I became what they warned you about | van camping by a river in the Ozarks

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Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@richardross7219]

A few months ago, you were talking about getting rid of the van. I hope that you have changed your mind. Its too bad that you can't take it with you on the CDT. That white nose fungus has wiped out 99% of the small brown bats in CT. When it is really hot, put a silver tarp over the van and to the sides, to reflect the sunlight and heat. Use inflatable pool toys to hold the tarp above the van roof for air circulation. This should make the van much cooler during the day. I keep a silver/black 16' x 20' tarp in my van incase I get stuck someplace hot. Another good video. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick

[@kellyhays23]

I almost forgot my whole van breakdown! I’ll talk about that in an upcoming video! Thanks for the info Rick! You are always a wealth of knowledge to everyone on this channel😊

[@brooktroutfreak]

That’ll learn ya Kelly Hayes, 🎶don’t go chasing waterfalls stick to living in a van down by the river🎶😂

[@williamkatzer7824]

I recently visited the Ozarks of Missouri . I currently live in Phoenix and took a road trip to Chicago with a very liberal travel time to get there so had time to explore. Absolutely gorgeous environment and the people I encountered were the most down to earth people I've meet. It was such a breath of fresh air about how humans should be to each other. I loved the vibe. I grew up rural but after much time in the city in my 43 years I'm ready to get back to a place that feels like home.

[@ashleyw2060]

You just being you is why I can’t stop watching. Love. every. video.

[@flounder2394]

Kelly your editing is always on point. Never get bored or want to skip.

[@AlanaOverstreet]

Over by the rv sites close to the softball field there is a big tree with a hole in it . If you shine your light in the hole you’ll see a bunch of bats . I don’t live far from here and go here often . So beautiful!

[@bevgipson6958]

I laughed out loud when you spit out the potato!😂

[@user-nk1di4qe7t]

I always cook corn in the husks 🌽 Soaking them in water first makes them steam in the husks and shortens cook time and helps prevent burning. Bon Appétit

[@kellyhays23]

Great tip!!! Thank you!!

[@vincemosconi1949]

As a Florida transplant from New Mexico I want to thank you for your constant travels in Florida. You have shown me so many cool places .I have done sections of the Florida trail and coming from New Mexico I am very familiar with the Gila Wilderness section of the CDT. I go back one a year to do a bit more ,so maybe ill see ya on trail. So best of luck on your upcoming trip!

[@bwell111]

Hey, just found your channel today with your Flattop hike. I'm from OK and live in Alaska now for about 9 years and have never hiked it, so, great to see it from your hike, thanks. I've been all over Alaska and a friend from OK said to me one time, after I had been to Alaska and back to OK for several years before I moved here in 15, "it must be hard to live in OK after going to Alaska". And now I agree, but OK will always be home, too, like AR is to you. I love that you're so genuine and say things straight in what you think. But you're not an idiot, lol, very much an enjoyable person. I've actually recently thought about van life, lol, in the near future. Did a few months of it here in AK in 12/13/14 before moving here. You know how wonderful and free it is. Keep enjoying life to the fullest and thanks for the adventures.

[@kaymccain1593]

The waterfall sounds so wonderful. Thank you!°

[@leedanielson7452]

Kelly, I'm so glad you persevered and found that waterfall!!!😂❤👍👏🏻👏🏻

[@flipntreasures]

Keep up the great the videos you do on your beautiful adventures!! Very inspiring and very peaceful to watch!

[@brianthomas3465]

Great adventure Kelly ❤ Thank you for taking us along. What I'd give to be young again with my health.

[@Philthy1]

Your camp fire meal looked amazing! Love seeing your explorations.

[@cehhec1229]

[1:04] "There's no wifi in the forest, but I promise you'll find a better connection.". ❤❤

[@rockydaleo6998]

I started following you when you were in Cape Canaveral and I’m always impressed how your in tune with nature.

[@nam_hn]

I feel inspired every time I watch you cooking, especially when you try out something new.

[@xaviermcneal656]

You enjoy yourself. Love your amazing adventures. Keep it going.

[@forrestwhite8052]

Always enjoy your vlogs

[@user-David-Alan]

Great video Kelly. You are becoming such a great camp cook. I always worry about you when you are by yourself. It's like having another dad. I hope you had a great hike. Stay well and be safe.

[@charliegirlhikes]

My friend and I just hiked the BHT on 4/12/24!!! I've been watching you forever from Arkansas! Glad you are home for a bit!

