Nov 19 → 20
Thursday · 1 night
Meramec
State Park
Sullivan, Missouri
Planned stopLeave home around 4:00 PM.
First overnight on the way south.
Complete self-contained reading copy · November 2026
DELONG / TRAVEL JOURNAL
November 19–27, 2026
Silver wheels.
Golden leaves.
Fall camping in the Ozarks · An Airstream-inspired Thanksgiving trip.
8Camping nights
3Camp locations
2States to camp in
Route illustration · schematic, not a navigation map
Where we’re camping
Dates show arrival → departureMeramec
Nov 20 → 23
Friday–Sunday · 3 nights
Paddocks @
Fox Hill Farm
Bentonville, Arkansas
Confirmed · Hipcamp8441 East Mcnelly Road
Bentonville, AR 72712
Planned arrival around noon.
Nov 23 → 26
Monday–Wednesday · 3 nights
Cobb Ridge
Campground
Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri
Confirmed · Loop A, 015Check-in: Nov 23, 2:00 PM
Check-out: Nov 26, 2:00 PM
Silver Dollar City · Nov 23.
Springfield visit · Nov 24.
Nov 26 → 27
Thanksgiving Thursday · 1 night
Meramec
State Park
Sullivan, Missouri
Planned stopDrive halfway home.
One last night at camp before returning to Morton on Friday.
Two days to explore
Our Ozarks adventures · overnight at Cobb Ridge
Monday / November 23, 2026
Silver Dollar City
Branson, Missouri
A day of rides, Ozarks craftsmanship, and holiday lights during An Old Time Christmas. Our featured stop on the way to the Cobb Ridge stay.
Check November 23 park hours ↗ · Cobb Ridge check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Tuesday / November 24, 2026
A day in Springfield
Explore Springfield, Missouri, then return to Cobb Ridge for the night.
Nine days, one adventure
THU / NOV19Leave 4 PM
Meramec
Meramec
FRI / NOV20Arrive ~noon
Fox Hill Farm
Fox Hill Farm
SAT / NOV21Fox Hill Farm
SUN / NOV22Fox Hill Farm
MON / NOV23Silver Dollar City
Cobb Ridge
Cobb Ridge
TUE / NOV24Springfield visit
Cobb Ridge
Cobb Ridge
WED / NOV25Cobb Ridge
THU / NOV26Thanksgiving
Meramec
Meramec
FRI / NOV27Home to
Morton
Morton
Trip notes
Meramec stays come from the planning itinerary; no reservation confirmation was supplied. Fox Hill Farm’s November dates use 2026 from the trip itinerary. Return home November 27 confirmed by you. Map links require internet; the infographic works offline.
Diesel along the way
Route assumptions: I-155 / I-55 / I-44 for Morton–Meramec; I-44 / I-49 via Joplin for Arkansas. The Nov 23 list uses an interstate-oriented route back through Joplin and Springfield, which may be longer than routes through Arkansas and Branson. It does not include your optional Silver Dollar City detour. Confirm the actual route and rig clearance before driving; Google Maps is not an RV-routing tool.
Nov 19, 2026
Home → Meramec
I-155 → I-55 → St. Louis area → I-44
Open this route in Google Maps ↗- 01
Love’s #249
I-55 exit 109991 Ann Rutledge Rd, Williamsville, IL 62693
Diesel verified · operator listingAuto diesel and truck parking listed
- 02
Love’s #578
I-55 exit 309191 State Route 140, Hamel, IL 62046
Diesel verified · operator listingAuto diesel, truck parking and RV parking listed
- 03
Pilot #208
I-44 exit 256/2571475 Thornton St, Pacific, MO 63069
Diesel verified · operator listingDiesel lanes and truck parking listed
- 04
Flying J #673
I-44 exit 226825 N Loop Dr, Sullivan, MO 63080
Diesel verified · operator listingDiesel lanes and truck parking listed
Nov 20, 2026
Meramec → Fox Hill Farm
I-44 west → Joplin → I-49 south
Open this route in Google Maps ↗- 01
Flying J #673
I-44 exit 226825 N Loop Dr, Sullivan, MO 63080
Diesel verified · operator listingDiesel lanes and truck parking listed
- 02
Love’s #341
I-44 exit 1893500 Hy Point Industrial Park Dr, Rolla, MO 65401
Diesel verified · operator listingAuto diesel and truck parking listed
- 03
Love’s #458
I-44 exit 88400 N State Highway 125, Strafford, MO 65757
Diesel verified · operator listingAuto diesel, truck parking and RV dump listed
- 04
Pilot #1061
I-44 exit 724939 W Chestnut Expy, Springfield, MO 65802
Diesel verified · operator listingDiesel lanes and truck parking listed
- 05
Flying J #669
Joplin / I-44–I-49 area11570 Hwy FF, Joplin, MO 64804
Diesel verified · operator listingDiesel lanes and truck parking listed
- 06
Love’s #585
I-49 exit 2712009 E Highway 86, Neosho, MO 64850
Diesel verified · operator listingAuto diesel, truck parking and RV parking listed
Nov 23, 2026
Fox Hill Farm → Cobb Ridge
Highway-oriented option: I-49 north → Joplin → I-44 east → US-65 / local campground approach
Open this route in Google Maps ↗- 01
Love’s #585
I-49 exit 2712009 E Highway 86, Neosho, MO 64850
Diesel verified · operator listingAuto diesel, truck parking and RV parking listed
- 02
Flying J #669
Joplin / I-44–I-49 area11570 Hwy FF, Joplin, MO 64804
Diesel verified · operator listingDiesel lanes and truck parking listed
- 03
Pilot #1061
I-44 exit 724939 W Chestnut Expy, Springfield, MO 65802
Diesel verified · operator listingDiesel lanes and truck parking listed
Nov 26, 2026
Cobb Ridge → Meramec
Local campground approach → US-65 → I-44 east
Open this route in Google Maps ↗- 01
Love’s #458
I-44 exit 88400 N State Highway 125, Strafford, MO 65757
Diesel verified · operator listingAuto diesel, truck parking and RV dump listed
- 02
Love’s #341
I-44 exit 1893500 Hy Point Industrial Park Dr, Rolla, MO 65401
Diesel verified · operator listingAuto diesel and truck parking listed
- 03
Flying J #673
I-44 exit 226825 N Loop Dr, Sullivan, MO 63080
Diesel verified · operator listingDiesel lanes and truck parking listed
Nov 27, 2026
Meramec → Home
I-44 east → St. Louis area → I-55 → I-155
Open this route in Google Maps ↗- 01
Flying J #673
I-44 exit 226825 N Loop Dr, Sullivan, MO 63080
Diesel verified · operator listingDiesel lanes and truck parking listed
- 02
Pilot #208
I-44 exit 256/2571475 Thornton St, Pacific, MO 63069
Diesel verified · operator listingDiesel lanes and truck parking listed
- 03
Love’s #578
I-55 exit 309191 State Route 140, Hamel, IL 62046
Diesel verified · operator listingAuto diesel, truck parking and RV parking listed
- 04
Love’s #249
I-55 exit 109991 Ann Rutledge Rd, Williamsville, IL 62693
Diesel verified · operator listingAuto diesel and truck parking listed
Food & shops
November 20–23
Fox Hill Farm
Bentonville and Bella Vista are the main local areas. Rogers and Jane choices are regional alternatives.
Breweries 5 picks
- 01
Bentonville Brewing Company
Bentonville, ARFirst brewery pick for your Bentonville stay.
- 02
Bike Rack Brewing
Bentonville, ARAn 8th Street Market stop to combine with a meal.
- 03
Social Project Brewing
Bentonville, ARAnother local craft brewery to explore.
- 04
Ozark Beer Company
Rogers, AR · regional driveA Rogers alternative with its own beers and other beverages.
- 05
Rendezvous Junction Brewing
Rogers, AR · regional driveA brewery and taproom that also advertises pizza.
Pizza 5 picks
- 01
Oven & Tap
Bentonville, ARWood-fired pizza in downtown Bentonville.
- 02
Pedaler’s Pub
Bentonville, ARA local wood-fired pizza option; use its current map listing.
- 03
Priato Pizzeria
Bentonville, ARNeapolitan pizza from a family-owned operation.
- 04
Gusano’s
Bentonville, ARChicago-style pizza with more menu variety.
- 05
The Rail: A Pizza Company
Rogers, AR · regional driveA pizza stop for a downtown Rogers outing.
BBQ 5 picks
- 01
Wright’s Barbecue
Bentonville, ARPit-smoked barbecue near the square.
- 02
Beach BBQ
Bentonville, ARLocal smoked-meat option on SE 14th Street.
- 03
Smokin’ Joe’s Ribhouse
Bentonville, ARA dedicated ribhouse with Bentonville and Rogers locations.
- 04
Brothers Meethouse
Bentonville, ARAnother local barbecue choice.
- 05
Bubba’s BBQ
Jane, MO · regional driveNorthern alternative when exploring toward Missouri. Source is a local restaurant listing.
Groceries 5 picks
- 01
Walmart Neighborhood Market — N Main
Bentonville, ARA grocery stop to combine with downtown errands.
- 02
Allen’s Food Market
Bella Vista, ARFull groceries, produce and a butcher counter north of Bentonville.
- 03
Harps Food Store
Bella Vista, ARAnother full grocery option in Bella Vista.
- 04
ALDI
Bentonville, ARBudget-oriented groceries; bring a bag and a cart quarter.
- 05
Walmart Neighborhood Market — N Walton
Bentonville, ARA second practical grocery location; choose whichever fits your outing.
