I am not sure how it started, but I am glad it did. We started traveling during thanksgiving. In the early years of our marriage we used to go shopping after Thanksgiving during Black Friday. I think it is Kevin's way of thanking me for enduring another round of Thanksgiving food. Not a fan, since it is not something I grew up eating but I do get that some people like it.
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After a couple of Black Fridays, I grew tired of it and suggested we go hiking the day after thanksgiving, a hike became a weekend get-away, that became a full on tradition. This year we hosted Thanksgiving the first time. It was a relaxed atmosphere and being that we hosted we were able to control FOOD! It was a great time.
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On Black Friday however we were planning on Camping at Roaring River State Park. We stopped by Roaring River when we did a quick get-away to Eureka Springs to check out the campsites and hike a trail. I think it is a beautiful park so we decided to go for a camping getaway.
We spent all day Friday packing, we were optimistic that we would get to our campsite before dark… WRONG!
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Our campsite was on Campground 1 Site #68. It was dark when we got there. Not only did Kevin had to set up in the dark but we also had problems filling up our tank. I've gotten used to our RV having problems that we just list them and just plan on bringing it back.
Our RV is winterized when we took it out of the lot. We've not really camped on our own rig in winter time. The first time was also in Thanksgiving when we rented an RV (read about it here Surviving the Cold: Winter Camping in Northwest Missouri and here Thanksgiving RV Camping in Missouri) then after that our travel trailer which we winterized and did not take out for winter. So needless to say it is a bit of a learning process for us. We took our RV to the filling station the sensor would not go above 1/3 so we thought it was just a faulty sensor. We parked our RV at our camping spot and quickly found out we do not have water, so we packed up and took it back to the filling station. It turns out there is a valve that you had to close so that anti-freeze would not go into the fresh water tank. It took Kevin a couple of hours to figure it out. We still have something dripping but decided we can camp even with that going.
If you need some help with dewintering your RV check our Checklist in dewinterizing your RV for camping below.
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Finally we set up, had dinner, and turned in for the day.
Morning came and we are finally able to see the campsite. When it comes to RV camping, Roaring River doesn't disappoint. The campgrounds are well maintained with ample facilities, from electric hookups to clean restrooms and showers.
Well the bathrooms are clean enough...
There's something special about waking up to the sounds of nature, surrounded by towering trees and the promise of another day filled with exploration. The nature looks lovely but we all look like wet chickens... except for Georgia... she's always cute
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The park's history stretches back to the Native American tribes, like the Osage and Delaware, revered this land for its abundance of wildlife, clear waters, and fertile grounds. They saw it as a bountiful haven long before European settlers arrived.
In the mid-1800s, the area saw a surge in settlers drawn by the promise of fertile land and abundant resources. The Roaring River became a hub for mills and farming, contributing to the region's growth. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that the area's potential for recreation and preservation was fully recognized.
Back in the 1920s when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program, undertook ambitious projects to preserve the area's natural resources.
They built trails, bridges, cabins, and the iconic dam that created the Roaring River's serene, trout-filled hatchery and spring-fed fishing stream. The park's centerpiece, Roaring River Spring, gushes out over 20 million gallons of water daily, creating a crystal-clear river that teems with rainbow trout, making it a popular spot for anglers.
Roaring River State Park officially opened to the public in 1937, inviting visitors to experience its natural wonders. Its popularity soared, attracting anglers, hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. Over the years, the park expanded its amenities, adding campgrounds, picnic areas, a nature center, and additional trails while preserving its rustic charm. Our site on Campground 1 Site #68 was a pull through and it had 30 amp electric.
One of the most captivating features of the park is its geological formation—a collapsed cave system that forms the spring that feeds Roaring River. This spring produces an astonishing average of 20 million gallons of water daily, creating a haven for rainbow and brown trout and providing a picturesque landscape for visitors.
Our first day involves hiking a couple of trails in the park
River Trail
River Trail at Roaring River is a pathway along the riverbank, built back in the '30s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). These guys knew their trail game, and this one's a prime example of their handiwork. Going through the trail you'll soak up some history, catch scenic river views. Kevin and I enjoyed the view. Georgia obviously missed the views because she too busy sniffing.
Deer Leap Trail
The River Trail continues on to the Deer Leap Trail. This trail's got it all—a scenic overlook, a boardwalk above the fish hatchery, and a peek at some serious 19th-century machinery. So, you go up through some boardwalk steps....
Then you come up to this overlook...
And what do you see???? Well the hatchery but there is an axle shaft of an old-school waterwheel that powered a gristmill back in the 1800s. Maybe it is the time of day but we cannot make out the mill... it is still a pretty awesome overlook of the hatchery
The trail itself is a product of the '30s, courtesy of the hardworking Civilian Conservation Corps. Oh, and those rocks forming the steps? They were harvested right here in the park. How cool is that?
Plus, for those looking to extend the adventure, there's a connector trail, White Connector 1, that hooks you up with the Fire Tower Trail. It's like a gateway to more outdoor awesomeness.
Fire Tower Trail
The easy part of the hike is over at this point. When we decided to continue on to the Fire Tower Trail, the incline starts with its rugged landscapes and but really beautiful trails, the Fire Tower Trail at Roaring River is a must hike. With most of the tree's leaves gone you have an unhampered view of the Ozark mountains.
We started the hike with colder temperature but at this point it had started to get warm and we've been hiking some significant miles. I decided to shed some layers and ended up looking like the weird bag lady...
The trail has steep hillsides dotted with hidden stony bluffs and tucked-away forest coves. There are also some areas in the trail that looks like there would be a steam but maybe we did not get sufficient enough rain to fill it with water. The cherry on top is this old lookout tower, a relic from the '30s.
The entire hike was a total of 6.65 miles total time of 2:58 hours. We walked from our campsite to the hiking trail. As always the test of a good time at the hiking trail is Georgia's level of tiredness. Mission accomplished I think! What do you think?
Unlike other people we like to spend our camping with hiking in the morning then having breakfast. See Kevin below enjoying our breakfast pie courtesy of my brother in law Tim! After that we hang inside the camper and do movie marathons, nap and do it all over again until it is time for dinner. Pretty relaxing get away!
The next day since we are packing up and we are still pretty sore from our long hike we went with a shorter hike.
Pibern Trail
A hidden gem crafted by the hardworking crew of the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the '30s. These guys weren't just building; they were multitasking, harvesting materials while creating this fantastic trail.
This trail might be short but this trail has it all —dry and moist limestone woodlands, towering bluffs offering epic views, slopes facing every which way, and to top it off, a quaint little Ozark stream adding its charm to the mix. It's like a nature lover's paradise all rolled into one trail.
After hiking we had our breakfast and started break camp. It was a bit of a drive for us so we wanted to make sure we get started early.
Roaring River State park is definitely worth the visit for any nature enthusiast. It has a little of everything. What we liked about camping in Roaring River State Park
There is WiFi in the park, although we had our own portable WiFi, having a back up is helpful if your primary is having problems
It is really quite at the moment because there are only a handful of camper
The area was quiet, it might be because the campsite was empty but the area itself is quiet
Beautiful park with beautiful trails
Have you been to Roaring River State Park? How was your experience? Hope you enjoyed our Thanksgiving camping guide to Roaring River State Park.
TTYL!