Bay Nothing Gravel Boat Launch
The Bay Nothing Gravel Boat Launch is situated on the east bank of the Current River and provides a gravel boat launch for motorized and non-motorized boats. This access is less developed and smaller than other sites on the Current River. A vault toilet is provided.
This stretch of the Current River is quieter than the lower portion near Doniphan and provides more opportunities for quality fishing.
- Going North - the next take-out/put-in is Grubbs Landing, 2.5 miles upriver.
- Going South - the next take-out/put-in is Deer Leap, about 8 miles downriver.
General Information
Campground Camping
- Deer Leap Recreation Area
- Float Camp Recreation Area
- Watercress Recreation Area
Deer Leap Recreation Area
This campground has 7 sites. 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.
Float Camp Recreation Area
This is a large, open campground with little privacy screening between the 20 campsites. While there's not much solitude, but you'll enjoy level, roomy campsites and have a good opportunity to socialize with adjacent campers. Trash cans or dumpsters and vault toilets are centrally located. No sewage disposal is available.
Watercress Recreation Area
Watercress Campground has 17 sites and lies on the banks one of the forest’s greatest treasures; the Current River. Floats on the river provide views of southeastern Missouri that otherwise can't be seen. The area is home to a variety of birds and wildlife and recreation opportunities are plentiful in the surrounding area.
January - December
Open 24 hours/day
When you visit, please remember
- No glass on the river
- Poly-styrene is highly discouraged on this river
- You can camp along the river as long as you are on public land
- Check weather conditions and river levels before visiting, conditions can change quickly.
- Please remember to Leave No Trace (link to site)
- Please be respectful of private property along the river.
No Fees are required for this site.
When boating with your dog, follow all Missouri State boating laws and only allow your animal on pet-friendly shorelines.
- 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.
- Occasionally, bring your dog to land so that they can relieve themselves.
Please remember that dogs are prohibited in designated swimming areas.
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: 36.795721
Longitude: -90.955311
Directions
From Grandin, MO
- Take State Highway O for 2.5 miles to FR 3140
- Turn right onto FR 3140 and drive 3.5 miles
- The road dead ends at the boat launch.
Parking
with trailers: 12 vehicles
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Toilet is wheelchair accessible.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Boating - Motorized Info
The one-lane gravel boat launch is the northernmost Forest Service access to the Current River.
Conditions can change from weather.
Please check Ozark National Scenic Riverways for information on watercraft restrictions beginning at Gooseneck, 2 miles upriver from Bay Nothing
Class of Rapids
Shoals, no whitewater
Water/Flow Level
1 - 8 feet
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Boating - Non-Motorized
This site is used infrequently for non-motorized access.
The one-lane gravel boat launch is the northernmost Forest Service access to the Current River.
Conditions can change from weather.
Please check Ozark National Scenic Riverways for information on watercraft restrictions beginning at Gooseneck, 2 miles upriver from Bay Nothing
Tubing
This site is used infrequently for non-motorized access. If you tube starting here, the next take out is Deer Leap, 8.5 miles away.
The one-lane gravel boat launch is the northernmost Forest Service access to the Current River.
Conditions can change from weather.
Please check Ozark National Scenic Riverways for information on watercraft restrictions beginning at Gooseneck, 2 miles upriver from Bay Nothing
Fishing - River/Stream Info
Bay Nothing is a fairly quiet boat launch. The river there is calm. Most fishing is done by boat at this site.
From the bank there is a four foot drop to the water, so fishing from the bank is challenging.
Fishing Mode
Bank, Private Boat
Fish Species
Bass, Panfish
Water Temperature
45 - 70 degrees
Fishing Method
Rod & Reed
Water/Flow Level
1 - 8 feet
