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Stealth camping ...


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Cupocoffee from Oklahoma City on 9/11/2006 12:07:05 AM:
Is it advisable to camp anywhere along the trail if I don't want to camp in a city park? I'm talking about just finding a place a hundred or so feet off the trail, set up a camp, and leave without a trace the next day. Thoughts? Problems? Legalities?

 
Missouri Joe from O'Fallon, MO on 9/11/2006 6:41:17 AM:
The state park only extends about 50 feet or so on either side of the trail which means you'd be on private property and therefore, trespassing on private property in most cases. I don't think I'd do it.

 
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 9/11/2006 8:41:02 AM:
There are several camping options along the trail. You might want to check out the Roundhouse in New Franklin, Steamboat Junction near Bluffton, and Klondike park near Augusta. I've stayed at the Roundhouse campground......they could not be more accomodating. And there are sites within a few yards of the Katy. We camped at Steamboat Junction over Labor Day weekend and found it to be very clean, neat, and quiet. I would much rather pay ten bucks to camp than have to worry about gettin run off private property by an angry land owner. Court may be a hassle if you have to travel back from Oklahoma for trespassing charges too.

 
J&K from Drexel MO on 9/11/2006 8:53:19 AM:
I heard someone put it once..."How would you like it if someone had pitched a tent in your backyard?" Not only is it just wrong, it is illegal. Missouri fought long and hard over the Katy, and tresspass issues were just one of the battles. Please use the campgrounds, or just ask. Most of the towns will let you camp in the city parks.

 
sbikes from Kansas City on 9/11/2006 9:06:45 PM:
Don't do it. It's illegal for one thing. The Trail is a day use park only; no camping is permitted. And, previous posts are correct, the trail and only a few feet on either side of it
are actually State property -- 100 yards off the trail is on private property--somebody's back yard or place of business. Landowners along the Trail were NOT happy about the Trail going in and it has just been in the last couple of years that the lawsuits over that land use have been resolved. Don't ruin the Trail for everyone by being a trespasser. There are towns about every 10 miles or so, plenty of places to camp without danger of being arrested...or shot. Sharon