Fourche Lake Recreation Area

4.04

29 reviews

#66 Confederate Ridge Road, Doniphan, MO 63935

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

581 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Eleven Point/Doniphan Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

581 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Eleven Point/Doniphan Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Fourche Lake Recreation Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for camping or day use at Fourche Lake Recreation Area.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

573-996-2153sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

4.04

Satisfactory

Based on 29 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefullake

"User reviews generally praise the peacefulness and rustic nature of the campground. However, accessibility issues and seasonal flooding have been noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

#66 Confederate Ridge Road, Doniphan, MO 63935

Fourche Lake Recreation Area

#66 Confederate Ridge Road, Doniphan, MO 63935

Driving directionsFrom Doniphan, take U.S. HWY 160 approximately 15.7 miles west and turn left onto V Hwy. Stay on V Hwy for approximately 2.5 miles until you see the sign for Fourche Lake on the left. The road ends at the site, approximately 1 mile further.

The road to the campground ends at the site and is accessible via Highway V. It seems well-maintained but additional advisory on seasonal roadblocks is noted from user reviews: 'Not accessible, trees are down blocking the road to the campgrounds.'

Nearby places

Doniphan (15.7 miles, approximately 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be found in Doniphan, approximately 15.7 miles east of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Fourche Lake Recreation Area

Experience the full spectrum of seasons at Fourche Lake, where winter nights can dip to a crisp 26°F—perfect for cozy campfire gatherings—while summer days climb to a balmy 90°F, ideal for refreshing lake swims. With precipitation typically staying below 20%, you'll enjoy mostly clear skies throughout your stay. For the ultimate camping experience, plan your visit during mid-fall when nature puts on its most spectacular show: comfortable temperatures meet crystal-clear skies, and the surrounding hardwoods burst into a breathtaking tapestry of autumn colors reflected perfectly in the lake's calm waters.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm summer days (~90°F) good for boating and fishing; swimming not emphasized.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in MO

Lake described as particularly scenic in fall; reviews highlight fall views.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open in spring but reviews note stormy-season flooding which can impact visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round; winter visits possible but less popular and nights can be cold (~26°F).

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round from January to December.

About Fourche Lake Recreation Area

Escape to the tranquil shores of Fourche Lake Recreation Area, where 44 acres of pristine water mirror the surrounding canopy of oak, pine, and hickory trees. This hidden gem offers free, rustic camping across six thoughtfully dispersed sites, each beckoning with its own fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post—everything you need for an authentic outdoor experience. As darkness falls and quiet hours begin at 10:00 p.m., you'll discover why this peaceful retreat has become a favorite among those seeking solitude beneath the stars, with only the gentle lapping of lake water and rustling leaves to accompany your dreams until dawn breaks at 6:00 a.m.

The campground supports rustic camping experiences, including tent camping and dispersed camping options. "Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates," highlighting the primitive nature of camping here.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of seasons at Fourche Lake, where winter nights can dip to a crisp 26°F—perfect for cozy campfire gatherings—while summer days climb to a balmy 90°F, ideal for refreshing lake swims. With precipitation typically staying below 20%, you'll enjoy mostly clear skies throughout your stay. For the ultimate camping experience, plan your visit during mid-fall when nature puts on its most spectacular show: comfortable temperatures meet crystal-clear skies, and the surrounding hardwoods burst into a breathtaking tapestry of autumn colors reflected perfectly in the lake's calm waters.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable 581 feet above sea level, Fourche Lake Recreation Area offers the perfect sweet spot for outdoor enthusiasts. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate—high enough to catch cooling breezes on summer evenings, yet low enough to remain accessible year-round. The gentle terrain makes it easy to explore every corner of this natural haven, whether you're hauling gear to your campsite or embarking on a leisurely lakeside stroll.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering oaks spread their mighty branches overhead, stately pines perfume the air with their distinctive scent, and hickory trees drop their treasured nuts for wildlife to forage. This dense forest canopy creates a natural cathedral around the campground, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across the forest floor. The centerpiece 44-acre lake beckons with promises of early morning fishing expeditions, peaceful paddle sessions, and prime wildlife viewing opportunities—watch for deer coming to drink at dawn, great blue herons stalking the shallows, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a beaver working along the shoreline.

Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Mark Twain National Forest, Fourche Lake Recreation Area showcases the best of Missouri's natural heritage. This 44-acre aquatic jewel sits at 581 feet elevation, cradled by the ancient Ozark landscape where oak, pine, and hickory forests have thrived for centuries. The surrounding terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, where weathered hills and hidden hollows create the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventure in one of America's most beloved national forests.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No restrictions stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than 8 people per single site (16 for double sites).

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features spaced-out campsites among trees for privacy. The entrance leads directly to the boat launch, followed by campsites, and ends in a loop with a day-use area and toilet facilities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required or possible at this site; it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up camping is available year-round, with an emphasis on 'free camping' and no reservations required.

AccessibilityAccessible features include tables, toilet, lantern posts, fishing pier, and grills. However, accessibility is limited due to the lack of paved or gravel paths.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as rustic and dispersed, spaced among trees to offer privacy.

PrivacyThe campsites provide a reasonable level of privacy as they are spaced among oak, pine, and hickory trees.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Fourche Lake Recreation Area offers activities centered around outdoor exploration and relaxation. Highlights include fishing, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and non-motorized boating. "Viewing bald eagles at this site" is particularly praised, as well as fishing for catfish, bluegill, and bass in the 44-acre lake.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Fourche Lake. The lake is stocked annually with catfish and supports fishing for bluegill and bass. Fishing can be done from shore, boat, or an accessible wooden fishing pier.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted, including jon boats, canoes, and kayaks. The lake features a single-lane concrete boat launch.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing, including occasional sightings of bald eagles, is highly recommended. "The ultimate wildlife viewing experience is watching animals in their habitat," as stated in the official content.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include flooding during stormy seasons, as noted by a user review: 'Great but had a lot of flooding during stormy season.'

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but limited to dead and downed wood. No fire grates are provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesEleven Point/Doniphan Ranger District office at #66 Confederate Ridge Road, Doniphan, MO 63935, is the closest ranger station. For medical emergencies, Doniphan has facilities available.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available. Campers are required to pack out their trash.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located on the shores of Fourche Lake, a 44-acre lake with fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It is described as having 'accessible wooden pier' and a concrete boat launch.

Camp HostUser review notes: 'Very attentive rangers for a free site,' suggesting ranger presence but no specific host details.

Weather at Fourche Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

4.0

29 reviews

Satisfactory

Fourche Lake Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the peacefulness and rustic nature of the campground. However, accessibility issues and seasonal flooding have been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

"Quiet and peaceful here" and "beautiful lake, free camping" are common sentiments shared by users. Fishing opportunities and the availability of basic amenities like picnic tables and fire pits are...

Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues such as "trees are down blocking the road to the campgrounds" and flooding during stormy seasons.

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend visiting during the day for better exploration. They also advise carrying sufficient water and being mindful of accessibility challenges.

Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that stormy seasons bring flooding challenges, while quieter non-peak seasons provide solitude. Winter visits are possible but less popular.

Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful lake, free camping, there's about 6 camping sites with fire pit, picnic table, portal potty, but no running water." "Quiet and peaceful here." "Nice place to visit. I enjoy fishing for...

Based on 29 reviews