[@LMGSvideos]

I live about 45 minutes from Devils Den Park. I was there last Sunday after two or three days of rain. Lee creek was really rolling! Lots of great areas in Arkansas to explore. Start at the bridge, walk next to the creek, and you will get to the waterfalls. No need to do the whole loop. They were both really pouring last Sunday.

[@WYGOOutdoors-zk6zd]

Really enjoy your videos. Keep it up and continue to enjoy the outdoors!!

[@OverlandOne]

I have been on the road full time in my camper van since last summer, and I spent the winter in my van, down by a river in Kentucky. It was beautiful. Safe travels.

[@thatsamazinggrace9512]

oh man, what a beautiful camp spot! I love seeing the full moon, never get tired of it!

[@brucemartin2882]

To get lost with Kelly looking for waterfalls would be epic .

[@rockercover]

All about van-exploring. 👍 Makes for a good rain shelter, when in a park and the clouds turn on the water-works. ||| Nice to see the many parts of the country with your recorded travels, thank you again for sharing them.

[@jimpetway8907]

Awesome , love your setup !

[@Daddy-Daughter-shadow-camping]

Breathtaking scenery and that water color!! 🙌

[@johnelliott5923]

Great vid. Great job Kelly love everything you do .❤❤❤

[@rosemarymcleod4074]

Enjoyed another great video. Love your creative cooking. After that last video with the ice cream ball I had to purchase one and when my grand kids came over we made the ice cream and it was a big hit. Thanks for all your ideas.

[@jasonjones5213]

Wow! Beautiful place.I love walking down to the water with a light after dark.

[@carolwerner3881]

Another fun video Kelly! I just love your cooking segments, gives me ideas. I agree Arkansas is so beautiful!! Thanks for entertaining us

[@joankline343]

Thanks Kelly for sharing another great video & another beautiful area to hike! ❤ I had intended on traveling before I got covid in 2021 and had wanted to camp or car camp and or do the Appalachian trail or section hike the state forests with my sister-in-law but now I'm on oxygen so that's probably not going to happen anytime soon. 😅 I hope you'll continue these types of video's. I'm loving the hikes and greatly appreciate the van camping and delicious 😋 food that you always make. Hope to see you again soon!

[@jerryraines3076]

Just found this part of KZbin. Camping was my passion in my 20s. I live in the country so it’s a site any direction I drive. I still have to work tho. I’m gonna do some fishing this year. Ok glad to see you having fun. Stay safe and see the country

[@DougZeiser]

That's so cool you had a river pretty much all to yourself. Also, I love it when you do campfire cooking segments. Whenever I go camping, pretty much all I can think to cook is hotdogs lol Great video

[@SHay-bq7bn]

I’m from a neighboring state and never thought about going to Arkansas for camping, but your videos have 100% convinced me to book some trips. Beautiful spots! Thanks for sharing.

[@Terrylevi-ts6ez]

I’ve come across your channel recently and have been watching your AT videos,a great channel

[@iammckenna]

I don't know, I'd rather live in a van by the river and go on adventures than live in a house and be deeply in debt, working every waking hour at a job I hate and feeling like a slave in my own life ;)

[@calebdelong1537]

Having property is the best return for your money. It only increases in value over time. Soooo your logic is off

[@ClownCash]

And then you pay for upkeep and property taxes as the value goes up. And if that’s not enough the government will unconstitutionally spend your family tree in bankruptcy.

[@kellyhays23]

I think having a house and property can be good if you can actually afford it, which to me means paying cash and actually owning the thing. Otherwise you are a slave to your mortgage for 30+ years, which also means now you have to make X amount of dollars every month to pay for said house including the mortgage PLUS electric, water, internet, upkeep…the list goes on. Now you are stuck working 30+ years with not much freedom or choice because you are a slave to your home debt and ultimately thrown into the rat race of middle class life.

[@calebdelong1537]

@@ClownCash and the value keeps growing.

[@jacobschmidt4265]

@@calebdelong1537not everything in life is based on a financial return.

[@guymonhall7596]

I grew up 5 miles from Devils Den and have the waterfall trail and Yellow Rock memorized like the back of my hand. Your camp site is in my favorite campground too!

[@geraldbroflovski8114]

I love your channel and vibe!

[@johncampanaro6610]

Double thumbs up Kelly. Love watching your vids. Keep it up!

[@lalasteen3860]

Can definitely relate to that first bite of sweet potato that burned your mouth. Glad you kept it in the video. Love your sense of adventure and independence!!

