Summer is quickly coming upon us. A main attraction in Oregon County is floating on the river. The Eleven Point River is a very scenic but obscure river in Southern Missouri.
The Route
The Eleven Point River starts right before the little town of Thomasville, Missouri. The river continues winding through Oregon County into Arkansas.
Accesses
There are seven accesses to the Eleven Point River in Missouri. The first one is in Thomasville. After that, there is Cane Bluff Access off of Highway 19; Long Hollow off of Highway 19; Boom Hole Access coming from McCormick Lake; Greer Crossing Access off of 19; Turner Mill North and South accesses from Highway 19 and AA, respectively; Whitten Access off of Highway AA; Riverton Access off of Highway 160; and the Narrows Access off of Highway 142.
Camps
The Eleven Point River is also great for overnight floats offering several float camps along the way. Going down the river, there is the Denny Hollow Float Camp, Greer Recreation area and campground, Turner Mill South camping area, Stinking Pond float camp, Horseshoe Bend Float Camp, Barn Hollow Float Camp, White’s Creek Float Camp, Greenbriar Float Camp, Boze Mill Float Camp, and Morgan Spring Float Camp. [1]
Springs
The Eleven Point River also has a host of springs all along it. Some of the smaller springs you may see while floating include Posy Spring, Blowing Spring, Roaring Spring, Graham Spring, Greer Spring, Turner Mill Spring, Boze Mill Spring, and Thomasson Mill Spring. [2] Greer Spring is the second largest spring in Missouri. Even during dry months, you can still put it at Greer and float to another access downstream.
Fishing
If you like to fish while floating, the Eleven Point River has multiple fishing options for you! Two main fishing areas are the White Ribbon, the river past Turner Mill, and Blue Ribbon, from Greer to Turner, areas. [3] Other fish you might be able to catch on the Eleven Point River include smallmouth bass, goggle-eye, chain pickerel, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and walleye. [4] You may need to have a permit to catch certain types of fish; you can get permits at the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Floating
Unlike other rivers around the area like the Current or Jacks River which are more known and more easily accessible, the Eleven Point River is farther from cities and main roads. Individuals and groups can kayak, canoe, raft, tube, or boat down the river, although motorboats are restricted to 25 horsepower. [5]
