Open
— Open year-round. Reservations required via Recreation.gov starting January 1, 2025. Payment through Scan & Pay on the Recreation.gov mobile app starting April 15, 2025.
About
Jerktail Campground is one of the most remote and scenic backcountry campgrounds in Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Located on the Current River, this small 3-site campground offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience for campers seeking solitude and natural beauty. The campground sits alongside impressive river bluffs, expansive gravel bars, and deep swimming holes that draw visitors year after year.
Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Vault toilets are available year-round, but there is no potable water or showers on-site, so visitors must bring their own water supply. The campground's remote location requires driving 6 miles on gravel roads from Highway 19, starting about 5 miles north of Eminence. The route involves multiple forks and turns on County Roads 19-221 and 224.
On summer days, Jerktail is a bustling hub for river recreation including floating, swimming, and fishing in the spring-fed, clear waters of the Current River. At night, the remote setting provides spectacular dark skies where the Milky Way stretches across the horizon, and summer fireflies create dazzling displays. RVs and trailers are permitted, though the access road conditions should be considered. The campground is ideal for experienced campers who value natural peace and solitude over modern amenities.
Directions
From Eminence, drive north on Highway 19 for 5 miles. Turn right onto County Road 19-221 and follow for 2.5 miles. At the Y-fork, turn right onto County Road 224. After 1.4 miles at the next fork, turn right to stay on County Road 224. Continue 2 miles to the campground at road's end. Total gravel road distance is 6 miles.
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