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Reply to Help with pet itinerary over Memorial weekend
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E.B. from Iowa on 4/15/2018 11:56:13 AM:
The wife and I plus our pup (in a pet trailer) are planning to cycle the trail over Memorial Day weekend, Friday through Monday.

We are thinking of starting in Rocheport and heading east.

Any pet-friendly dining patios or lodging suggestions? We are happy to camp anywhere.

My main concern at the moment is camping — most of these tiny campgrounds don't allow reservations it seems. Will they fill up over the holiday weekend?

Thanks for any advice.

 
Anonymous on 4/15/2018 1:10:45 PM:
That weekend certain sections may have a lot of campers. Check the Peddler's Jamboree. Other than those sections on that weekend you should never have a problem camping in the towns that show camping available.
It ALWAYS rains some part of Memorial Day weekend in Missouri.

 
E.B. from Iowa on 4/17/2018 6:34:33 AM:
Thanks! After digging in a bit more we have a plan we are pretty excited about. Looks like plenty of patio dining in Augusta and St. Charles. Our itinerary is:
Day one: Rocheport to Jeff City, Portland or Bluffton camping (not reserved)
Day two: Travel to Augusta, camp there (reserved)
Day three: Augusta to St. Charles (pet-friendly B&B)
Day four: Shuttle back to Rocheport

 
Anonymous on 4/17/2018 7:51:00 AM:
Not sure about camping at Jeff City. Check the location. Hartsburg is good. So is Portland especially on the weekends. There is a restaurant/bar there that is usually open on weekends. It has changed hands a few times and the hours and menu change when that happens. Call to make sure they are in business and will be open. The official camping area is sort of in front of it. Easily found because it is under a floodlight. There is a better campsite near the river on a grassy flat spot away from lights. No one has ever bothered me there.
Augusta the camping is in a large park about 2-3 miles away from the official trailhead. Got caught on that one when we had a large dinner and wine then found out we had to go further east and then up a very steep trail (paved) to get to the park and campsite. Good showers.
An alternative return would be Amtrak from St. Louis to Jeff City then ride back to Rocheport. Book early for that weekend and check the schedule. You would need the morning train.
Good news is that while it always rains on Memorial Day in the western half of the state often the eastern half stays dry.

 
PTM from St. Louis on 4/17/2018 7:37:02 PM:
Speaking of Peddlers Jamboree, riding east on the trail over Memorial weekend can be tricky if you overlap with the PJ riders heading west. Last year, I had a lot of close calls with the PJ riders riding 6 abreast across the entire trail. Ride is from Colomo to Rocheport. Good luck and have fun!

https://www.pedalersjamboree.com/home

 
E.B. from Iowa on 4/18/2018 9:00:52 AM:
Thanks all. It looks like we'll be well east of the Jamboree before their ride even begins.

Camping at Jeff City is only 3 spots according to this site, so hopefully we can get to Portland on day one.

 
E.B. from Iowa on 4/18/2018 9:03:07 AM:
One more question — is the trailhead at Rocheport safe for long term parking?
I treasure my vehicle and don't want anyone messing with it.

 
Anonymous on 4/18/2018 11:51:35 AM:
We've left our car there numerous times without issue and wouldn't be afraid to do so again. The only place I'd avoid long term is North Jefferson (remote and has a bad rap) and Boonville (kinda hidden with not much traffic around it).