[@No_motor_angler]

I’m in Florida (gonna miss your adventures in the sunshine state) & Arkansas reminds me a lot of my home state of West Virginia. Beautiful scenery & love the waterfall Kelly!!

[@garyblack2858]

Another awesome video. I hear ya on the expensive camping. Here in Washington the state park campsites are $47! Thats the full hook up.

[@grunclemike9824]

Love your T shirt!!! Starting next year the FNST is going to start having our own Trail Days!!!! Probably in White Springs. Happy Trails!!!

[@garypiont6114]

Nice camp site. Thanks for sharing.

[@timmcnally8264]

I never knew how beautiful Arkansas is that’s on my bucket list. Only place I have been is Texarkana. Thanks for sharing your hikes God bless you on your hikes.

[@tonybowen8518]

That park is so beautiful. I live in Central Florida I’ll be making a trip to Arkansas soon. Absolutely love your content.

[@RandyHagen]

Really enjoyed this video and learned a few things from the Cook'n with Kelly segment. I'm still watching the Florida videos...there's a lot of them.

[@Dan__S]

Gonna have to pour one out for Chris Farley. Safe travels, hope the van treats you well.

[@Tonylwells]

I love your videos, I just moved back to Florida last summer and have watched all of your videos since then here in Florida, I’ve even gone to some of the same camp campgrounds that you’ve gone to did my first shark tooth hunting trip to Venice Beach area found the shark teeth. Very exciting. I love your channel. Wish we could’ve met up somewhere here when you were here.

[@andrewchaney242]

Beautiful scenery

[@johnmorganjr769]

Beautiful! The Ozarks are on the list !!

[@RickINFJ]

What a beautiful place, Kelly. I love that you inserted the Chris Farley clip.😂 God rest his hilarious soul. Nice new camp gadgets! I need that fan. Were you having flashbacks of the Mahoosuc Notch crawling around in those caves with nature's AC? 😊 Take care and thank you for another stellar camp vlog. 🌲⛺️🌲

[@LovesM855A1]

It’s so beautiful on the road I miss it…. You are very lucky and I need to get back out there. You are great btw and so beautiful!

[@jondoe942]

Your morning voice is so sweet! Coffee time!

[@BafMilr052]

The stick gator 😂

[@larrypeake7632]

LOVE IT!!!

[@jimweagant8920]

Thanks for the video 👍👍

[@davidshirley6850]

I live this state park by far our favorite in ark, live how it feels more secluded and more primitive , the trails are great and the camp sites by the aqua colored stream are awesome to sleep next to

[@AbleHammer]

Very cool camp ground! Haha the hot potato had me laughing 🤣.

[@thomasbrandon5111]

Kool little adventure

[@BillStraub303]

That place looks like a great time!

[@stevvenjb61]

I love what you made on the grill! So awesome to see a creative meal and my favorite, Mexican!

[@BobL84]

really cool adventure. you put a lot into your videos and you do it all for us

[@MyCornerOnline]

That camping spot looks perfect! I may. Wed to visit that park.

[@tonyclark6958]

You absolutely make your videos amazing. The wife and I watch all of your videos. Food looks delicious. Be safe out there.

[@starkeymorgan4142]

Just moved to Fort Smith (not far from this place) last July. Have visited this park and am looking forward to exploring this summer. Also spent a summer playing opera (cello) in Eureka Springs years ago. Lots to see.

[@ralphp3057]

Thanks for sharing your camping adventure. Glad you found the waterfall! Sounds cool about your CDT plans . I sure wish I was 31 years young again! lol Yikes ! That was many decades ago for me . 😬👍

[@bobbyswain7049]

Good stuff.......Ark is a beautiful state .....lots of places to explore. Safe travels🐗🐗🐗

[@imapman1]

Yea! The natural girl in the natural state. It's so fun to see you camping in Arkansas again.

[@robs4516]

I camped several times in that same loop at DD back when I was at the UA, back in the '80's. Love it there. "Tin foil" definitely tell you're from Arkansas, WPS!

[@StevenDoornbos-xo5jb]

Mt. Magazine in SW Arkansas is awesome! Butterflies gather there before moving on in the Spring. High cliffs and valleys abound with many pull-off spots to visit and enjoy.

[@danielnielsen1977]

7:42 Hah! Memories.. 👍🔥 killer camping site.

[@jeremy888ish]

never knew arkansas could be this pretty thank you for showing us Kelly !

[@jaymedina3142]

Found you first time today. Subscribed. Enjoyed the great waterfall hunt.

[@tblmt]

awesome adventure!

[@feliciamester]

Great video ❤

[@JonathanJonez]

One of my favorite camp ground in NWA. I was devastated when they closed off the caves some years back. FYI... the first cave she came upon that was cool, is actually called Devils icebox. The main cave on the property that you used to be able to walk in for miles was called Devils Den.

[@143purple]

What is the name of this campground so I can look up more info

[@143purple]

Or is there a website to the campsites in NWA

[@FindersKeepers88]

Good, Thx much

[@jasonmcgill3904]

I played in those caves all the time when i was a kid. Sad they have been closed for so long. But i understand. Nice to see you in my part of the woods.

[@florida-alaskasummer22driv62]

I started following a few KZbinrs in the last year or two. You're still tops. Seriously LOL on the sweet potato.

[@heatherlandskron]

great video and beautiful weather and waterfall.!! have a good evening and week.

[@lauraboggs4415]

😂 love all your cooking escapades.. I know you are not trying to be funny but you are. Thanks for being real.

[@johnchen8888]

Never (and No plan) to do any hike longer than 2 hours. But admire your adventures/hikes and that's why I subscribed.

[@tonyamusial2767]

Awesome video Kelly! And NW Arkansas is so beautiful.

[@ianwalker682]

Several years ago we hiked to a waterfall in Ely, MN. So worth the hike to get there. Sorry but I couldn't help but laugh when you spit out the potato. I thought, silly girl you just took it off the fire, it's going to be hot. haha Another thumbs up for this trip.

[@rogerd9150]

This is my first time watching. Somehow I stumbled across your video (thanks to the YT algorithm!). You seem like a really nice young lady and I enjoyed your video. I love Arkansas. It's a very beautiful state. Liked and subscribed! From my perspctive as a dad and grandpa, I pray for safe travels for you and I am looking forward to catching up on all your previous videos! Take care!

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you so much!!!!🤍

[@CombatDoc54]

Hope you are still in the area if you read this. You should go over to the Buffalo National River east of there. Best way to describe where it is, it's South of Branson, Missouri maybe 65 miles or so in Arkansas. If you ever go there, you'll need to go on a float trip. You'll see a few waterfalls. They have tubes, canoes or kayaks you can rent.

[@tradejack3430]

Doc knows what's up , you don't want to be that close to the Buffalo and not float it. Water level is prime right now. I've floated it all except the very bottom before it runs into the White River. Even the head waters... I do not advise it for you.

[@kellyhays23]

floating the buffalo river is one of my all time favorite activities I have done it dozens and dozens of times growing up. Actually think I have a couple videos on the channel of my floats from way back! I am hoping to get out there again while I’m home this time !

[@Dagothdaleet]

Nice. That is not too far south of me. Great camping spot

[@wrightwinger85]

Hot springs is cool. Love the channel

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

You should look up Dover Lights just north of Russellville. I Great scenery and the lights are really cool when you can catch em. Welcome back Home.

[@kellyhays23]

I been known about those!! Would be a cool video if I could catch em on camera somehow

[@hikerbikerclutz8377]

Love this ❤! I need a van down by the river lol Love the Arkansas parks. Gorgeous!

[@JB-dy3mi]

I grew up backpacking northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. If you haven't heard of Tim Ernst books then definitely check out his guide books. When it comes to waterfalls it's always best to go after a good rain but be careful of flash floods.

[@kellyhays23]

I have all of his books!!

[@JB-dy3mi]

Yeah, it took one more video to realize you were from Arkansas. I figured then. LOL I actually ran into him on the trail once. He turned us on to a secret spot in the area we were in. Friendly dude. Even though it's a rough and rugged creek hike I'd have to say Richland Creek coming down from the top around hill cemetery is my all time favorite. It's tough and remote. We used to follow a water drainage and you felt really high up in places. Last time I went which was a decade or more later everything had changed. You can come in from the bottom and have all the park amenities but up above is a different world.

[@cachemacstrailtime]

Living the life in a van down by the river. I really liked the cliffy cave area.

[@garyvickers9474]

Looks like an awesome place

[@stephencanada1193]

Devil’s Den is one of my favorite spots! I couldn’t help but chuckle when you couldn’t find the waterfall 😂. I need to get back out there this spring while it’s still chilly at night

[@stoicodysseys6352]

I love your videos, you're always entertaining Talk nice to yourself!

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you!!!!

[@agnesskibicka]

@stoicodysseys6352, you might enjoy rural living in Poland ( my channel 😊)