Mark Twain National Forest - Fourche Lake Recreation Area

Area Status: Open

Fourche Lake Recreation Area is located on the 44-acre Fourche Lake, a beautiful place to be outside.

The first thing you see as you enter the site is the boat launch and boat launch parking. If you drive a little further you pass some campsites. At the very end there is a loop where the toilet is, in the day use area.

The campground is surrounded by a oak, pine, and hickory forest. The campsites are spaced out among the trees, to give some privacy.

At a Glance

Reservations:	All sites are first come, first served
Area Amenities:	Accessible, Boat ramp, Tent camping, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking
Fees:	There are no fees.
Open Season:	January - December
Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	Day Use Boats are allowed, only electric motors are permitted. Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area No trash containers; please pack out all your trash. Fireworks are prohibited. Camping Campsite parking allows for two vehicles per site. Park only in designated parking areas. No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites (16 for double sites). Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires.
Closest Towns:	Doniphan, MO
Water:	None
Restroom:	Vault
Operated By:	USDA Forest Service
Information Center:	Eleven Point Ranger District Email \| Phone and Address

General Information

Directions:

From Doniphon

Take U.S. HWY 160 approx 15.7 miles west and turn left onto V Hwy.
Stay on V Hwy approx. 2.5 miles until you see the sign for Fourche Lake on the left.
The road ends at the site, approximately 1 one.

Accessibility:

tables, toilet, lantern posts, fishing pier, and grills

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Dispersed Camping

There are four campsites with firerings, tables and lantern posts.

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.

For more information on Dispersed Camping visit our dispersed camping page which has information on picking a campsite, how to protect water quality, and campfires!

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Lake and Pond Fishing

Small lake for canoe and trolling motor fishing. It is stocked annually with catfish.

44-acre lake, deepest point is about 25 feet.

Fish Species	catfish, bluegill, bass
Fishing Mode	boat, shore
Fishing Platform	there is a sidewalk to the wooden fishing pier
Water Temperature	warm
Fishing Method	pole and line only, maximum of 3 poles per person

Viewing Wildlife

Eagles and ducks are common at this lake.

The ultimate wildlife viewing experience is watching animals in their habitat. Here are some helpful tips to become a wildlife friendly viewer:

Use the right tools - A field guide, a pair of binoculars and a camera. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the season and activity.
Watch at dawn and dusk - This is the time when most wildlife species are active enough to view.
Keep your distance - Maintain a distance that is comfortable for the wildlife.
Stay quiet - Move slowly and quietly to increase your chances of viewing wildlife, and to avoid stressing the animals you wish to watch.
Do not feed the wildlife - There is plenty of food availale in the wild. Human food can cause digestive problems, provide improper nutrition, and even kill an animal.

An online version of the Missouri Wildlife Viewing Guide is available on their website.

Viewing Scenery

The view of the lake from the day use area is particularly good in the fall.

Picnicking

The picnic area beside lake with accessible wooden pier. Picnic tables, pedestal grills and a vault toilet is available

No. of Sites	3
No. of Accessible Sites	There are no paved or gravel paths to the tables, however the tables are accessible
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Boating - Non-Motorized

This is a small, 44-acre lake, at its deepest point it is about 25 feet. There is a concrete, single-lane boat launch.

Type of Craft

jon boats, canoe, kayak

Amenities

Picnic tables:	Yes
Tent camping:	Yes
Parking:	Day Use: 8 vehicles; Separate Boat Parking near boat launch for 7 vehicles with trailers
Toilets:	Yes
Accessible:	Some features and amenities are accessible
Boat ramp:	Yes