Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River
The Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River was established in 1968 as a 44-mile scenic river, free of impoundments with a largely undeveloped shoreline and watershed. This portion of the river between Thomasville, Missouri and the Highway 142 bridge is near Gatewood, Missouri. It became one of the 8 initial units of the National Wild and Scenic River system in 1968.
The Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri. Its course is cut in the shadows of steep bluffs, through sloping forested valleys, and low-lying riparian ecosystems. Barely more than a small stream at its upper reaches near Thomasville, it gains considerable width and depth as its proceeds south-eastward.
Springs pouring from dolomite bluffs or rushing up from a vast network of underground flow systems provide a continuous source of water and beauty. Alternating stretches of rapids and deep clear pools wind around moss covered boulders and shading bottomland hardwood trees.
Greer Spring is the world's 10th biggest spring and doubles the size of the river while turning it into a cold water fishery.
Access to the River: There are currently eleven designated access points to the river by vehicle. Of these access points, 7 sites have amenities. The remaining 4 access sites have no amenities. In addition, there are 7 float camps designated on the river to provide overnight camping for river users, most of these are only accessible by boat.
Boating on the River: The river has been designated for both motorized and non-motorized use. The motorized users must adhere to a 25 horsepower limit.
Fishing: There are opportunities aplenty for small mouth bass and pan fish. Special regulations apply. Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website for more information. Trout fishing starts at the confluence of the Greer spring branch and the river. This is the beginning of the blue ribbon trout section which extends about 6 miles to Turner Mill spring. More detailed information is available below under Fishing.
Photos of the Eleven Point River
General Information
Campgrounds and Boat Access Along the River:
From Up-river to Down-river:
- Thomasville - river access, motorized boats not recommended, primitive camping
- Cane Bluff - river access, primitive camping
- Greer Crossing - river access, developed site (water, trash bins, vault toilets)
- Turner Mill North - river access, no camping
- Turner Mill South - river access, primitive camping
- Horseshoe Bend - river access, river access only camping
- Barn Hollow - river access, river access only campsite
- Whitten - river access, primitive camping
- Whites Creek - river access, primitive dispersed camping
- Greenbriar - river access, river access only dispersed camping
- Boze Mill - river access, river access only dispersed camping
- Riverton East - river access, no camping or picnicking
- Riverton West - river access, no camping
- Morgan Spring - river access, river access only primitive dispersed camping
January - December
When Visiting the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River
At Access Sites and Camps/Campgrounds:
- No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
- No trash containers at all sites; please pack out all your trash.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Park only in designated parking areas.
- Please don’t damage the historic structures.
On The River
- Follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- No glass or polystyrene on the river.
- The river can rise rapidly, be aware of changing conditions.
At Float Camps and Campgrounds
- Only dead and downed wood for campfires
- No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites
Pass information for day use fees can be found on the Passes page of the website.
Day Use Areas
- No sites along the river charge a day use fee
Campground
- Greer Crossing
There is a 50% discount for camping for anyone with an Interagency Access or Senior Pass.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Missouri State boating laws.
- 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.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a 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.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
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
Directions
Directions to the sites are located on the site pages for the boat access sites and campgrounds along the river to those specific sites.
Parking
Parking is available at:
- Boze Mill,
- Cane Bluff,
- Greer Crossing,
- Greer Spring,
- Highway 142,
- Morgan Spring,
- Riverton East,
- Riverton West,
- Thomasville,
- Turner Mill North,
- Turner Mill South,
- Whitten
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Sites along the river have the following accessible features and amenities:
Float Camps/Campgrounds/Primitive Campgrounds
- Barn Hollow - fire rings and lantern posts
- Boze Mill - fire rings, lantern posts and picnic tables
- Greenbriar - fire rings, and lantern posts
- Greer Crossing - fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables, and toilets
- Horseshoe Bend - fire rings and lantern posts
- Morgan Spring - fire rings and lantern posts
- Turner Mill South - fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables, toilets
- Whites Creek - fire rings and picnic tables
River Access Sites
- Highway 142 - toilets
- Turner Mill North - picnic tables, toilet, grills
Trails and Sites
- Greer Spring and Trail - toilets
Restrooms
Sites Along the River With Restrooms
- Thomasville,
- Cane Bluff,
- Greer Crossing,
- Whitten,
- Turner North,
- Turner South,
- Riverton East,
- Riverton West,
- Boze Mill,
- Highway 142
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
There is potable water at Greer Crossing
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
The following sites along the river have picnic tables
- Boze Mill,
- Greer Crossing,
- Morgan Spring,
- Riverton West,
- Turner Mill North,
- Turner Mill South,
- Whites Creek
Recreation Opportunities
Picnicking - Single Info
Boze Mill
You can picnic at the campsites when they are not in use.
