Currently, NO Water is available at this time due to flooding.
The Deer Leap Recreation Area is situated on the east bank of the Current River and provides primitive camping, a boat launch and floater access/tuber launch. Deer Leap Campground has seven (7) campsites; each with a fire ring, table and lantern post. Other amenities include: water, vault toilet, and launch facilities. The Deer Leap Boat Ramp provides launching capabilities for motorized and non-motorized boats with ample parking. There is also a vault toilet located at the boat ramp.
The Tuber Launch is temporarily 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. No 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.
At a Glance
Operational Hours:
Floater’s access in the campground is open 4/1 to 10/1, with boat ramp open year-round.
Rentals & Guides:
There are rental opportunities for rafts, canoes and tubes available from two outfitters to float the Current River. Both are located in Doniphan, MO. KCs on the Current, 206 Jefferson St., Doniphan MO. 63935. Telephone No. 573.996.7961 and Rocky River Resort, 304 W. Jefferson, Doniphan, MO. 63935. Telephone No. 573.996.7171
Fees
For the boat ramp there is a daily use fee of $3 per day for vehicles. There is no reservation system for the campground, boat ramp or tuber launch. The tuber launch has no fee. There is a 50% discount for anyone with a Golden Age, Golden Access Passport, Senior Pass or an Access Pass.
Usage:
Light
Restrictions:
Fees will be paid at the fee tube provided. Overnight camping is allowed at the seven (7) campsites. Fireworks are prohibited. More specific restrictions are located on the provided recreation bulletin boards.
Closest Towns:
Doniphan, Missouri.
Water:
Drinking Water
Restroom:
Vault
Operated By:
KCs on the Current under a concessionaire permit.
General Information
Directions:
Located approximately 5 miles north of Doniphan, Mo. From State Highway 160 take County Road Y heading north for approximately 5 miles. Take a left onto Forest Road 4349. Continue down FR 4349, 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.
The Float Camp Campground, about 1 mile from here, serves recreationists using this area. Amenities include: water, vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts.
Fire Information
Yes
No. of Sites
10
Reservation Info
No
Sleeping Shelter
No
No. of Accessible sites
1
Difficulty Level:
Easy
RV Camping
Available at Float Camp Campground, about 1 mile from here. Most sites accommodate RVs up to 34’ in length, and some can serve larger units.
Fishing
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River and Stream Fishing
The clear and cool Current River near Doniphan, MO provides both motorized and non-motorized fishing opportunities.
Special Designations
None
Fish Species
Bass, Panfish
Fishing Method
Rod & Reel
Fishing Mode
Bank, Private Boat
Fishing Platform
None
Water/Flow Level
1-8 feet
Water Temperature
45-70 Degrees
Cleaning Station
None
Accessible Platform
None
Hiking
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Day Hiking
While there are no established hiking trails within the recreation area, some people do hike along the roads or near the river. Woodchuck Trail is a 1/2 mile trail and White Oak Trail is a 1 ½ mile trail, both of which originates at the Float Camp Recreation Area, near here, and are suitable for hiking only. The Current River Section of the Ozark Trail is also located near here, and provides longer hiking opportunities.
Water Activities
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Boating - Motorized
Small motorized boats may be launched at the single-lane, concrete Deer Leap Boat Launch, year round.
Boating - Non-Motorized
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. There are rental opportunities for rafts and canoes available from two outfitters to float the Current River located in Doniphan, MO. KCs on the Current, 206 Jefferson St., Doniphan, MO, 63935. Telephone No. 573.996.7961 and Rocky River Resort, 304 W. Jefferson, Doniphan, MO, 63935. Telephone No. 573.996.7171
Tubing
The float from the Deer Leap Access to the accesses in Doniphan takes about 5 hours in a float tube, but may bary depending upon water conditions and current. Tubes may be rented or shuttles arranged in Doniphan from KCs on the Current, 206 Jefferson St., Doniphan MO. 63935. Telephone No. 573.996.7961 and Rocky River Resort, 304 W. Jefferson, Doniphan, MO. 63935. Telephone No. 573.996.7171
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