Horseshoe Bend Float Camp

Star0
5 reviews

Quick Facts

505 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

January - December

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Eleven Point/Doniphan Ranger District site

Official Website
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Horseshoe Bend Float Camp
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site.
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

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"User reviews suggest that Horseshoe Bend Float Camp is a suitable option for campers seeking a simple, primitive camping experience. The presence of fire pits with grill grates and portable toilets is appreciated. However, reviewers also caution about the prevalence of ticks and the need for preparation due to the lack of potable water and other amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Horseshoe Bend Float Camp

36.7499, -91.2414

Driving directionsAccess to this camp is by boat only from McDowell Access
Boat accessed only, from McDowell Access. It is not reachable by road, inherently restricting access to boat users.

Best Time to Camp at Horseshoe Bend Float Camp

The wilderness settles into peaceful slumber each evening as quiet hours embrace the camp from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., allowing the natural symphony of the river and surrounding forest to take center stage under the star-filled Ozark sky.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Excellent paddling/fishing in summer but ticks common and no potable water.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler temps, fall colors and quieter conditions likely improve the experience.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers good paddling flows but increased ticks and variable water levels.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Top 14% in MO

Open year-round; colder conditions reduce bugs but services remain minimal.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: January - December
  • Current Alerts: Open; unknown flooding impacts.

About Horseshoe Bend Float Camp

Escape to the remote tranquility of Horseshoe Bend Float Camp, a hidden riverside sanctuary tucked along the pristine waters of the Eleven Point National Scenic River. This boat-access-only primitive camp offers adventurous paddlers five secluded campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with a fire ring for evening gatherings and a lantern post to guide you through starlit nights. Your journey begins upstream at McDowell or continues downstream to Whitten, making this camp a perfect waypoint for multi-day river expeditions through Missouri's untamed wilderness.
Horseshoe Bend Float Camp caters primarily to primitive camping enthusiasts. It is accessible by river only and has no modern amenities.
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Stay Limit
No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Horseshoe Bend Float Camp offers limited but significant recreational opportunities centered on the Eleven Point National Scenic River. Activities include boating, fishing, and observing the natural scenery of the Ozark hills. Non-motorized water activities are particularly highlighted.
FishingFishing the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River is a popular activity. The river supports diverse fish species, including smallmouth bass and rainbow trout. Rules and regulations must be observed, particularly in designated areas like the Blue Ribbon Trout Area.
BoatingBoth motorized (with a 25-horsepower limit) and non-motorized boating are allowed. The river is noted for its scenic beauty, flowing through steep bluffs and forested valleys.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are prevalent. Additionally, as the area is adjacent to a river, sudden rises in water levels can occur. Campers are advised to stay vigilant about water conditions.
Active AlertsOpen; unknown flooding impacts.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Horseshoe Bend Float Camp

Reviews

0.0
5 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Horseshoe Bend Float Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest that Horseshoe Bend Float Camp is a suitable option for campers seeking a simple, primitive camping experience. The presence of fire pits with grill grates and portable toilets is appreciated. However, reviewers also caution about the prevalence of ticks and the need for preparation due to the lack of potable water and other amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive remarks include the availability of fire pits with grill grates, the elevated campsite locations for flood safety, and the scenic surroundings.
Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the abundance of ticks in the area and the lack of potable water and other developed amenities.
Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing ample water, tick-prevention measures, and adhering to Leave No Trace principles. Firewood must be collected from dead and downed wood only.
Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No explicit seasonal trends found in the reviews. However, campers should be aware of ticks, which are typically more active during warmer conditions.
Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice spot to camp. Has fire pits with grill grates, open pit toilet and plenty of ticks. Gets you at a safe height if the river rises."
Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specific to individual campsites were provided.
Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences were found.
Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet-related experiences, although general pet policies require dogs to be leashed and their waste managed responsibly.
Based on 5 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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