Greer Crossing
There are 5 sites with tables and pedestal grills. Drinking water, trash receptacles and vault toilets are available.
Riverton West
There are 5 picnic tables with pedestal grills, trash receptacles, and a vault toilet
Turner Mill North
There are 3 picnic tables with grills.
Turner Mill South
You can picnic at the campsites when they are not in use.
Fishing - River/StreamFishing - River/Stream Info
Fishing the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River is a very popular recreation activity on the Mark Twain National Forest.
The river sees a variety of users and is shared by canoes and boats, swimmers, trappers, and anglers. Please use caution and courtesy when encountering another user.
Be aware that 25 horsepower is the maximum boat motor size allowed on the Eleven Point River from Thomasville to "the Narrows" at Missouri State Highway 142.
The Varied Waters
Different fish live in different parts of the river depending upon the water temperature and available habitat.
- The upper river, from Thomasville to the Greer Spring Branch, is good for smallmouth bass, longear sunfish, bluegill, goggle-eye (rock bass), suckers, and a few largemouth bass. This area of the river is warmer and its flow decreases during the summer.
- The river and fish communities change where Greer Spring Branch enters the river. The spring more than doubles the volume of the river, adding millions of gallons of clear, cold spring water each day. This cold water makes it possible for Rainbow Trout to do well in this part of the river. Five and one-half (5-1/2) miles of river between the Greer Spring Branch and Turner Mill South Access is a Blue Ribbon Trout Area (BRTA).
- From Turner Mill to Riverton the water stays cold and is managed as a White Ribbon Trout Area (WRTA). Twelve inch (average) trout are stocked in the WRTA by the Missouri Department of Conservation from March to October. From Greer to the Arkansas state line you will also find numerous smallmouth bass, goggle-eye, suckers, longear sunfish, chain pickerel (pike) and an occasional walleye.
Baits and Tackle
Fish in the Eleven Point River are caught with a wide variety of tackle and with various baits. Worms, salmon eggs, cheese, canned corn, plugs, soft plastic lures, hard lures, grasshoppers, and artificial flies have all been used for fishing. Other types of live bait may be used for fishing.
When using live bait, special rules, limits, and capture methods also apply. Game fish or their parts may not be used as bait. In the BRTA, only flies and artificial lures may be used. Natural bait, scented bait, and soft plastic cannot be used in this area. Fish gigging is also prohibited in the BRTA.
Gigging
Gigging for fish is a time honored activity in the Ozarks that dates back to a time when good fishing equipment was not available. Hand made gigs for fishing are still made today. Suckers are the fish most often gigged. Gigging has certain seasons and limits. Some areas are also closed to gigging year round. Consult the latest copy of the Wildlife Code of Missouri if you wish to try your hand with this specialized type of fishing
Rules and Regulations
To protect and manage Missouri's fine fish populations, rules and regulations (the Wildlife Code of Missouri) have been enacted to insure that future generations will be able to enjoy the outdoor world. However, be aware that regulations may change each year. To prevent illegal fishing practices and possible citations, review and study the latest fish and game regulations published by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
MDOC Special Waterbody Regulations for the Eleven Point River (html)
MDOC Fishing Prospects for the Eleven Point River (html)
Fishing Mode
Canoe, kayak, wading
Fish Species
Fish Species - Daily Limits - Minimum Size in inches
- Largemouth (Black Bass) 6* 12"
- Smallmouth (Black Bass) 1* 15”
- Sunfish (Longear and bluegill) 50 none
- Rock Bass (Goggle-eye) 15 8”
- Suckers 50** none
- Drum 50** none
- Walleye and Sauger 4 18”
- Chain Pickerel (Pike) 6 none
- Rainbow Trout (White Ribbon Trout Area) 4 none
- Rainbow Trout (in Blue Ribbon Trout Area) 1 18"
* you may take a total of 6 Black Bass daily, but only one may be a Smallmouth Bass ** the limits are 20 fish total while gigging
Water Temperature
30 - 65 Degrees
Fishing Method
Rod & /Reel, Flyfishing
Water/Flow Level
varies w/ rainfall
Driving Routes Info
Turner Mill South
The roads travelling to this site are representative of an oak/pine forest.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
The Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri. Its course is cut in the shadows of steep bluffs, through sloping forested valleys, and low-lying riparian ecosystems. Barely more than a small stream at its upper reaches near Thomasville, it gains considerable width and depth as its proceeds south-eastward.
