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Camping near Doniphan guide
Where to go
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
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.
Mark Twain National Forest
If you haven’t had your fill of rivers, head to the Eleven Point/Doniphan Ranger Unit of Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest, where you’ll find the Eleven Point National Scenic River. With undeveloped shorelines, this river provides scenic serenity for paddlers and anglers. A number of primitive float camps welcome boaters—or venture off the river to find more developed RV parks and glamping rentals.
Van Buren, Missouri
Van Buren is a hub of activity and camping in southern Missouri, located 40 miles north of Doniphan. Grab an ice cream cone or home-style meal at one of the many restaurants in town to fuel up for your outdoor adventures. Big Spring, one of the largest in the U.S., is a must-see, with dazzling blue waters feeding into the Current River. Public camping can be found on National Park Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and national forest lands. Private RV parks and glamping rentals provide amenities like electric hookups and family activities.
When to go
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.