Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River

Campground Camping

Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:

• Greer Crossing Recreation Area

Greer Crossing - $

There are 16 single and 3 double sites with tables, fire rings, lantern posts, seasonal drinking water/ trash bins, vault toilets. No hookups are available at this location.

RV Camping

Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:

• Greer Crossing Recreation Area

Greer Crossing - $

There are 16 single and 3 double sites with tables, fire rings, lantern posts, seasonal drinking water/ trash bins, vault toilets. No hookups are available at this location.

Dispersed Camping

Recreation areas with activity Dispersed Camping:

• Barn Hollow Float Camp
• Boze Mill Float Camp
• Cane Bluff River Access
• Greenbriar Float Camp
• Horseshoe Bend Float Camp
• Morgan Spring Float Camp
• Stinking Pond Float Camp
• Thomasville River Access
• Turner Mill South River Access
• Whites Creek Float Camp
• Whitten River Access

Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground.

Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates.

There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!

1. Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
2. Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
3. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
4. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
5. Pack out all of your garbage.

For more information on Dispersed Camping visit our dispersed camping page which has information on picking a campsite, how to protect water quality, and campfires!

From Up-river to Down-river:

• Thomasville - no designated campsites and no facilties
• Cane Bluff - no designated campsites and no facilities
• Turner Mill South - 5 campsites with a table, firering, and lantern post
• Stinking Pond - river access only; 3 campsites with no facilities
• Horseshoe Bend - river access only; 5 campsites with a firering and lantern post
• Barn Hollow - river access only; 4 campsites with firerings and lantern posts
• Whitten - no designated campsites and no facilities
• Whites Creek - river access only; 5 campsites with pincic tables and firerings
• Greenbriar - river access only; 3 campsites with firerings and lantern posts
• Boze Mill - 3 campsites with lantern posts, picnic tables and firerings
• Morgan Spring - river access only; 3 campsites with a firering, lantern post and picnic table

 

River and Stream Fishing

Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:

• Barn Hollow Float Camp
• Boze Mill Float Camp
• Greenbriar Float Camp
• Greer Crossing Recreation Area
• Highway 142 River Access
• Morgan Spring Float Camp
• Riverton East River Access
• Stinking Pond Float Camp
• Thomasville River Access
• Turner Mill North River Access
• Turner Mill South River Access
• Whites Creek Float Camp
• Whitten River Access

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.

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.

 

A printable version of the fishing information for the Eleven Point River is available to download (pdf)

MDOC Special Waterbody Regulations for the Eleven Point River (html)

MDOC Fishing Prospects for the Eleven Point River (html)

General Info:

General Notes

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
Special Designations	See Fishing Regulations
Fishing Mode	Canoe, kayak, wading
Fishing Platform	None
Cleaning Station	None
Accessible Platform	None
Water Temperature	30-65 Degrees
Fishing Method	Rod & Reel, Flyfishing
Water/Flow Level	varies w/ rainfall
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

• Greer Crossing Recreation Area
• Greer Spring
• Morgan Spring Float Camp
• Turner Mill North River Access

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

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

• Greer Crossing Recreation Area

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.

 

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

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:

• 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

Viewing Plants

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:

• Greer Spring

What to look for

• Native - MDC Field Guide
• Non-Native - Mark Twain NNIS | MDC Problem Plant Control
• Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Species - Mark Twain | MDC Species

Viewing Scenery

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:

• Cane Bluff River Access
• Greer Spring
• Morgan Spring Float Camp

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.

Interpretive Areas

Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:

• Turner Mill North River Access

Turner Mill North

There are two interpretive signs at this site that talk about the history of the area and the former mill.

General Info:

General Notes

For safety tips on camping, water safety, wildlife and a variety of other topics visit the Safety section of the website.

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:

• Boze Mill Float Camp
• Greer Crossing Recreation Area
• Riverton West River Access
• Turner Mill North River Access
• Turner Mill South River Access

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.

Scenic Driving

Recreation areas with activity Scenic Driving:

• Turner Mill South River Access

Turner Mill South

The roads travelling to this site are representative of an oak/pine forest.

Boating - Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:

• Barn Hollow Float Camp
• Boze Mill Float Camp
• Cane Bluff River Access
• Greenbriar Float Camp
• Greer Crossing Recreation Area
• Highway 142 River Access
• Horseshoe Bend Float Camp
• Morgan Spring Float Camp
• Riverton East River Access
• Stinking Pond Float Camp
• Thomasville River Access
• Turner Mill North River Access
• Turner Mill South River Access
• Whites Creek Float Camp
• Whitten River Access

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

River Access Sites:

From	To	Miles
Thomasvile	Cane Bluff	9.3
Cane Bluff	Greer	8
Greer	Turner Mill South	7
Turner Mill South	Whitten	6
Whitten	Riverton	7
Riverton	Highway 142	8.1

 

Boating - Non-Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:

• Barn Hollow Float Camp
• Boze Mill Float Camp
• Cane Bluff River Access
• Greenbriar Float Camp
• Greer Crossing Recreation Area
• Highway 142 River Access
• Horseshoe Bend Float Camp
• Morgan Spring Float Camp
• Riverton East River Access
• Thomasville River Access
• Turner Mill North River Access
• Turner Mill South River Access
• Whites Creek Float Camp
• Whitten River Access

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

River Access Sites:

From	To	Miles
Thomasvile	Cane Bluff	9.3
Cane Bluff	Greer	8
Greer	Turner Mill South	7
Turner Mill South	Whitten	6
Whitten	Riverton	7
Riverton	Highway 142	8.1

 

Swimming

Recreation areas with activity Swimming: