The Float Camp Recreation Area provides opportunities for camping and day use.
Float Camp Picnic Area is located only 150 feet from the cool waters of the crystal clear Current River and nestled under a mature forest of hardwoods which offers plentiful shade. Visitors enjoy floating the river, fishing and hiking. A campground is only a half-mile away for those who want to stay longer than a day. The swift-moving river allows for enjoyable float trips, as well as canoeing and great fishing. Swimming is also a popular pastime. Visitors enjoy horseshoe pits and volleyball courts, as well as hiking and other recreational opportunities nearby. The day-use picnic area offers an accessible group shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. The site is equipped with electricity, tables and grills. Individual sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.
The Float Camp Camground is adjacent to the day use area. This is a large, open campground with little privacy screening between campsites. While there's not much solitude, but you'll enjoy level, roomy campsites and have a good opportunity to socialize with adjacent campers. Campground: 20 campsites, each with table, fire ring, and lantern post, including 8 with electrical hook-ups.. No individual water hook-up, but pressurized water system provides drinking water for campers. Trash cans or dumpsters and vault toilets are centrally located. No sewage disposal is available. Nightly fees are $12 per basic single campsite and $18 for a basic double campsite, with a 50% discount for anyone who has a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport, a Senior Pass, or an Access Pass. Electric sites are $20 for a single and $30 for a double.
Boating, canoeing, tubing: Hot summer days attract hundreds of weekend floaters. CAUTION! Current River is swift and has many snags that must be avoided. Wear life jackets! Swift current near Float Camp may be hazardous! No lifeguard is on duty. Swimming, wading, and water play: There is not a developed beach at Float Camp Recreation Area, but this is a popular area for wading and water play. The Forest Service does not provide lifeguards, post boundaries, test water quality, or measure water depth or current in this area. Anyone wishing to wade here needs to carefully consider the risks involved, and take steps to assure their own protection and that of other members of their party, particularly children. Fishing: Wade, bank and boat fishing permitted. Hiking: Woodchuck Trail is a half mile long trail connecting Float Camp Picnic Area with the campground. White Oak Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail originating at the Float Camp Picnic Area's parking lot.
At a Glance
Operational Hours:
The recreation area is open April 1 through October 1.
Reservations:
The Group Picnic Area can be reserved at Recreation.gov. Reservations must be made at least 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 months in advance.
Rentals & Guides:
There are rental opportunities for rafts, canoes and tubes available from two outfitters to float the Current River located in Doniphan, Mo. KCs on the Current, 206 Jefferson St., Doniphan Mo. 63935. Telephone No. 573.996.7961 and Rocky River Resort, 304 W. Jefferson, Doniphan, Mo. 63935. Telephone No. 573.996.7171
Fees
First-come/First-Served Campsites: $12 per night for single (no doubles available). Daily parking fee of $2/day for vehicles and $10/day for busses. Seasonal parking passes available at the Eleven Point Ranger District. Group picnic pavilion: $35 per day. There is a 50% discount for anyone with a Golden Age, Golden Access Passport, Senior Pass, or an Access Pass.
Usage:
Light
Busiest Season:
April to October
Restrictions:
Campground: Fees will be paid at the fee tube provided. No group camping is available. Fireworks are prohibited. Quiet hours between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am should be observed. Campsite parking allows for two vehicles per site. More specific restrictions are located on the provided recreation bulletin boards. Park only in designated parking areas.
Drinking water is not availalbe at the campground
All vehicles are required to pay a day use fee, $3/vehicle, upon entering day use area. Seasonal pass is accepted or daily fee is payable on entry.
Closest Towns:
Doniphan, Missouri.
Water:
Pressurized Drinking Water System
Restroom:
Vault
Operated By:
KCs on the Current, 206 Jefferson St., Doniphan, MO 63935, Telephone No. 573-996-7961 under permit.
General Information
Directions:
From Doniphan, Missouri, go 4.5 miles north on Highway Y. Go west on Forest Service Road 3210 for 0.5 miles to the recreation area.
There are several little sandy beaches along the river which are accessible by boat. The sand is perfect for burying your little brother or building a sand castle.
Camping & Cabins
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Campground Camping
Overnight camping along the Current River which includes the following amenities: river access, hiking trail, vault toilet, picnic tables, firerings and lantern posts. Electrical hook ups available at some campsites. Pressurized water available within campground; no idividual hookup available.
Reservation Info
Pavilion is available to reserve at www.recreation.gov
Fire Information
Fire is permitted in constructed containers (firerings) only.
No. of Sites
20
No. of Accessible sites
20
RV Camping
Can accommodated up to 40' RVs, (some sites accommodate up to 60" total vehicle and trailer lenght). No elctrical hookups available. Presurized water available within campground; no individual hookups availalbe.
Reservation Info
Pavilion is available to reserve at www.recreation.gov
Fire Information
Fire is permitted in constructed containers (firerings) only.
No. of Sites
20
No. of Accessible sites
20
Fishing
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River and Stream Fishing
The Current River features fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, and pan fish. Most anglers enjoy greatest success when fishing from boats.
Hiking
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Day Hiking
Woodchuck Trail is a 1/2 mile trail which originates at the Picnic Area parking lot and is a connection between the Picnic Area to Campground. Hiking only.
Fire Information
None: no fires allowed outside of developed facilities.
Elevation desc
Varies with area
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Picnicking
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Picnicking
Picnic tables, pedestal grills, trash receptacles, and vault toilets are available. The pavilion is available on a reservation basis by calling 877-444-6777 or by website, www.recreation.gov. Easy access to the Current River for swimming, floating and boating activities.
Reservation Info
None required, the Pavilion however is available to reserve at www.recreation.gov
Fire Information
Fire is permitted in constructed containers (firerings) only.
No. of Sites
7
No. of Accessible Sites
7
Group Picnicking
Water Activities
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Boating - Motorized
There is no place to launch a boat at Float Camp, but a boat launch is available at nearby Deer Leap Recreation Area.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Boat/canoe activities on the Current River provides floating, and fishing enjoyment for many. There is no boat launch at Float Camp, but a boat launch is available at near by Deer Leap Recreation Area.
Tubing
The Current River is very popular for floating. Bring your own tubes, or rent them.
Rental info:
KCs on the Current, 206 Jefferson St., Doniphan, MO. 63935, (573) 996-7961or Rocky River Resort, 304 W. Jefferson St. Doniphan, MO. 63935, (573) 996-7171.
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