Deer Leap Recreation Area
4.218 reviews#66 Confederate Ridge Road Doniphan, MO 63935
Deer Leap Recreation Area
$12.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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
The campground charges $12/night for single campsites and $20/night for double campsites. Day-use parking costs $3 per vehicle and the boat ramp fee is also $3 per vehicle.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Deer Leap Recreation Area beckons adventurers seeking an authentic outdoor escape. This tranquil campground, cloaked in cooling shade from towering pines, offers primitive camping enthusiasts a chance to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. Just steps from your semi-private campsite, the melodic sounds of the Current River drift through the trees, while the campground's popular canoe and tubing launch serves as your gateway to unforgettable water adventures.
Deer Leap Recreation Area features primitive camping options for RVs and tents. The campground includes seven sites: four single sites and three double sites. RV parking areas are gravel-paved, and the maximum recommended RV length is 28 feet.
Historical SignificanceDeer Leap Recreation Area stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the Ozarks, a region that has captivated generations of outdoor enthusiasts. This cherished destination has evolved into a vibrant hub for water recreation, where families create lasting memories floating down the Current River, just as countless others have done before them. The area celebrates the timeless tradition of connecting with nature through simple pleasures - the splash of a paddle, the laughter of tubers drifting by, and stories shared around evening campfires.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Ozarks' delightful seasonal tapestry at Deer Leap, where spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and paddling. Summer brings warm, sunny days ideal for floating the Current River, while autumn transforms the landscape into a painter's palette of golden and crimson hues. Winter offers a peaceful retreat with crisp, cold air and the occasional dusting of snow, creating a serene backdrop for quiet contemplation. Throughout the year, visitors enjoy pleasantly dry conditions with low humidity, making outdoor activities comfortable in any season.
ElevationThe campground rests gently within the rolling hills of the Ozark plateau, offering a comfortable base for exploration without extreme elevation changes.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a natural sanctuary where majestic pine groves create a living cathedral overhead, their evergreen canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite offers its own pocket of wilderness, separated by native vegetation that ensures privacy while maintaining the area's wild character. A short woodland stroll leads you to the crystal-clear waters of the Current River, where limestone bluffs rise dramatically from the water's edge and ancient gravel bars invite exploration. This pristine ecosystem showcases the Ozarks at their finest - where clear springs feed meandering waterways, and the forest whispers stories of timeless beauty.
Geological RegionDeer Leap Recreation Area lies within the magnificent Mark Twain National Forest, a 1.5-million-acre wonderland that showcases the ancient Ozark Mountains' unique geological heritage. Here, the Current River has carved its path through layers of limestone and dolomite over millennia, creating the stunning bluffs and spring-fed waterways that define this landscape. The campground's distinctive pine stands thrive in the well-drained soils of the Ozark plateau, while the surrounding forest represents one of America's oldest mountain ranges, worn smooth by time into the gentle, rolling hills that characterize this beloved region. Each semi-private campsite offers visitors their own piece of this geological masterpiece, where ancient bedrock meets modern adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAll campsites are accessible and include accessible picnic tables, fire rings, and pedestal grills.
Sites SizeThe campground includes 4 single sites and 3 double sites. Maximum RV length is suggested to be 28 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as semi-private, with spacing and vegetation serving as natural barriers between sites.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites away from the central launch area for more privacy.
Best CampsitesSites with easy access to the river; specific site recommendations unavailable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Anytime after arrival as sites are first-come, first-served.
Check-out
By 10 PM on the last reserved day.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 7 nights allowed for overnight camping.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single sites are suitable for small groups.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned or supported at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutA small campground with seven sites, including single and double sites, spaced out for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 1 through October 1.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable online.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to policies outlined by the Mark Twain National Forest.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Deer Leap Recreation Area offers various recreational activities, with a strong emphasis on water-based and fishing opportunities. Activities include boating (both motorized and non-motorized), fishing, and tubing on the Current River. Wildlife viewing opportunities also exist due to the campground's location in a National Forest.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities include both motorized and non-motorized options on the Current River. Common fish species include bass and panfish. Fishing can be done from the bank or a boat. Water temperatures range from 45-70 degrees, with water depth fluctuating between 1-8 feet.Swimming
Swimming is possible, though one user noted that 'water was too fast to swim at the camping area.' They suggested walking to the day use area to swim instead.Boating
Boating options include a single-lane concrete boat launch for small motorized boats and non-motorized launches for canoes, kayaks, and other vessels. The campground also serves as a popular launch site for tubing and floating activities on the Current River.Wildlife viewing
While specific wildlife species are not mentioned, the location in the Mark Twain National Forest provides opportunities for observing local flora and fauna.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are supported by the campground’s boat launch facilities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include fast-moving water, poison ivy, and wildlife such as snakes.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.3 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
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Eleven Point/Doniphan Ranger District (Phone: 573-996-2153)
Good to know
Peak season datesApril through October.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are provided, but the presence of recycling facilities is not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly by the Current River with canoe and tubing access.
Common complaintsUser complaints include noise and dust from outfitter vans and buses and limited cell service.
HostNot provided.
Campground Map
#66 Confederate Ridge Road Doniphan, MO 63935
Driving directionsFrom US Highway 160 in Doniphon, MO, take Highway Y heading north for 5 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 4349. One mile down the road, there is a Y. Veer left for the boat ramp or veer right for the campground and floater/tuber launch.
Accessible via gravel road with no vehicle clearance restrictions; suitable for vehicles up to 28 feet in length.Nearby places
Doniphan, MO (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
KC's on the Current and Rocky River Resort for rentals and supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.2
8 reviews
Deer Leap Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews convey mixed experiences. Positive aspects include the campground's peaceful, shaded environment and clean facilities. However, several complaints highlight early-morning disturbances caused by outfitters’ vehicles and no cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the quiet nature of the campground, the well-maintained and clean vault toilets, and the proximity to the Current River. One user remarked, 'Great place for fishing and camping,'...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent outfitters’ traffic starting early in the morning and kicking up dust is a major complaint. Additionally, one user described the campground as 'overpriced,' and another noted the lack of...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring river shoes and consider swimming at the day-use area to avoid fast water currents. A user also suggested being prepared for early-morning noise and dust from outfitters’...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews are more negative, citing disturbances from outfitters and crowded conditions. Spring reviews are generally positive, highlighting the quiet and shady environment.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'The vault toilets were seriously the cleanest and best smelling I have ever experienced.' - 'The campground is in deep woods right along the Current River.' - 'I really enjoyed this quiet shady...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details are limited in user reviews, but one user noted that the campground has 'only 7 sites well spaced out.' Another mentioned issues with outfitters’ vehicles impacting the overall...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
All available campsites have accessible features, including tables, fire rings, and pedestal grills. No specific accessibility challenges were noted in user reviews.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but must be leashed (six feet or shorter) and not left unattended. Users are reminded to clean up after their pets and ensure their safety, particularly around wildlife.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025