Lakeside camping near Doniphan

The Ozark Mountain foothills of Southeastern Missouri provide an epic backdrop for outdoor adventures near Doniphan. The Current River cuts a wide swath through the hills, creating a natural playground for paddlers, floaters, and anglers. Nearby, the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways protects the waterways and historic sites, such as bubbling blue springs and picturesque historic mills. Small-town pride shines through in Doniphan, which provides a home base for exploring this slice of the Ozarks. Public primitive camping can be found at the Deer Leap Recreation Area. To find private RV parks with full amenities, head to Poplar Bluff or Van Buren.

Spend your days exploring the best of the Ozarks along the shores of the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers. Then, sleep under the stars, which shine even brighter in this remote region. The National Park Service operates several campgrounds across this 80,000-acre unit, with a mix of electric and non-electric sites. Some are suitable for tents only, while others can accommodate RVs. Alley Spring and Big Spring are home to the largest, most developed parks. Primitive and backcountry camping sites are also available.

Summer is when the action is at its highest, as Doniphan’s float trip season kicks into high gear. The waterways are at their busiest, bursting with tubes, canoes, and kayaks, and yet, there is still solitude to be found. The spring-fed rivers provide a refreshing break from the heat and humidity. Though the water isn’t as inviting in spring and fall, the weather is, with moderate temperatures and scenic opportunities for leaf-peeping in the Ozarks hills. A hush falls across the region in winter, as cold temperatures and occasional snows descend.