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Touring KT relying on camping
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Hiking with Shawn from Southern Illinois on 10/8/2018 6:44:16 PM:
Hello Folks,

Myself, a buddy and his son would like to give a full "thru-bike" of the KT, starting from West to East in summer months of 2019. We're hoping to rely mainly on camping opportunities, free camping if we can help it. We'd like to get in about 50-60 miles a day and I'm wondering if any of you have experienced this before? It seems like after N. Jefferson, camping becomes vary scarce. I've considered Daniel Boone CA as a waypoint in the middle of it all for camping opportunities but welcome you suggestions? I'm a southern Illinoisan excited about giving this awesome MO rail trail a try :) -Shawn
 
John Hutchins from Pacific on 10/9/2018 5:33:08 AM:
Camping gets a little thinner east of Jeff City, but there are good options. The Turner Shelter in Tebbits, Herman MO city park, Marthasville city park and Klondike Park. I'm not aware of any camping available east of Klondike, though.
 
Bruce from Pittsburg, ks on 10/9/2018 10:16:27 PM:
The Missouri Dept of Conservation conducts organized rides from Clinton to St. Charles. If fact, they have a ride in progress right now; they are in Booneville tonight. The are fully supported where they haul your gear, provide hot showers, tents for rent, and even bikes for those who fly in. I think they have one in early summer or late spring, too, but maybe someone on this forum could answer that. You couldnt pay someone to shuttle all your camping gear and be at each night's destination cheaper than what the MDC charges. If you have any flexibility in you schedule, its an option you may want to consider.
 
Bruce from Pittsburg, ks on 10/9/2018 10:17:19 PM:
The Missouri Dept of Conservation conducts organized rides from Clinton to St. Charles. If fact, they have a ride in progress right now; they are in Booneville tonight. The are fully supported where they haul your gear, provide hot showers, tents for rent, and even bikes for those who fly in. I think they have one in early summer or late spring, too, but maybe someone on this forum could answer that. You couldnt pay someone to shuttle all your camping gear and be at each night's destination cheaper than what the MDC charges. If you have any flexibility in you schedule, its an option you may want to consider.
 
Sir Randall from Fort Lauderdale on 10/9/2018 11:26:21 PM:
We camped(mostly) west to east and spent roughly 7-12 pp each night. Pleasant hill caretaker never came to collect payment. Pilot Grove is free. Hermann was nice with brewery in town. Use the trip planner to map out the campsites and figure your mileage from that. Nothing east of Klondike (reservation needed).
 
Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 10/10/2018 9:24:25 AM:
Here's what Bruce is talking about that happens in June. This is the 2017 ride, but should be very similar in 2019.

https://mostateparks.com/2017ktride

I've done it the last 8 years and really enjoy it.
 
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