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    First time camping on land I own (ozarks)

    First time camping on land I own (ozarks)

    Earlier this year I was able to pull the trigger on 40 acres of land atop a small mountain in southeast Missouri. I’ve been a lifelong haunter of both the Missouri and Arkansas ozarks and it was my dream
    to finally own some land in this beautiful, often glossed over part of the country, and now that dream has come true.

    Initially got it as hunting land and perhaps to put a tiny home on one day, but for right now it’s mostly a camping and “get away from it all” place. No cell reception, no amenities, just miles of rolling hills and steep forest service roads between me and anything remotely resembling civilization.

    Finally got to camp on it after a long brutal summer (I don’t summer camp, heat intolerant and it’s just miserable down here in swamp east Missouri) and it was life changing to say the least, being able to truly do whatever I wanted, not having to worry about park fees, camp neighbors, seeing littering and dealing with noise pollution, or any of the other downsides to public land camping. I may have cried out of sheer gratitude just knowing this little plot is mine and mine alone when I woke up that first morning to nothing but the sounds of the mourning doves and squirrel barks.

    Anyhow, here’s some pics. The saint Francis river runs close by, and 30 mins away is tom sauk mountain. Most of the weekend was spent fishing, squirrel hunting, scouting for deer sign and catching up on some reading. Cannot wait for actual winter time up here. I’m one of those weirdos that thrives in the cold and melts in the heat.

    by SB2692

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    35 Comments

    2. WildAcresFarmAR on

      Beautiful spot! That creek is really nice! We have a spot in the buffalo river area and it’s my favorite to visit. I can’t wait for retirement so we can spend more extended time up there.

    7. knight_0f_r_new on

      I have toyed with the idea of getting myself some park land as well later on in life. Truly is beautiful country, congratulations.

      Can I come camp too?

    12. Amache_Gx on

      Ok? What do you want, a fucking cookie?

      My wife makes amazing cookies just let me know and I’m on the way.

    15. El_mochilero on

      Out of curiosity, how much does a lot of land like that cost? Looks incredible and now you’ve got me curious hahaha

    19. TheRealShilohConlan on

      I can be the wife that makes cookies for OP? Okay okay. I don’t really bake, but I do love me some great outdoors.
      Also, sorry to OP wife if he’s married, but did you see that water shot? I am a weak woman for outside quiet.

    20. Glad-Welder1733 on

      Fellow Missourian here but I live north central – owning land with a fresh water source is an absolute game changer. Happy for you man. We just bought our first house along with 4 acres. Not as much land as we wanted but we’ll grow it over time. Ownership is such a heartening feeling.

    22. je_ru13 on

      I have never been to Missouri, but this would be my absolute dream ever since I saw pictures of the Mark Twain National Forest.

      I have narcolepsy, so I have to take that into account when thinking about whay state I’m living in. But when I graduate from college, this is definitely my dream come true.

      I hope to be as lucky as you one day! 😊

    23. TheRealShilohConlan on

      I also melt in the heat and love cold camping. Damn it. Okay. Maybe we can be friends? I’m serious. You seem cool.

    26. lekker-boterham on

      You own this land? You’re living the life, man. I could only dream of something like this

    28. Majestic_Park978 on

      brother I am admittedly jealous but do me a favor and get that bottle of lighter fluid a little further away from the fire!

      Sweet piece of property though, I’m glad you’re enjoying life

    31. Specialist-Sky6464 on

      This is awesome – if you ever post videos on YouTube of exploring the land and building shelters, etc, please post. Craving new outdoor content since Outdoor Boys pivoted.

    33. bikepack_Adirondacks on

      Awesome. I love me the Arkansas Ozarks and Ouachitas. Only downside is summers are kinda miserable even before the last dozen years it was just in enjoyably hot down there.

      Not sure it’s still entirely glossed over. Cyclist know about it because of NWA but I think you are correct, in general folks don’t really know how amazing that little slice of elevation in the middle of the country is.

      Definitely looks like a beautiful spot to get away. Enjoy it!