Morgan Spring Float Camp
Morgan Spring Float Camp is on the right, just past the spring branch inlet from Morgan Spring. This camp is 7.7 miles downriver of Riverton. Footpaths lead from the float camp to Morgan and Blue Springs.
There are three campsites available on a first come basis at this primitive site. The vault toilet is located just up the trail from the campsites.
From this float camp the next take out is at Highway 142 Access.
Old Thomasson Mill Spring was the original name for this beautiful spring back in the days when a small grist mill by that name stood nearby. The area contains unique geographic landforms and associated deep blue, mineral rich springs that add 140 million gallons of brisk 58° water to the Eleven Point River daily. The site has a colorful history. Thomasson water mill operated along the Morgan Spring branch until the early 1900’s and B.B. Morgan operated an aquaculture business that provided millions of aquarium plants all around the world.
All of this beauty could have been at the bottom of a lake if the Army Corps. had not met such fiery opposition from Morgan and others who wanted to preserve the Eleven Point River for posterity. The Eleven Point River was protected by the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, and the Narrows property entered into Forest Service ownership in 1972.
The Mark Twain National Forest manages this site to protect natural features, preserve historical aspects, and provide for a enjoyable user experience.
General Information
Dispersed Camping
There are 3 campsites each with a fire ring, lantern post and a picnic table. There is a centrally located vault toilet.
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
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
When Visiting the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River
At Access Sites and Camps/Campgrounds:
- No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
- No trash containers at all sites; please pack out all your trash.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Park only in designated parking areas.
- Please don’t damage the historic structures.
On The River
- Follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- No glass or polystyrene on the river.
- The river can rise rapidly, be aware of changing conditions.
At Float Camps and Campgrounds
- Only dead and downed wood for campfires
- No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites
No Fees are required for this site.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Missouri State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
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.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
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.
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: 36.558415
Longitude: -91.185459
Directions
Access to this float camp by river is from Riverton, about 8 miles above Morgan Spring Float Camp.
Parking
6 vehicles
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Lantern posts and fire rings are accessible.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Yes
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/Stream Info
Fishing the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River is a very popular recreation activity on the Mark Twain National Forest.
The river sees a variety of users and is shared by canoes and boats, swimmers, trappers, and anglers. Please use caution and courtesy when encountering another user.
Be aware that 25 horsepower is the maximum boat motor size allowed on the Eleven Point River from Thomasville to "the Narrows" at Missouri State Highway 142.
The Varied Waters
Different fish live in different parts of the river depending upon the water temperature and available habitat.
- The upper river, from Thomasville to the Greer Spring Branch, is good for smallmouth bass, longear sunfish, bluegill, goggle-eye (rock bass), suckers, and a few largemouth bass. This area of the river is warmer and its flow decreases during the summer.
- The river and fish communities change where Greer Spring Branch enters the river. The spring more than doubles the volume of the river, adding millions of gallons of clear, cold spring water each day. This cold water makes it possible for Rainbow Trout to do well in this part of the river. Five and one-half (5-1/2) miles of river between the Greer Spring Branch and Turner Mill South Access is a Blue Ribbon Trout Area (BRTA).
- From Turner Mill to Riverton the water stays cold and is managed as a White Ribbon Trout Area (WRTA). Twelve inch (average) trout are stocked in the WRTA by the Missouri Department of Conservation from March to October. From Greer to the Arkansas state line you will also find numerous smallmouth bass, goggle-eye, suckers, longear sunfish, chain pickerel (pike) and an occasional walleye.
Baits and Tackle
Fish in the Eleven Point River are caught with a wide variety of tackle and with various baits. Worms, salmon eggs, cheese, canned corn, plugs, soft plastic lures, hard lures, grasshoppers, and artificial flies have all been used for fishing. Other types of live bait may be used for fishing.
When using live bait, special rules, limits, and capture methods also apply. Game fish or their parts may not be used as bait. In the BRTA, only flies and artificial lures may be used. Natural bait, scented bait, and soft plastic cannot be used in this area. Fish gigging is also prohibited in the BRTA.
Gigging
Gigging for fish is a time honored activity in the Ozarks that dates back to a time when good fishing equipment was not available. Hand made gigs for fishing are still made today. Suckers are the fish most often gigged. Gigging has certain seasons and limits. Some areas are also closed to gigging year round. Consult the latest copy of the Wildlife Code of Missouri if you wish to try your hand with this specialized type of fishing
Rules and Regulations
To protect and manage Missouri's fine fish populations, rules and regulations (the Wildlife Code of Missouri) have been enacted to insure that future generations will be able to enjoy the outdoor world. However, be aware that regulations may change each year. To prevent illegal fishing practices and possible citations, review and study the latest fish and game regulations published by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
MDOC Special Waterbody Regulations for the Eleven Point River (html)
MDOC Fishing Prospects for the Eleven Point River (html)
Fishing Mode
Canoe, kayak, wading
Fish Species
Fish Species - Daily Limits - Minimum Size in inches
- Largemouth (Black Bass) 6* 12"
- Smallmouth (Black Bass) 1* 15”
- Sunfish (Longear and bluegill) 50 none
- Rock Bass (Goggle-eye) 15 8”
- Suckers 50** none
- Drum 50** none
- Walleye and Sauger 4 18”
- Chain Pickerel (Pike) 6 none
- Rainbow Trout (White Ribbon Trout Area) 4 none
- Rainbow Trout (in Blue Ribbon Trout Area) 1 18"
* you may take a total of 6 Black Bass daily, but only one may be a Smallmouth Bass ** the limits are 20 fish total while gigging
Water Temperature
30 - 65 Degrees
Fishing Method
Rod & /Reel, Flyfishing
Water/Flow Level
varies w/ rainfall
Boating - Motorized Info
The Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri. Its course is cut in the shadows of steep bluffs, through sloping forested valleys, and low-lying riparian ecosystems. Barely more than a small stream at its upper reaches near Thomasville, it gains considerable width and depth as its proceeds south-eastward.
The river has been designated for both motorized and non-motorized use. The motorized users must adhere to a 25 horsepower limit.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
The Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri. Its course is cut in the shadows of steep bluffs, through sloping forested valleys, and low-lying riparian ecosystems. Barely more than a small stream at its upper reaches near Thomasville, it gains considerable width and depth as its proceeds south-eastward.
The river has been designated for both motorized and non-motorized use.
Day Hikes Info
There is a steep, downhill foot path leading from the parking area to Morgan and Blue Springs and the campsites. This can be a difficult hike down and back due to the terrain.
At the parking area, take the path downhill to the campground. After hiking about 2/10’s of a mile the Blue Springs Overlook will be on your right.
From Blue Springs Overlook you continue a half mile over a rise, uphill for a short way before descending again to the Morgan Springs.
Once you get to Morgan Springs there is a short, more level, 2/10s of a mile, loop trail that will take you down to the campsites and river access.
Viewing Scenery Info
Visitors to this site can hike a short way and see both Morgan and Blue Springs.
Recreation Groups
The Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri.