Fourche Lake Recreation Area
05 reviews#66 Confederate Ridge Road, Doniphan, MO 63935
Quick Facts
581 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
581 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider573-996-2153sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 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."
Fees & Passes at Fourche Lake Recreation Area
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: No restrictions stated.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Eleven Point/Doniphan Ranger District website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible features include tables, toilet, lantern posts, fishing pier, and grills. However, accessibility is limited due to the lack of paved or gravel paths.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as rustic and dispersed, spaced among trees to offer privacy.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites provide a reasonable level of privacy as they are spaced among oak, pine, and hickory trees.
Total Campsites6 campsites
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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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round from January to December.
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.
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.
Fishing
Fishing 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.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted, including jon boats, canoes, and kayaks. The lake features a single-lane concrete boat launch.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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
Winter camping is possible as the site is open year-round, but specific winter activities are not detailed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are available, facilitated by the boat launch and calm lake conditions.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but limited to dead and downed wood. No fire grates are provided.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include flooding during stormy seasons, as noted by a user review: 'Great but had a lot of flooding during stormy season.'
Weather at Fourche Lake Recreation Area
44
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Eleven 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.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available. Campers are required to pack out their trash.
Proximity to 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.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of accessibility due to fallen trees ('Not accessible, trees are down blocking the road to the campgrounds') and no running water, as stated by a reviewer: 'no running water.'
HostUser review notes: 'Very attentive rangers for a free site,' suggesting ranger presence but no specific host details.
Campground Map
#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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Fourche Lake Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 5 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 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users reported issues such as "trees are down blocking the road to the campgrounds" and flooding during stormy seasons.
Based on 5 reviewsPro 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 5 reviewsSeasonal 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 5 reviewsCamper 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 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Opinions about specific sites are limited but emphasize the rustic and quiet nature of all campsites.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews highlight limitations due to fallen trees blocking roads and the absence of paved paths.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome at the campground, but users recommend keeping dogs leashed and ensuring they are not left unattended.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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