, if you have a reservation at a location that closes and your reservation is canceled, you’ll receive an email with more information. Some locations will be closed and will not provide an email update. Please check the agency webpage or contact local offices directly for the latest information. You may log in to your Recreation.gov account to manage existing reservations.
Our customer service agents do not have information on the status of individual locations or the impact on upcoming travel plans. Please check the agency webpage or contact local offices directly for the latest information.
I’ll call Sunburnt tomorrow and see what they say about North Fork. I’ll keep everyone updated.
Here is what was posted on the Current River board on FB this morning from Bill O’Donnell:
. .SHUTDOWN INFORMATION.
This is as close to the official scoop as we’re going to get.
- Emergency service and law enforcement remain as always. Call 911 or 844-460-3604 for emergencies only.
- Campgrounds remain OPEN but unstaffed, reservations are being honored. It is unclear if you can make future reservations.
- Restrooms and showers are supposed to be unlocked but won’t be cleaned or resupplied. ( check that tp first!)
- Canoe rentals should be operating as usual. Enjoy your float.
- The usual river accesses will be available for put in and take out.
- Alley Mill and the visitor centers will be CLOSED.
- Some loops at Round and Big Spring are closed due to paving work.
- The park will only be posting to social media in emergencies.
Please remember to use your best outdoor manners, as trash pick up will not be happening.
I will still contact Carr’s next week to see if anything has changed. If everyone is still good with going to the Current I would suggest everyone bring large trash bags as we may need to haul our own trash out. Hopefully the bathroom is open if not there is a pit toilet at the end of the campground by the group campsites. Please bring extra toilet paper. I will also plan to bring Clorox Wipes and gloves to wipe down bathrooms. I know everyone in our group will be good humans but others may not be.
Thoughts from everyone?
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Thanks for the info,Pam. Sorry you had to bother with this stuff. Just getting together for a paddle used to be such a simple thing…sigh. Guess there’s nothing for it but to wait and keep our eyes open to see what happens in the nest week or so. Thanks again.
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In the past when they have shut down the gov’t the parks have closed. I’ll be honest I’m not sure if it’s really a good thing that they keep them open as last time they did there was so much destruction. I know our group will be good stewards of the river and park but I worry about others. I’m not getting the feeling that this shut down will end anytime soon. So we just need to be prepared to be self sufficient, which for the most part we are but we have to think about extra things like toilet paper and large trash bags. I would also bring extra water just in case. Luckily town isn’t that far if we need to get something.
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