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Deer Leap Recreation Area
The Deer Leap Recreation Area is situated on the east bank of the Current River, this site is not one of the busier campgrounds so is often a great place to get away from the crowds. Expect some activity of outfitter-guides utilizing the non-motorized launch in the campground, though. Deer Leap provides primitive camping, a boat launch and floater access/tuber launch.
When you veer off the road, the boat launch is a short 80 yards from the Y.
When you head to the campground, the road follows the river for a short distance before entering a stand of pines. The campground is shady and quiet. There is a busy canoe/tubing launch in the center of the campground. This campground is good for visitors who like a little privacy while camping.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Quiet Hours from 10 pm - 6 am |
|---|---|
| Rentals & Guides: | |
| Area Amenities: | Accessible, Boat ramp, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking |
| Fees: | Day Use Fee
|
| Open Season: | April 1 - October 1 |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Doniphan, MO |
| Water: | Drinking Water - accessible faucet |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Passes: | Pass information can be found on the Passes and Permits page of the website. |
| Operated By: | Concessionaire: KCs on the Current |
| Information Center: | Eleven Point Ranger District Email | Phone and Address |
General Information
Directions:From US Highway 160 in Doniphon, MO
- Take Highway Y heading north for approximately 5 miles.
- Turn left onto Forest Road 4349, 1 mile down the road there is a Y, veer to the left to go to boat ramp or veer to the right to go to the Deer Leap Campground and floater access/tuber launch.
Accessibility:
Campground
- tables
- fire rings
- toilets
- pedestal grills
Activities
Campground Camping
Amenities include: drinking water, vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts.
Semi-private sites, most sites have spacing and vegetation between them. All sites are within walking distance of the river.
| No. of Sites |
|
| Reservation Info | No |
| Fire Information | Yes |
| No. of Accessible sites | All sites have accessible picnic tables, fire rings, and pedestal grills |
| Sleeping Shelter | No |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
RV Camping
Amenities include: drinking water, vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts.
Semi-private sites, most sites have spacing and vegetation between them. All sites are within walking distance of the river.
| No. of Sites |
|
| Vehicle Clearence | No restrictions |
| Size Restrictions | Maximum suggested length of 28 feet. |
| Pavement Type of Parking | Gravel |
| No. of Accessible sites | All RV sites have accessible tables, pedestal grills, and fire rings. |
River and Stream Fishing
The clear and cool Current River near Doniphan, MO provides both motorized and non-motorized fishing opportunities.
| Fish Species | bass, panfish |
| Fishing Mode | Bank, Boat |
| Water Temperature | 45 - 70 Degrees |
| Fishing Method | Rod & Reel |
| Water/Flow Level | 1 - 8 feet |
Boating - Motorized
Small motorized boats may be launched at the single-lane, concrete Deer Leap Boat Launch, year round.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats may be launched at the concrete Deer Leap Boat Launch, or carried down at the floater/tuber access.
The Tuber Launch is being operated at the end of the campground, and is a popular put-in for floating the Current River. This access is also shared with outfitter/guides.
Limited public parking is allowed in the launch area.
Most private floaters take out below the bridge in Doniphan at the public boat launch, and outfitted floaters take out at the outfitter’s private launches in Doniphan. This float takes about 5 hours.
Going North - Bay Nothing is 8.5 miles upstream
Going South - Doniphon City Boat Launch is about 4.5 miles downstream
Tubing
Canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats may be launched at the concrete Deer Leap Boat Launch, or carried down at the floater/tuber access.
The Tuber Launch is being operated at the end of the campground, and is a popular put-in for floating the Current River. This access is also shared with outfitter/guides.
Limited public parking is allowed in the launch area.
Most private floaters take out below the bridge in Doniphan at the public boat launch, and outfitted floaters take out at the outfitter’s private launches in Doniphan. This float takes about 5 hours.
Going North - Bay Nothing is 8.5 miles upstream
Going South - Doniphon City Boat Launch is about 4.5 miles downstream
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | |
| Tent camping: | |
| Parking: | Day Use: 35 vehicles with trailers |
| Toilets: | |
| Fee charged for some activities: | |
| Accessible: | toilets, water, tables, fire rings, and grills |
| Boat ramp: | concrete |
| Drinking water: |
Location
