Hammond Camp on North Fork River re-opens after flood for day use only

<p class="p1">The North Fork Recreation Area on CC Highway near Dora, locally known as Hammond Camp, has re-opened for day use. The Mark Twain National Forest park, a popular access point for floating the North Fork of the White River, was closed due to heavy damage sustained in the April 29-30 flood. </p><p class="p3">An announcement by MTNF said the area had re-opened, “thanks to the hard work of Forest Service staff.” The area is still closed to camping. </p><p class="p4">The MTNF news release advises visitors accessing the water at Hammond Camp to “be extra cautious to avoid any unseen underwater hazards” and to wear water shoes in this area because sharp metal objects may have landed in the river due to the flood-related destruction of the nearby bridge over the North Fork. Visitors are also cautioned to be aware that heavy equipment is now in the area, working on rebuilding the CC Highway bridge.</p>

<p>This US Forest Service photo was taken of Hammond Bridge at Hammond Camp before the historic flood earlier this year destroyed it. Work has recently begun to rebuild the bridge, and Missouri Department of Transportation spokesperson said they anticipate the bridgework will be complete by October. The Hammond Camp area is open for day-use now.</p>