The river has been designated for both motorized and non-motorized use.
Miles are starting from Thomasville and are as the river flows:
35.6 Mi. from Thomasville is Riverton Access on the left, just above Highway 160 bridge is a major landing/launch area. Below the Hwy. 160 bridge is Riverton East Day Use Area. Picnicking and swimming are popular here. This area also has facilities accessible to persons with disabilities.
38.4 Mi. Piney Creek enters from the left.
39.9 Mi. Hurricane Creek enters from the left.
43.0 Mi. Frederick Creek enters from the right. This creek forms the west side of the Narrows, a narrow ridge of land that separates it from the Eleven Point River.
43.3 Mi. Morgan Spring Float Camp on the right, just past the spring branch inlet from Morgan Spring. Old Thompson Mill Spring was the original name for this beautiful spring back in the days when a small grist mill by that name stood nearby. Only the dam and sluice still remain. Foot paths lead from the float camp to Morgan, Sullivan, Jones and Blue Springs.
44.0 Mi. The Spring Branch from Sullivan, Jones, and Blue Springs enters the river from the right. These springs are nestled against the steep bluff of the Narrows. An overlook at the top of the bluff can be reached by foot trail. At the overlook, the ridge between the Eleven Point and Frederick Creek is about 30 feet wide.
44.3 Mi. The 142 (Narrows) Access is on the left just above Highway 142 bridge. This access is the last on the southern end of the Eleven Point National Scenic River Area. The Scenic River Area ends at the bridge, but the river continues south into Arkansas. Myrtle Access, managed by the State of Missouri, is located approximately 4.0 miles downstream near the state line.
Swimming Info
You can swim in the river, but there are no designated swimming areas.
Boating - Motorized Info
The Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri. Its course is cut in the shadows of steep bluffs, through sloping forested valleys, and low-lying riparian ecosystems. Barely more than a small stream at its upper reaches near Thomasville, it gains considerable width and depth as its proceeds south-eastward.
The river has been designated for both motorized and non-motorized use.
Day Hikes Info
Eleven Point River Section of the Ozark Trail
The first 10 miles pass through very rugged slopes and flowages associated with the Eleven Point National Scenic River. Several fine views of the Eleven Point valley are present.
From the Greer Recreation area, at mile 10, the trail parallels the Eleven Point River on its way to McCormack Lake. There is a fine picture opportunity at the mouth of Greer Spring and an excellent bluff view of the river near mile 12.
A spur leads to McCormack Lake at mile 13.
Greer Spring and Trail
The 0.9 mile trail to the spring is relatively smooth, however there is a moderately steep incline down to the spring.
Morgan Spring Float Camp
There is a steep, downhill foot path leading from the parking area to Morgan and Blue Springs and the campsites. This can be a difficult hike down and back due to the terrain.
At the parking area, take the path downhill to the campground. After hiking about 2/10’s of a mile the Blue Springs Overlook will be on your right.
From Blue Springs Overlook you continue a half mile over a rise, uphill for a short way before descending again to the Morgan Springs.
Once you get to Morgan Springs there is a short, more level, 2/10s of a mile, loop trail that will take you down to the campsites and river access.
Turner Mill North
You can take a very short hike and see Turner Spring and the old Turner Mill. The Spring was used to power the old Turner Mill, a 25ft metal wheel. It is no longer in use but still stands.
Irish Wilderness
The southern portion of the Irish Wilderness can be accessed via boat/canoe/kayak from Whites Creek Float Camp on the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River. A short spur trail from Whites Creek Float Camp connects to the 18.6 Whites Creek Trail.
Trails within the wilderness are not signed or marked, except at junctions. This trail can be moderately challenging and advanced hikers will enjoy hiking this trail through the wilderness.
The 16,277-acre Irish Wilderness is a dense forest of oaks and hickory that was designated in 1984. Here you'll find sinkholes, disappearing streams that reappear downstream, and Whites Creek Cave, (please note that Whites Creek Cave is closed to the public).
Located within the wilderness are Fiddler and Bliss Springs, off the Whites Creek Trail. There are short spur trails that lead to each of them.
