Deer Leap Campground
Open seasonally April 1 through December 1. First-come, first-served with possible reservations for some sites. Payment accepted via debit or credit card at the on-site Digital Fee Machine.
Heat Advisory issued August 30 at 10:48PM CDT until September 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Daily heat index values up to 100-106 expected. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 10 AM CDT /11 AM EDT/ Monday to 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heat index values will be closer to 100 on Monday. Low rain chances on Friday may provide limited relief.
Forest Order 09-05-21-26-03 National Forest System Road 566 Closure
This is a temporary closure for FS Road 566 up to Coy Bald Trailhead to avoid risk of entrapment from flooding waters during the peak rain season. Access to the Coy Bald Trailhead requires crossing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land—and traversing the Cane Creek low‑water crossing, a…
Weather Conditions
Please check weather conditions prior to visiting. Forecasts can be found:National Weather Service - Springfield, MO Severe Weather Potential National Weather Service - Springfield, MO (Facebook) Safety Tips are available: Brave the Elements Ready.gov - Floods Severe Weather Tornadoes
About
Deer Leap Recreation Area occupies a peaceful stretch along the east bank of the Current River in Ripley County, Missouri. The campground offers seven sites (four single, three double) spread through a stand of pines that provide welcome shade and a sense of privacy. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post, with vault toilets and drinking water available nearby. The location caters to river enthusiasts with a single-lane concrete boat launch suitable for small motorized boats and a separate floater/tuber access point at the end of the campground. Canoes, kayaks, and tubes can launch from either location. While outfitter-guides occasionally use the non-motorized launch, the campground sees less traffic than other Current River access points, making it appealing for campers seeking solitude. All facilities meet ADA accessibility standards, including tables, fire rings, pedestal grills, toilets, and a drinking water faucet. The campground operates seasonally from April 1 through December 1 on a first-come, first-served basis, though some sites may be reservable.
Directions
From US Highway 160 in Doniphan, MO, take Highway Y north for approximately 5 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 4349. After 1 mile, the road splits at a Y intersection; veer right to reach Deer Leap Campground and floater access.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $12 - $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 28ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (573) 364-4621 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Deer Leap Recreation Area |
Photos
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