As a remote, small campground, Jerktail offers one of the most peaceful landscapes in the park.
Photo: NPS Photo / Wil Marischen
About
On summer days, Jerktail is a bustling location for floating, swimming, and recreation. The Current River, huge gravel bars, deep swimming holes, and impressive bluffs draw visitors year after year. At night, campers can enjoy beautiful night skies and true Ozark seclusion. Jerktail Campground is one of the most remote locations in the park. Under the right conditions, visitors can see the Milky Way stretch across the sky. In the summer months, fireflies can make for a dazzling display.
Campsites
Location
County Road 224
Eminence Township, MO 65466
Fees
Hours
Jerktail Campground is typically open throughout the year. The campground may be temporarily closed during/after flooding or storms.
Reservations
Backcountry campsites can be reserved via recreation.gov
Make a Reservation →Directions
Jerktail Campground is located roughly 30 minutes from Eminence, Missouri. Starting in Eminence, drive north on Highway 19. Follow the highway for 5 miles, then turn right onto County Road 19-221. Follow this gravel road for 2.5 miles. At this point, the road forks left and right in a "Y" shape. Turn right into County Road 224. After another 1.4 miles, the road will fork again. Turn right to stay on County Road 224. After 2 miles, the road will end at Jerktail. This route drives on gravel roads for 6 miles.
Weather
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located in southeast Missouri. Summer temperatures generally range from 75-100 degrees with high humidity. Winter temperatures generally range from 0-50 degrees with periods of intermittent freezing and snow.
Accessibility
This area is not wheelchair accessible.
Cell phone service is generally unreliable. Connectivity depends on carrier and location within the campground.
Fires are permitted in designated fire rings and grills. Visit our camping regulations page for other policies regarding fires, stoves, and lanterns: https://www.nps.gov/ozar/learn/management/camping-regulations.htm
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RVs and trailers are allowed as specified in our campground regulations.
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The restroom can be reached by foot or vehicle. Otherwise, there are no ADA campsites within this campground. For nearby accessible campsites, please visit Alley Spring Campground instead.
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Unpaved Roads - 4WD/High clearance required
Limited Development Campground