Horseshoe Bend Float Camp
01 reviewHorseshoe Bend 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
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Escape to the remote tranquility of Horseshoe Bend Float Camp, a hidden riverside sanctuary tucked along the pristine waters of the Eleven Point National Scenic River. This boat-access-only primitive camp offers adventurous paddlers five secluded campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with a fire ring for evening gatherings and a lantern post to guide you through starlit nights. Your journey begins upstream at McDowell or continues downstream to Whitten, making this camp a perfect waypoint for multi-day river expeditions through Missouri's untamed wilderness.
Horseshoe Bend Float Camp caters primarily to primitive camping enthusiasts. It is accessible by river only and has no modern amenities.
Weather and SeasonsThe wilderness settles into peaceful slumber each evening as quiet hours embrace the camp from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., allowing the natural symphony of the river and surrounding forest to take center stage under the star-filled Ozark sky.
Natural Features and SceneryDrift into a landscape where time moves at the pace of the river current. The Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River carves its ancient path through the heart of the Ozark hills, winding beneath towering limestone bluffs that stand as silent sentinels over the water. Dense forests cascade down sloping valleys to meet the river's edge, where riparian ecosystems burst with life. Morning mists rise from the water's surface, while great blue herons stalk the shallows and river otters play in the eddies. This is southern Missouri at its most pristine—a living postcard of wilderness where every bend reveals new wonders.
Geological RegionThe camp rests within the enchanting Ozark hills of southern Missouri, where millions of years of geological artistry have sculpted a dramatic landscape of towering limestone bluffs, deeply carved valleys clothed in hardwood forests, and vibrant riparian corridors that pulse with biodiversity along the Eleven Point National Scenic River's winding course.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLantern posts and fire rings are noted to be accessible. No additional accessibility details are available.
Sites SizeThere are five primitive campsites. No further information about their dimensions is available.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit information about the level of privacy offered at the campsites.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 5 primitive campsites, each equipped with a fire ring and lantern post.
Open and Closed SeasonJanuary - December
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Horseshoe Bend Float Camp offers limited but significant recreational opportunities centered on the Eleven Point National Scenic River. Activities include boating, fishing, and observing the natural scenery of the Ozark hills. Non-motorized water activities are particularly highlighted.
Fishing
Fishing the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River is a popular activity. The river supports diverse fish species, including smallmouth bass and rainbow trout. Rules and regulations must be observed, particularly in designated areas like the Blue Ribbon Trout Area.Boating
Both motorized (with a 25-horsepower limit) and non-motorized boating are allowed. The river is noted for its scenic beauty, flowing through steep bluffs and forested valleys.Winter Activities
No details provided on winter-specific activities.Water Sports
Opportunities for non-motorized water activities such as canoeing and kayaking are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Only dead and downed wood may be gathered for campfires. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsTicks are prevalent. Additionally, as the area is adjacent to a river, sudden rises in water levels can occur. Campers are advised to stay vigilant about water conditions.
Active alertsOpen; unknown flooding impacts.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are provided at the campground. Visitors are required to pack out all their garbage.
Proximity to water featuresCamp is situated adjacent to the Eleven Point National Scenic River.
Campground Map
Driving directionsAccess to this camp is by boat only from McDowell Access
Boat accessed only, from McDowell Access. It is not reachable by road, inherently restricting access to boat users.Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Horseshoe Bend Float Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest that Horseshoe Bend Float Camp is a suitable option for campers seeking a simple, primitive camping experience. The presence of fire pits with grill grates and portable toilets is appreciated. However, reviewers also caution about the prevalence of ticks and the need for preparation due to the lack of potable water and other amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive remarks include the availability of fire pits with grill grates, the elevated campsite locations for flood safety, and the scenic surroundings.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the abundance of ticks in the area and the lack of potable water and other developed amenities.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing ample water, tick-prevention measures, and adhering to Leave No Trace principles. Firewood must be collected from dead and downed wood only.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No explicit seasonal trends found in the reviews. However, campers should be aware of ticks, which are typically more active during warmer conditions.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice spot to camp. Has fire pits with grill grates, open pit toilet and plenty of ticks. Gets you at a safe height if the river rises."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to individual campsites were provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences were found.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressing pet-related experiences, although general pet policies require dogs to be leashed and their waste managed responsibly.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025