Are you planning a camping trip to Doniphan with your dog? We've got you covered. Find the best information on pet-friendly camping near Doniphan, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. These scenic and easy-to-reach Doniphan campsites are perfect for camping with dogs.
In the rolling, forested landscape of Big Spring, two of America's most beautiful spring-fed rivers combine to make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. As the first national park area to protect a wild river system, visitors have plenty of scenic water activities to enjoy as well as hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
The Current River flows past the campground, offering excellent canoeing, tubing, swimming and fishing. Over 130 miles (209 km) of waterways exist within the park. Canoe and kayak rentals and outfitters can be found nearby. Several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails crisscross the region, include the Alley Overlook Trail, Chubb Hollow Trail, Ozark Trail, Cave Spring Trail and Big Springs Trail.
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is known for its caves, springs, sinkholes and losing streams, and features over 300 identified caves within its boundaries. The caves range in size from a rock overhang to almost seven miles of identified passages. Eight caves, including an open sinkhole, have been designated as outstanding natural features. The Ozark forest is mostly White oak and Shortleaf pine, Missouri's only native pine species. Along the rivers, Sycamore, Cottonwood, River birch and maples are common. Redbud and dogwoods are also abundant, putting on a spectacular show during most spring months.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (573) 323-4236.
Scenic Big Spring is the largest freshwater spring in North America and produces an outflow of 280 million gallons a day. Round Spring Cave is nearby, with ranger-guided tours offered daily during summer months. Historic and picturesque Alley Mill and Alley Spring are also nearby. The mill is open daily in the summer and ranger-guided tours are available upon request.
$30 / night
Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area sits next to Pinewoods Lake in southeastern Missouri. It is an ideal location to enjoy lake fishing and scenic trails.
A 1.3-mile walking trail surrounds the lake. Most of the trail has a concrete surface and is accessible. The entire trail is relatively flat, with no difficult sections. Circling the 32-acre lake, the trail provides views of the lake, songbirds and wildlife, and an abundance of wildflowers. The lake offers a floating fishing pier and a concrete boat ramp. Anglers can enjoy fishing for bass, sunfish and catfish.
The day-use picnic shelter can accommodate up to 75 people. It is equipped with tables and large grills. Accessible vault toilets are provided. Trash collection service is not available; visitors must carry out all garbage.
The lake is located on the southeastern quadrant of the Mark Twain National Forest. The area is densely wooded.
Ellsinore is the closest city to the campground, just 3 miles away, with a few dining options, a grocery store and fuel station.
$25 / night
Campground Camping Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:
Deer Leap Recreation Area
Float Camp Recreation Area
Watercress Recreation AreaDeer Leap Recreation Area
This campground has 7 sites. Amenities include: drinking water, vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts. Semi-private sites, most sites have spacing and vegetation between them. All sites are within walking distance of the river.
Float Camp Recreation Area
This is a large, open campground with little privacy screening between the 20 campsites. While there's not much solitude, but you'll enjoy level, roomy campsites and have a good opportunity to socialize with adjacent campers. Trash cans or dumpsters and vault toilets are centrally located. No sewage disposal is available.
Watercress Recreation Area
Watercress Campground has 17 sites and lies on the banks one of the forest’s greatest treasures; the Current River. Floats on the river provide views of southeastern Missouri that otherwise can't be seen. The area is home to a variety of birds and wildlife and recreation opportunities are plentiful in the surrounding area.
20% discount. Open year round. Full hookups water, sewer, electric 30/50amp, cable tv, WiFi, Laundry, Propane station, Food and car rental delivery to sites. Close to town for everyone’s shopping, dining and entertainment needs. Family owned and operated since 1982. We offer a country/rural setting with forested hills, in the beautiful Ozark Foothills of Missouri. Poplar Bluff is known as“Gateway To The Ozarks”. You can relax, stay in, or check out the area. We have camping with convenience in mind.
Check In after 11:00AM. Check out day by 11:00AM.
Local activities include a, 18-hole golf course, Wolf Creek Trail offers walking, trail running, and mountain biking, Black River Coliseum has shows and events, 8-Showtimes AMC Classic Theaters, museums, antiques and more.
