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Recreation Region: Eleven Point/Doniphan Area

Float Camp Recreation Area

The Float Camp Recreation Area provides opportunities for camping and day use.

Float Camp Picnic Area is located only 150 feet from the cool waters of the crystal clear Current River and nestled under a mature forest of hardwoods which offers plentiful shade. Visitors enjoy fishing and hiking. A campground is only a half-mile away for those who want to stay longer than a day.  Visitors enjoy hiking and other nearby recreational opportunities at Deer Leap Recreation Area.  The day-use picnic area offers an accessible group shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. The picnic pavilion is equipped with electricity, tables and grills. Individual picnic sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.

The Float Camp Campground is adjacent to the day use area. This is a large, open campground with little privacy screening between 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. 

Hiking: Woodchuck Trail is a half mile long trail connecting Float Camp Picnic Area with the campground. White Oak Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail originating at the Float Camp Picnic Area's parking lot.

Fishing: Wade, bank and boat fishing permitted.

Reservations

Reservation needed for Group Picnic Pavilion -

  • From April 1 to October 1
  • Reservations can be made up at least 6 months in advance of visit and up to 12 months.
  • Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit.

General Information

Camping

Overnight camping along the Current River which includes the following amenities: river access, hiking trail, vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts. Electrical hook ups are available at some campsites. Pressurized water available within campground; no individual hookup available.

No. of Sites

  • Single: 14 non electric
  • Single: 4 electric
  • Double: 3 electric

RV Camping

Can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long. There are electrical hookups available. Pressurized water available within campground; no individual water hookups available. No sewage hookups or dump stations.

Size Restrictions

Maximum suggested size is 40 feet

Vehicle Clearance

No restrictions

Pavement Type of Parking

Asphalt

April 1 - October 1

Campground Quiet Hours: 10 pm - 6 am Day Use is 6 am - 10 pm 

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.

Camping Discount

  • There is a 50% discount for camping for anyone with an Interagency Access or Senior Pass.
    • The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.

Mark Twain National Forest Seasonal parking passes are not accepted at this site for day use or camping.

When visiting, please remember

  • No OHVs/ATVs/UTVs are allowed to operate within this Recreation Area.
  • Campground: Fees will be paid at the fee tube provided.
  • Fireworks are prohibited.
  • Campsite parking allows for two vehicles per site. Park only in designated parking areas.
  • Centrally located water is available.
  • No glass on water or within 50 feet of shoreline.

More specific restrictions are located on the provided recreation bulletin boards.

Overnight Use:
Single Site no hook-ups: $15 per night
Single Site with electric hook-up: $25 per night
Double Site with electric hook-up: $35 per night
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$10 per commercial vehicle per day
Group Site: $50 per day
$40 per annual

Concessionaire Fee 

Day Use Fee - Picnic Area

  • $3/vehicle
  • $10/busses

Pavilion

  •  $35/day

Campground

  • Day Use - $5 

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.

USDA Forest Service Logo

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: 36.66559167

Longitude: -90.87246945

Directions

From US Highway 160 in Doniphon, MO

  • Take Highway Y heading north for approximately 4 miles.
  • Turn left on FR 3210 and drive .25 to a fork in the road. Left fork takes you to the campground, right fork takes you to the day use.

Parking

Day Use: 35 vehicles

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

Tables, fire rings, pedestal grills, lantern posts, water faucets and toilets are all accessible. There are sidewalks at the day use area. 

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Pressurized Drinking Water System - faucets

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Nearby Trails

Recreation Opportunities

Picnicking - Groups Info

The picnic pavilion is adjacent to the parking area, shaded by tress on the side of a slope at the top of the hill from the swimming area. The pavilion is a great place for views fo the river! 

No. of Sites

1 pavilion, accommodates up to 75 people.

No. of Accessible Sites

tables and grill are accessible

Picnicking - Single Info

The picnic area is downhill from the picnic pavilion, on the banks of the Current River. Picnic tables, pedestal grills, and trash receptacles. There are vault toilets up the hill near the pavilion. 

No. of Sites

7

No. of Accessible Sites

tables and grills are accessible

Day Hikes Info

White Oak and Wood Chuck Trails

These short nature trails located in the Float Camp Recreation Area provide excellent opportunities for enjoying nature. Woodchuck trail is a half mile trail connecting Float Camp Picnic area with the campground. The White Oak trail is a 1.5 mile loop originating at Float Camp Picnic Area's parking lot.

Fishing - River/Stream Info

The Current River features fishing for smallmouth bass, and pan fish. Most anglers enjoy greatest success when fishing from boats.

Fishing Mode

Bank, Boat

Fish Species

Bass, Panfish

Water Temperature

45 - 70 degrees

Fishing Method

Road & Reel

Water/Flow Level

1 - 8 feet

Recreation Groups

current river at watercress float camp

The Current River is part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Last updated November 5, 2025