Originally Posted By hikingdoe
Looking at Sand Ridge National Forest. Looks like there are some spots within the campgrounds to go get water, so I might have to do that. I guess its not true backcountry/backpacking, but for a first experience it might all work out.

I definitely want to check out Shawnee National Forest too at some point


Wow. I took a look and that place really looks like it'd be hard to find any water unless it just rained and there was a pool of it still standing. I lived in Rockford for quite a few years and I've seen huge downpours sucked up in just a few hours. The ground there can be like a huge sponge and that spot fits the bill from what I could see on Google maps.

I've only driven through the Shawnee NF and what I saw is beautiful. I'd love to backpack there. The Ozarks are good for backpacking in cool weather, and the Shawnee NF is a part of that range. I suspect it could be pretty uncomfortable by mid April and until late October. If you go then bring bug spray and use it. Ticks and chiggers will probably be thick.
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