The area offers rivers, springs, lakes, wildlife, and the Mark Twain National Forest. Our seasons offer brilliant spring and fall colors with winding scenic drives, and we provide year-round camping opportunities for everyone.
Make us your Campground Headquarters and enjoy the area.
$40 - $50 / night
$23 / night
Float Camp Picnic Area is located only 150 feet from the cool waters of the crystal clear Current River. Visitors enjoy floating the river, fishing and hiking. A campground is only a half-mile away for those who want to stay longer than a day.
The swift-moving river allows for enjoyable float trips, as well as canoeing and great fishing. Swimming is also a popular pastime. Visitors enjoy horseshoe pits and volleyball courts, as well as hiking and other recreational opportunities nearby.
The day-use picnic area offers an accessible group shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. The site is equipped with electricity, tables and grills. Individual sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.
The picnic area is nestled under a mature forest of hardwoods, which offers plentiful shade. It is adjacent to the Current River.
Doniphan is four miles away and offers float trip outfitters, restaurants and lodging.
$50 / night
Fourche Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful place to be outside. It is located on V Hwy approx. 2.5 miles off of HWY 160 W. There is a beautiful wooden dock to fish off of or just simply look at the lake. There is a vault toilet and picnic tables for picnickers. The dock, path leading to the dock, and bathroom are all handicapped accessible. There is dispersed camping available at 6 established sites with fire rings. There is no water or electric hookup available. There is a boat launch available only electric motors are allowed. Fourche Lake is 49 acres in size and provides opportunities for catching catfish, panfish and bass.
Guide
This park is in the city of Pocahontas, Arkansas. It has 7 full service concrete parking pads. A very nice boat launch & plenty of parking for trucks with boat trailers. Park has a bath house, but it's very old and not too clean. Bath house needs to be replaced. Park also has a nice basketball court & playground. It has a very peaceful vibe.
Legend
Beautiful small campground with large sites. Restroom was emaculate. Clean park with a boat launch. Electric only spots and dispersed. Water and dump are on site.
Traveler
Spent 3 nights here and the area is beautiful! The mill and springs are soothing and crystal clear. The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in. Great spot if you are in the area. A few people on the river fishing and kayaking but no other campers that we saw while there.
Traveler
Sam a Baker is a beautiful destination for any family. There is plenty to do from hiking to horseback riding. There are multi camp sites that can be easily reserved online. The Saint Francis River and the Big Creek meet in the park. The big creek is spring feed and ice cold. The Saint Francis is wild and is considered white water during the rainy season. There are plenty of amenities in the park for the novice camper. From the camp store to the shower house. SAM A BAKER has you covered
Traveler
Log yard is a Backwoods camping area on the current river. 4 wheel drive is recommended. You have to cross a creek to get to this location. If the weather moves in. It would be wise to pack up and move out while you can. If the creek comes up, you may not be able to cross it again. There is one good established campsite at this location and 2 not so good ones. The area changes after a flood, and the campsites have to be reestablished. There is a boat ramp at this location that is a favorite hang out of the locals. They will drink, play loud music, and leave trash lay around. This stretch of the current is 25-hp boat territory. There will be boat traffic on the river on the weekends. Log yard is part of the Ozark scenic river ways, which is FEDERAL LAND. You may have an encounter with a forest ranger at this campsite. If you do, they will ask for your info and have you establish a Backwoods campsite. Be respectful and don't upset the Rangers. They don't play in the Ozark scenic river ways. This camp is beautiful and wild. NO CELL SERVICE. If you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd. They reintroduced elk in this area a few years ago. Get out and enjoy what Missouri has to offer
TravelerThe scenery of this dispersed camping area is definitely a five star for the area. Nice view and access to the Current River. Plenty of stars out at night. There is an area of more traditional campground spaces you come across first but the dispersed style spots are further down the road. There’s still a $10/night fee. Even though there are fire rings all along the rocky beach, locals use this area as a boat launch and park their trucks and trailers in the camping areas. The campers who came in late on our last night destroyed the peaceful ambiance; loud kids running all over and pulling branches down from living trees, loud music past quiet hours and most running generators. That downgraded my rating from five stars overall. This would be a great place midweek or off season but definitely not going back during peak times due to the discourteous people.
