Boze Mill Float Camp
00 reviewBoze Mill Float Camp, Mark Twain National Forest, MO
Boze Mill Float Camp
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping at Boze Mill Float Camp is free as it falls under dispersed camping within Mark Twain National Forest.
About this campground
Step back in time at Boze Mill Float Camp, where the whispers of 19th-century commerce still echo through the pristine wilderness of Mark Twain National Forest. This rustic riverside retreat sits gracefully along the crystal-clear waters of the Eleven Point National Scenic River, offering adventurers a rare blend of natural wonder and living history. Here, where a magnificent spring gushes millions of gallons daily and weathered stone walls tell tales of bygone days, you'll find the perfect basecamp for your Ozark adventure.
Boze Mill Float Camp is suited for primitive dispersed camping. It is accessible via river or a short walk from a parking area. This is a no-fee site, offering basic amenities for a rustic experience.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of pioneers at this remarkable site, where Lucas Boze's ambitious grist mill once stood as the beating heart of rural commerce in the 1880s. Local farmers would journey for miles through these rugged hills, their wagons laden with grain, to this bustling hub of activity. Today, the weathered remnants of this once-vital mill stand as silent sentinels, offering visitors a tangible connection to the resourceful settlers who carved out their lives in these remote Ozark valleys.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Ozarks' dramatic seasonal tapestry throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, refreshing days perfect for hiking, with temperatures dancing between a brisk 30°F and a mild 54°F. As spring awakens the forest in vibrant greens, summer transforms the landscape into a lush paradise where temperatures climb to a toasty 91°F, making those spring-fed swimming holes irresistibly inviting. The humidity of summer adds a mystical quality to morning mists rising from the river.
ElevationPerched at a gentle elevation of 636 feet above sea level, the campground offers the perfect vantage point where rolling hills meet river valley. This modest elevation creates an ideal microclimate that keeps the area comfortable for camping while providing just enough height to catch cooling breezes on warm summer evenings.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover nature's masterpiece in a hidden glen where Boze Mill Spring erupts from the earth in a dazzling display of pure, crystalline water. This natural wonder pumps an astounding 12-14 million gallons daily into a mesmerizing blue pool that seems to glow from within. Delicate aquatic plants paint the spring branch in emerald hues, while the haunting beauty of the old turbine and moss-covered rock walls creates an enchanting backdrop that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.
Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the rugged splendor of Missouri's Ozark highlands, where ancient limestone bluffs tower above densely forested valleys and hidden springs bubble up from mysterious underground rivers. The legendary Eleven Point National Scenic River, one of America's most pristine waterways, winds through this dramatic landscape like a ribbon of liquid jade. Fed by countless cold springs, these waters maintain a refreshing temperature year-round, supporting a rich tapestry of riparian life and offering endless opportunities for floating, fishing, and quiet contemplation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLantern posts, picnic tables, and fire rings are accessible; however, the trail leading to the campground is not accessible.
Sites SizeThe campground has three designated sites, each equipped with basic amenities like a lantern post, picnic table, and fire ring.
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy at the campsites is not explicitly described in the source materials.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers should plan to camp 100 feet away from trails or water sources and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Best CampsitesSpecific site recommendations are not provided, but all three designated sites include lantern posts, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
N/A
Check-out
N/A
Stay Limit
No longer than 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No more than 8 guests per single site.
Groups
No group-specific sites or details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of three sites equipped with lantern posts, picnic tables, and fire rings. A vault toilet is centrally located.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round from January to December.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are explicitly mentioned as camping is free and first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, as camping is free and dispersed.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required for this dispersed camping site.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Boze Mill Float Camp offers a variety of water-based recreational activities. Popular activities include canoeing and fishing. The Eleven Point River is particularly suited for both wade and float fishing, with species such as smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and panfish commonly found. Wading can be hazardous due to extremely cold water and swift currents.
Fishing
Fishing is a key activity at Boze Mill Float Camp. The Eleven Point River is known for bass, rainbow trout, and panfish. "Different fish live in different parts of the river depending upon the water temperature and available habitat," the authoritative content notes. Anglers are advised to familiarize themselves with regulations, such as those in the Blue Ribbon Trout Area, where only flies and artificial lures are allowed.Boating
Boating is highly popular on the Eleven Point River. Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed, though motor size is restricted to 25 horsepower from Thomasville to the Narrows.Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreational activities are detailed in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized and motorized boating are primary water sports activities. Kayaks, canoes, and boats are commonly used to traverse the Eleven Point River, which offers scenic views and varying water conditions.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted using dead and downed wood only.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThe cold water and swift current of the Eleven Point River can be hazardous for wading.
Active alertsTree and trail damage due to flooding has been reported.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are available at the Eleven Point/Doniphan Ranger District located at #66 Confederate Ridge Road, Doniphan, MO 63935. Phone: 573-996-2153.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season dates are specified.
Trash and recycling"No trash containers at all sites; please pack out all your trash," as stated in the official materials. Campers are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly adjacent to Boze Mill Spring and the Eleven Point River.
Common complaintsNo trash containers are provided, requiring campers to pack out all waste.
HostHost information is not available as this is a dispersed camping area.
Campground Map
Boze Mill Float Camp, Mark Twain National Forest, MO
Driving directionsFrom Riverton, go east on Hwy 160, turn left/north onto County Road 152 and travel for 2 miles to Boze Mill Spring on your left. Upon arriving at the site you will need to walk down a short trail to reach the campsites from the parking area.
The trail to the campground is not accessible for those with mobility constraints, but can be accessed via a short walk-in trail from County Road 152. The parking area accommodates up to 5 vehicles.Nearby places
Riverton: approximately 2 miles, Doniphan: null, Thomasville: null
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are not explicitly listed in the provided information. Canoe rentals are available nearby at Eleven Point River Canoe Rentals, Hufstelder's Canoe Rental, and Richards Canoe Rental.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Boze Mill Float Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no aggregated user reviews explicitly provided for Boze Mill Float Camp.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Campers may appreciate the pristine natural setting, historical features, and the site's accessibility from the Eleven Point River.
Common Concerns
Potential concerns could include the lack of potable water, no trash facilities, and the inherent challenges of dispersed camping, such as the need to bury human waste and pack out trash.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own potable water and follow Leave No Trace principles. Treat water from natural sources before drinking. Firewood collection is limited to only dead and downed wood.
Seasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends or reviews are mentioned. The campground is open year-round.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes are available from the source materials.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to individual sites are provided.
Accessibility Features
No user reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews related to pet experiences are included, though the site does allow pets on leashes.
Last updated August 10, 2025