Camp Five Pond Trailhead
This is the primary access point for the Irish Wilderness, the largest wilderness in Missouri. It’s a gravel parking lot and a two panel kiosk. The road loops around the parking area. If you are riding a horse this would be the best trailhead to use for access.
Photos of Camp Five Trailhead
General Information
Dispersed Camping
Protect the solitude; seek out campsites in the Wilderness that are out of sight and sound of trails and other camps. When sharing an area keep a low profile and maintain the solitude.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground.
Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates.
There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
- Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
- Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
January - December
Day Use, 6 am to 10pm; vehicles can be left overnight
Wilderness
- Limit your party size to 10 persons;
- no camping within 100 feet of trails, water sources and other camps.
- Terrain is sometimes steep.
- No motorized or mechanized equipment allowed.
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics;
- Never tie stock directly to trees.
- Commercial use will not be permitted.
- Special uses will not be permitted, except for access to surrounded private property.
- Pack out all of your trash
Trailheads
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- Dogs on leash
- No fireworks
No fees are required for this site
There are no fees
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: #66 Confederate Ridge Road Doniphan, MO 63935
Phone: 573-996-2153
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 36.765896
Longitude: -91.13517148
Directions
From Van Buren
- Take US 60 west for 10 miles
- Turn left to go south on Highway J
- Drive about 16 miles south and the trail head road is on the right.
Parking
12 vehicles
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes Info
Whites Creek Trail
The Whites Creek Trail is a 18.6 mile trail within the Irish Wilderness. Trails within the wilderness are not signed or marked, except at junctions. This trail can be moderately challenging and advanced hikers will enjoy hiking this trail through the wilderness. Whites Creek Trail is also a popular destination for equestrian use.
Backpacking Info
Whites Creek Trail
The Whites Creek Trail is a 18.6 mile trail within the Irish Wilderness. Trails within the wilderness are not signed or marked, except at junctions. This trail can be moderately challenging and advanced hikers will enjoy hiking this trail through the wilderness. Whites Creek Trail is also a popular destination for equestrian use.
Horseback Riding Info
Whites Creek Trail
The Whites Creek Trail is a 18.6 mile trail within the Irish Wilderness. Trails within the wilderness are not signed or marked, except at junctions. This trail can be moderately challenging and advanced hikers will enjoy hiking this trail through the wilderness. Whites Creek Trail is also a popular destination for equestrian use.
Viewing Scenery Info
The 16,277-acre Irish Wilderness is a dense forest of oaks and hickory that was designated in 1984. Here you'll find sinkholes, disappearing streams that reappear downstream, and Whites Creek Cave, (please note that Whites Creek Cave is closed to the public).
Located within the wilderness are Fiddler and Bliss Springs, off the Whites Creek Trail. There are short spur trails that lead to each of them.
The area is generally rolling hills with steeper bluffs located near the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River.
Recreation Groups
The 16,277-acre Irish Wilderness is a dense forest of oaks and hickory that was designated in 1984.