Mark Twain National Forest

Deer Leap Recreation Area

Deer Leap is for those who enjoy “roughing it.” There are no open or grassy areas. The area has small camp sites and parking for vehicles but not large camping trailers. The area is on the east bank of the Current River.

Area attractions:

Camping: There are 14 small campsites, each with a table, lantern post and fire ring. Camping fee is $10 per night for a single site. Boat access and Day Use fee is $2 per car/truck or $10 per bus. No water after 10/31. No electricity or sewage disposal. In Summer, on-site host will assist you.

Fishing: excellent for bass, goggle-eye, catfish, walleye.

Boating, canoeing, tubing: Hot summer days attract hundreds of weekend floaters. CAUTION! Current River is swift and has many snags that must be avoided. Wear life jackets! Swift current near Deer Leap may be hazardous! No lifeguard on duty.
Float Camp Recreation Area offers a better swimming area, and a roomier campground, but no boat launch.

How to get here:

From Doniphan, MO, take Hwy Y 4.5 miles north. Campground is on the east bank of Current River.

Open year-round.
The area is open to the public year round. The best season is from May 15 to September 30.