Guide
This campground was perfect for our little family reunion near Paragould. We booked three sites together and they were close enough that it was easy to visit each other. It was also a very nice little campground with lots of shade and the bathrooms were very clean and had showers. We also enjoyed the little lake and playground for the kids. The only downside were the mosquitoes, but one of us had a screened canopy that went over the picnic table, which worked great. We were very impressed with the staff and the campground and will likely return.
TravelerTent camped here during the week in June and the campground was only about 1/3 full. Quiet and the restrooms and showers were very clean.
Scout
Wonderful spacious sites, nicely groomed lawns, clean showrr houses, very helpful hosts- very relaxing place to be
Legend
Camped here during Thanksgiving 2023. Camped in our campervan in Loop A of the camnpground. Backed into site 35; not quite level, but okay. It looks like the sites inside of the loop are more level. The park is in a wooded area, although no privacy between sites. Sites were clean and very well maintained. Table, fire ring & grill included. Water & 30amp electric hookups. Restroom/showers very clean. The park and lake are beautiful. Enjoyed fishing at the fishing pier which was a short walk on a paved path from the campsite.
Traveler
My parents (from Mississippi) and I (from St. Charles, MO) found this place sort of between us and we sure do love it. The owner Kelly and his whole team were nothing but gracious and hospitable to us the entire weekend. You can tell there's some work to be done on this new venture for Kelly but his heart in it and I can't wait to see how he continues to grow the property. Thanks for having us and we can't wait to come back.
The bath house was clean. The site was huge. There was plenty of firewood when we needed it. The nature was nature'in and the wild was wild'in. Good times.
ScoutSites are easy to get into and the camp area is kept very clean. Hiking trails right out of the campground for short daily adventures.
Guide
We had so much fun playing in the creek learning about as Aztec and their gardening methods. Very adorable , baby goats and baby chicks that were just all over and loving living. ❤️ My family and friends found out that I was going there and she was more than happy to help us be accommodated for so many people. I kept adding and she was like no problem. Thank you so much for making it easy and affordable. We will definitely be back to visit. I feel that we have actually found some true lifelong friends. Thank you Ivy
Traveler
We stopped here chasing the 2024 eclipse. Easy to find. No cost. About 20 parking spaces, a vault toilet, and a boat launch. Open for solar panels, but tree cover around the lot. Only about 5 parking spaces are not on a slant. Places in the trees for tents. Absolutely beautiful views up and down the river. A single fire pit on the river’s edge. No road noise to speak of because it is way in the distance and rare at night. Fireflies and owls into the night. Mist on the water in the morning: just beautiful. T mobile service has 3 of 4 bars. There is no apparent Verizon service.
Scout
This area is beautiful and overall I recommend it but we did have trouble finding a flat spot. I think they're only five or six decent spots total. We met a local who warned us of wild pigs that will charge you and a lot of ticks in the forest.
Guide
Road can be a little rough in spots after it rains. 1/2 bars with Verizon. Limited spots to set up tent. Only flaw is the sound of traffic.
Traveler
Went to stay in a cabin for one night, then extended our stay. The place was to nice to leave. The lake and St. Francis river are crystal clear. Watched the baby deer, and listen to thw owls at night. The cabin had all the amenities included, towels, coffee, soaps, dinnerware and cookware. check-in was easy. Front deck included a B-B-Q grill, and hot tub that over looked the lake and camp fire. Our family will be back. Thank you!
Traveler
Wow, what an incredible weekend we had at the CurrantRiver Campground From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a sense of adventure. The campground itself was well-maintained, with clean facilities and spacious campsites that offered just the right amount of privacy.
