Ripley Lake
Surrounded by hardwood forest, Ripley Lake Recreation Area is one of the few fishing spots in this part of the forest, and it is used mostly for primitive fishing and picnicking. Ripley Lake is a 20-acre lake with an average depth of 12 feet. The lake is stocked yearly with catfish.
As you drive in, the road is tree-lined with oak and hickory. Access to the boat launch is to the left as you enter the site. The day use area is straight ahead. There is a wildflower garden in the center of the day use area where you will see many native plants such as milkweed and spiderwort.
Only nonmotorized or boats with electric motors are allowed on this lake.
Besides an afternoon of fishing or boating, visitors can drive or walk the many forest roads in the vicinity and pick blackberries, squirrel hunt, or enjoy the wildflowers of spring or brilliant colors of fall.
General Information
January - December
Day use hours from 6 am to 10 pm
When visiting, please remember
- Boats are allowed one the lake, electric motors only.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Fires allowed in provided pedestal grills only
- No camping in the day use area
- Pole and Line fishing only, maximum of 3 poles per person
Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations apply
Anglers will need a valid fishing permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation
No fees are required for this site
Boating
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: 36.65981111
Longitude: -90.95547778
Directions
From Doniphan, MO
- take Highway 160 west 9 miles to Highway C;
- turn right/north onto C and travel about 1 mile.
- Turn right onto Forest Road 3240 at the entrance sign.
Parking
- With Trailer – 4; without trailer – 15,
- 1 spot for bus/RV parking
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Tables, fire rings and fishing pier are accessible.
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Picnicking - Single Info
Each table has a pedestal grill
No. of Sites
4 single sites, 1 double site
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
There is a one-lane gravel boat launch for small boats.
Size Restrictions
small boats
Type of Craft
canoe, kayak
Boating - Motorized Info
There is a one-lane gravel boat launch for small boats.
Type of Craft
jon boats
Size Restrictions
small boats
Motor Type
electric
Fishing - Lake & PondFishing - Lake & Pond Info
Small, 20-acre lake for canoe and trolling motor fishing. The average depth is 12 feet.
Fish Species
catfish (stocked annually), large-mouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish
Fishing Mode
canoe, kayak, jon boat
Fishing Platform
Fishing pier
Water Temperature
warm
Fishing Method
Rod & Reel, max of 3 poles per person
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Viewing Wildlife Info
You will occasionally view bald eagles at this site.
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.