Water Activities
These are links to check on stream flow and flooding forecast for the Mark Twain National Forest.
- NOAA Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, Paducah, KY, current and predicted stream flow info
- NOAA Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, Springfield MO, current and predicted stream flow info
- USGS Water Watch, current stream flow information
Boating - Motorized
Many lakes on the Mark Twain are available for motorized boating and have either concrete or gravel boat launches available.
Current River: Boat ramps are located at Bay Nothing, Deer Leap, Float Camp, Watercress
Boating on the Eleven Point River: The river has been designated for both motorized and non-motorized use. The motorized users must adhere to a 25 horsepower limit. Boat ramps are located at Greer Crossing, Highway 142, Riverton East, Thomasville, Turner Mill South
Big Piney River: Boat launches are maintained and operated by the MTNF at Slabtown, East Gate, and Booker Bend off of Highway J. Several other accesses maintained by MDC, as well as private accesses.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Many lakes on the Mark Twain are available for canoeing and kayaking and have either concrete or gravel boat launches available.
Current River: Boat ramps are located at Bay Nothing, Deer Leap, Float Camp, Watercress
Boating on the Eleven Point River: The river has been designated for both motorized and non-motorized use. The motorized users must adhere to a 25 horsepower limit. Boat ramps are located at Greer Crossing, Highway 142, Riverton East, Thomasville, Turner Mill South
Big Piney River: Boat launches are maintained and operated by the MTNF at Slabtown, East Gate, and Booker Bend off of Highway J. Several other accesses maintained by MDC, as well as private accesses.
Areas that are good for tubing are located at:
North Fork Recreation Area - You can tube from the day use area to Blue Spring, about a half mile trip.
Bay Nothing Gravel Boat Launch - If you tube starting here, the next take out is Deer Leap, 8.5 miles away.
Deer Leap Recreation Area - 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. 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.
Watercress Recreation Area - Floating and tubing on the Current River is very popular, and the river may be crowded, especially on hot summer weekends. Motorboats are also common on this portion of the river.
Lane Spring Recreation Area - Visitors can access the creek on the backside of the campground, between site #16 and Blossom Rock Trail, where they can then float downstream to where Lane Spring enters the creek to take out.
Swimming
There are several areas where visitors can swim. Although some locations do not have designated swimming beaches, they are good places to cool off in the water.
At all swimming areas: there are no lifeguards, depth or hazard markers, and the water is not tested. Rocks and drop-offs are not marked, and the current can be strong, especially during periods of high water. Enter areas at your own risk.
At designated beaches there may be buoys and floating plastic pipe to mark swimming areas.
Search for Water Activities Opportunities
Bar-K Wrangler Camp
Barn Hollow Float Camp
Bay Nothing Gravel Boat Launch
Beaver Lake Recreation Area
Big Bay Recreation Area
Big Piney River
Bookers Bend
Boze Mill Float Camp
Cane Bluff River Access
Council Bluff Recreation Area