The highlight of our trip was, of course, the canoeing experience. The staff provided top-notch equipment and safety instructions, making us feel confident even though we were beginners. Paddling down the scenic Currant River was an absolute joy. The water was crystal clear, and the surrounding nature was breathtaking. We encountered some gentle rapids, which added a thrill to the journey without being too challenging for novices like us.
One thing that stood out was the wildlife we spotted along the way – eagles, deer,It felt like a true escape into nature.
The team made our trip unforgettable. They were knowledgeable about the area, provided great tips for navigating the river, and ensured our safety at all times. We also appreciated the convenience of shuttle service back to the campground after our float trip.
Overall, this place exceeded our expectations, and we can't wait to return. If you're looking for a relaxing yet adventurous getaway in the heart of Missouri this is it
Traveler
This campground is a must visit. Obviously the main attraction is the amazing and magical spring. Flowing 226 million gallons a day! Campground is beautifully manicured and has spacious sites and many options. It's a self serve campground so pay at the front. The hot water in the showers was out but still giving it 5 stars because this place is just great. The cabins are super cute cottages that are being remodeled right now, and I can't wait! The trails are well kept and moderately challenging. I highly recommend camping here dont forget to bring in your own firewood.
Guide
Some people showed up for day use, but the sites were empty. Totally alone with a gorgeous lake.
GuideCampground was nice and quiet, spots were all maintained. only a few spots farthest away from lake had sewer, the others have water and electric. none of the spots are very far from the lake however. No wi-fi. showers were out of order half of the time. No store as it states on site, only and office but mostly no one there but it was holiday weekend. broken down marina sitting in ruins and what was left of dock didn’t seem too sturdy. Remnants of old gas pump but no marina gas. terrible fishing off of dock, you have to go out on lake. Several high speed boats passing by. Fairly far from any decent sized town but that is not bothersome as that is the point of camping. we enjoyed our stay but we’re disappointed about the showers, restrooms out of repair. Overall a decent campground just dated. grass and sites were kept up well. picnic table and fire pit at all sites.
ScoutWith a paid reservation made 3 months in advance, the Campground Host cancelled our reservation, refunded our money and then quadrupled the rate for that same period ($125 went to $750 for one night). Your paid family vacation plans reservation is not firm with Otahki Lake Cabins and Campgrounds KOA. I hope this does not happen to you and your family’s dream camping trip!
ScoutWe have been coming here for years, there is something for everyone here! The water is slow and shallow enough in tons of places for littles and deep and cold enough for the older kids and adults to cool off too. The store is adorable, the food is surprisingly really good (I’m craving those loaded nachos!), and when you’re absent-minded like me and forget the bikes you can rent them there 😁 We like Campground 2 on the gravel side (to the left when you pull in) because it’s nice and quiet and close to the nature center. You really can’t go wrong with any of the sites!
Guide
It was a great stay! Site 10 had a beautiful view of the lake. Multiple restrooms but no showers. Each site was paved with a picnic table and fire pit. The only complaint would be the enormous amount of bugs.
ScoutThis was a great stay! Nice and peaceful, great company with total strangers on the next site over. Campsites are spaced out nicely. There are only a handful of sites that are suitable for tents as each site varies on cleared area. No water or electricity that we seen. Boat launch and floating dock are just a short walk from any camp site. We stayed at campsite #5 and it was spacious for our tent. Dumpster for trash is next to the bathrooms across from site #3 & 4. Asphalt road through the camping area and Asphalt pulloffs at each site. Chiggers and bugs are an issue here so bring plenty of Off. We stayed 10 nights and we will definitely mark this one down on our list. Truck Stop 1 mile east for ice, food and drinks. There is a small grocery store about 18 miles west with a great selection. Picnic table and fire pit at each site. Free wood laying all over the place, when the management team cut trees down they leave them there for campers to use.
GuideThis park is a hidden gem. Stayed at the Asher Creek part of the park spectacular views of the lake, also has a boat ramp for registered campers.
Ranger
Love this park, lakeside or ridge top. Only 4 spots without electricity, use that how you will. The lake side is dope for water views and stag gazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Doniphan, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Doniphan, MO is Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Doniphan, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 81 dog-friendly camping locations near Doniphan, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.