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.
General Information
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
- Single: 4
- Double: 3
Size Restrictions
Maximum suggested length of 28 feet.
Pavement Type of Parking
Gravel
Vehicle Clearance
No restrictions
No. of Accessible sites
All RV sites have accessible tables, pedestal grills, and fire rings.
April 1 - December 1, 2026
Quiet Hours from 10 pm - 6 am
When you visit, please remember
- No OHVs/ATVs/UTVs are allowed to operate within the Deer Leap Recreation Area.
- Overnight camping is allowed at the seven (7) campsites.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- No glass within 50 feet of the shoreline.
More specific restrictions are located on the provided recreation bulletin boards.
Day Use Fees
Day Use Fees can be paid on-site using the provided fee tubes.
- Fees must be paid using cash or check, no credit card machines are available at any sites.
- Annual and Lifetime passes can be purchased to cover day use fees at USDA Forest Service operated sites.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $12 per night
Double Site: $20 per night
Day Use:
$3 per vehicle per day
Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or 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.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
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: 36.674345
Longitude: -90.885803
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.
Parking
Day Use: 35 vehicles with trailers
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
In the campground, the following are accessible:
- tables
- fire rings
- toilets
- pedestal grills
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Drinking Water - accessible faucet
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Boating - Motorized Info
Small motorized boats may be launched at the single-lane, concrete Deer Leap Boat Launch, year round.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
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
Fishing - River/StreamFishing - River/Stream Info
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
