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Eric from O'Fallon on 1/12/2014 6:27:39 PM:

My nephew and I will be backpacking section 2 of the ADT and I am concerned that there appears to be limited camping in a couple spots along the route. There are a few spots that will have either short days or verrry long days. Since we have 10 days to finish the trip, we hope to average 15-20 miles a day. What is accepted practice for overnight stops, such as distance off trail, etc?

TIA!!

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 1/12/2014 7:37:10 PM:

Where is the ADT? Doesn't sound like the Katy Trail.

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 1/12/2014 7:47:23 PM:

Click on the Trip Planner link above and select Camping. That should give you most of the camping options. You are not allowed to camp on the trail, only at designated camping areas. Any distance off the trail is most likely private property.

ArkyKenny on 1/12/2014 7:51:22 PM:

Stealth camping on The Katy is a "No-no." Print off the guide section of this website with camping, food, and water info from this website (or better yet, just use a smart phone and bookmark this site for reference), then use that to help you get started.

If that doesn't work, don't be shy about asking permission to set up camp on a remote part of someone's yard, and be sure to slip them $10 in the process. But make sure to ask and receive permission before you camp.

I prefer using a lightweight Eno hammock with a rainfly for that situation. I've slept under trees, pavilions, in barns, etc. As often as not, I've been given hot coffee the next morning. The conversation with the landowner usually starts like this after a knock on the door: "Do you know anywhere my son and I can camp, or up up a tent........" If that doesn't work, go to the next place. I've been told "No" once, but never twice. I think landowners generally like to help trail users as long as they don't think you are going to burn down their barn, etc.

Eric from O'Fallon on 1/12/2014 10:00:09 PM:

The ADT is the American Discovery Trail, coast to coast. It follows the Katy Trail throughout Missouri.

Eric from O'Fallon on 1/12/2014 10:36:22 PM:

Thanks, ArkyKenny. I will be using a hammock (a Hennessy), but I'm not sure if my nephew will be using one, though he has access to one. I figure the least footprint the better.

Thanks for the landowner tip--I was hoping for something along those lines. Happy trails!

airborne1969 on 1/21/2014 4:25:54 PM:

My property borders the trail about 7 miles west of Jefferson City. You are welcome to camp there if it is one of the areas you are looking at. No charge either. If so, let me know. Thanks.

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