About this place

Surrounded by hardwood forest, Ripley Lake Recreation Area is one of the few fishing spots in this part of the forest, and it is used mostly for primitive fishing and picnicking. Ripley Lake is a 20-acre lake with an average depth of 12 feet. The lake is stocked yearly with catfish. As you drive in, the road is tree-lined with oak and hickory. Access to the boat launch is to the left as you enter the site. The day use area is straight ahead. There is a wildflower garden in the center of the day use area where you will see many native plants such as milkweed and spiderwort. Only nonmotorized or boats with electric motors are allowed on this lake. Besides an afternoon of fishing or boating, visitors can drive or   walk the many forest roads in the vicinity and pick blackberries, squirrel hunt, or enjoy the wildflowers of spring or brilliant colors of fall. From Doniphan, MO take Highway 160 west 9 miles to Highway C; turn right/north onto C and travel about 1 mile. Turn right onto Forest Road 3240 at the entrance sign.