November 23–26
Cobb Ridge Campground
Cobb Ridge is rural. These are regional drives, not businesses within walking distance of camp. Pair Branson choices with your planned day trip.
Breweries 5 picks
- 01
4 By 4 Brewing — Fremont Hills
Fremont Hills, MO · regional driveA brewery and beer garden south of Springfield.
- 02
Bear Creek Wine Company & Brewery
Walnut Shade, MO · regional driveA brewery-and-winery outing toward Branson.
- 03
Tie & Timber Beer Co.
Springfield, MO · regional driveBeer and pizza for a Springfield outing.
- 04
Mother’s Brewing Company
Springfield, MO · regional driveA downtown Springfield brewery alternative.
- 05
Great Escape Beer Works
Brookline / Republic, MO · longer regional driveUse the new Highway 60 location. The old Lone Pine location is closed.
Pizza 5 picks
- 01
Godfather’s Pizza
Ozark, MO · regional driveA pizza option in the Ozark shopping area.
- 02
Rocco’s Pizza
Nixa, MO · regional driveA regional pizza stop to combine with Nixa errands.
- 03
Hook & Ladder Pizza Co.
Hollister, MO · regional driveA firehouse-themed pizza restaurant.
- 04
Ozark Mountain Pizza
Branson area, MO · regional driveA family meal option for the Silver Dollar City outing.
- 05
Pizza Ranch
Branson, MO · regional driveBuffet option when the family wants variety.
BBQ 5 picks
- 01
Gettin’ Basted
Nixa, MO · regional driveBarbecue in Nixa; the company also has a Branson location.
- 02
Big D’s BBQ
Branson, MO · regional driveA barbecue stop to pair with a Branson day.
- 03
Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop
Branson, MO · regional driveSmoked meats and burgers. Closed Sundays and Thanksgiving according to its site.
- 04
Oscar’s Famous Ribs
Branson, MO · regional driveRibs and a family diner menu.
- 05
City Butcher and Barbeque
Springfield, MO · regional driveA Springfield barbecue alternative.
Groceries 5 picks
- 01
Country Mart
Forsyth, MO · regional driveA grocery stop south of the campground.
- 02
Walmart Supercenter #379
Ozark, MO · regional driveGroceries, camping supplies and household essentials.
- 03
Harter House
Hollister, MO · regional driveFull grocery store with a meat counter for your Branson outing.
- 04
Harter House
Nixa, MO · regional driveAnother full grocery option west of Ozark.
- 05
Harter House — Eastgate
Springfield, MO · regional driveA Springfield grocery alternative on the eastern side of the city.
Little explorers
November 20–23
Fox Hill Farm
Bentonville, Bella Vista, Rogers & Jane
- 01
Scott Family Amazeum
Bentonville, ARIndoor · paid admissionFirst pick for hands-on indoor discovery. Choose exhibits suited to your child's age; check admission and the visit calendar.
- 02
Orchards Park stroll
Bentonville, AROutdoor · weather dependentA short outdoor walk and picnic near the museum district. This is a landscaped park outing, not a promised toddler playground.
- 03
Bentonville Public Library
Bentonville, ARIndoor · check program agesBooks and a quiet indoor break. Use the library's current calendar for any scheduled storytime.
- 04
Crystal Bridges family visit
Bentonville, ARIndoor / outdoor · short visitTry a short art-looking visit and easy outdoor exploration. Family events depend on the calendar and may have age requirements.
- 05
Museum of Native American History
Bentonville, ARIndoor · free admissionA free, quiet museum alternative for a brief adult-led look at artifacts. Better for looking than active play.
November 23–26
Cobb Ridge Campground
Ozark, Forsyth, Nixa, Springfield & Branson
- 01
Aquarium at the Boardwalk
Branson, MO · regional outingIndoor · paid admissionFirst pick for an indoor fish-watching outing; move at your toddler's pace.
- 02
The Butterfly Palace
Branson, MO · regional outingIndoor · paid admissionIndoor butterflies and rainforest exhibits; confirm admission and available areas.
- 03
Silver Dollar City — little explorers
Branson, MO · regional outingOutdoor · paid admission · ride rulesMatches your Nov 23 plan. Half Dollar Holler is designed for ages 3–7; younger toddlers need suitable alternatives. Carousel and other rides have height/companion rules. Check the park's Nov 23 calendar.
- 04
Discovery Center of Springfield
Springfield, MO · regional outingIndoor · paid admissionChoose simple hands-on exhibits for an indoor visit. Normally closed Mondays, so plan Nov 24 or 25 and verify holiday hours.
- 05
WonderWorks
Branson, MO · regional outingIndoor · paid admission · mixed agesA backup for an indoor exploration day. Many exhibits target older children; check toddler suitability and sensory comfort before purchasing.
Silver Dollar City official calendar ↗ · Check November 23 before committing to the transfer-day visit.