The area is generally rolling hills with steeper bluffs located near the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River.
Backpacking Info
Eleven Point River Section of the Ozark Trail
The first 10 miles pass through very rugged slopes and flowages associated with the Eleven Point National Scenic River. Several fine views of the Eleven Point valley are present.
From the Greer Recreation area, at mile 10, the trail parallels the Eleven Point River on its way to McCormack Lake. There is a fine picture opportunity at the mouth of Greer Spring and an excellent bluff view of the river near mile 12.
A spur leads to McCormack Lake at mile 13.
Greer Spring and Trail
The 0.9 mile trail to the spring is relatively smooth, however there is a moderately steep incline down to the spring.
Morgan Spring Float Camp
There is a steep, downhill foot path leading from the parking area to Morgan and Blue Springs and the campsites. This can be a difficult hike down and back due to the terrain.
At the parking area, take the path downhill to the campground. After hiking about 2/10’s of a mile the Blue Springs Overlook will be on your right.
From Blue Springs Overlook you continue a half mile over a rise, uphill for a short way before descending again to the Morgan Springs.
Once you get to Morgan Springs there is a short, more level, 2/10s of a mile, loop trail that will take you down to the campsites and river access.
Turner Mill North
You can take a very short hike and see Turner Spring and the old Turner Mill. The Spring was used to power the old Turner Mill, a 25ft metal wheel. It is no longer in use but still stands.
Irish Wilderness
The southern portion of the Irish Wilderness can be accessed via boat/canoe/kayak from Whites Creek Float Camp on the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River. A short spur trail from Whites Creek Float Camp connects to the 18.6 Whites Creek Trail.
Trails within the wilderness are not signed or marked, except at junctions. This trail can be moderately challenging and advanced hikers will enjoy hiking this trail through the wilderness.
The 16,277-acre Irish Wilderness is a dense forest of oaks and hickory that was designated in 1984. Here you'll find sinkholes, disappearing streams that reappear downstream, and Whites Creek Cave, (please note that Whites Creek Cave is closed to the public).
Located within the wilderness are Fiddler and Bliss Springs, off the Whites Creek Trail. There are short spur trails that lead to each of them.
The area is generally rolling hills with steeper bluffs located near the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River.
Viewing Plants Info
What to look for
- Native - MDC Field Guide
- Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Species - Mark Twain | MDC Species
Recreation areas to check out:
- Greer Spring
Viewing Scenery Info
Cane Bluff
Along the 44-mile stretch of designated Wild and Scenic River, springs pouring from dolomite bluffs or rushing up from a vast network of underground flow systems provide a continuous source of water and beauty. Alternating stretches of rapids and deep clear pools wind around moss covered boulders and shading bottomland hardwood trees.
Greer Spring and Trail
The spring flows from the mouth of Greer Spring Cave, which is the mouth of the spring branch, and boils up from the rugged bed of the stream. The spring run drops 62 feet in elevation for 1.25 miles where it more than doubles the flow of the Eleven Point National Scenic River where they join.
Morgan Spring
Old Thomasson Mill Spring was the original name for this beautiful spring back in the days when a small grist mill by that name stood nearby. The area contains unique geographic landforms and associated deep blue, mineral rich springs that add 140 million gallons of brisk 58° water to the Eleven Point River daily.
Irish Wilderness
The southern portion of the Irish Wilderness can be accessed via boat/canoe/kayak from Whites Creek Float Camp on the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River. A short spur trail from Whites Creek Float Camp connects to the 18.6 Whites Creek Trail.
Trails within the wilderness are not signed or marked, except at junctions. This trail can be moderately challenging and advanced hikers will enjoy hiking this trail through the wilderness.
The 16,277-acre Irish Wilderness is a dense forest of oaks and hickory that was designated in 1984. Here you'll find sinkholes, disappearing streams that reappear downstream, and Whites Creek Cave, (please note that Whites Creek Cave is closed to the public).
Located within the wilderness are Fiddler and Bliss Springs, off the Whites Creek Trail. There are short spur trails that lead to each of them.
The area is generally rolling hills with steeper bluffs located near the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River.
Viewing Wildlife Info
Recreation areas to check out:
- Greer Spring
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 available 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
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info
Turner Mill North
There are two interpretive signs at this site that talk about the history of the area and the former mill.
Recreation Groups
The Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri.
The 16,277-acre Irish Wilderness is a dense forest of oaks and hickory that was designated in 1984.