Big Spring
NPSNational Park Service — VAN BUREN · Missouri · Ozark National Scenic Riverways
| Agency | NPSNational Park Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Ozark National Scenic Riverways |
| Location | VAN BUREN · Missouri · Ozark National Scenic Riverways · 36.96250, -90.98306 · Map |
| Sites | 135 public sites counted from the federal listing — 102 standard nonelectric; 28 standard electric; 3 group tent only area nonelectric; 2 group picnic area |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 31 of 135 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 2 of 135 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 135 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 135 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 76 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 129 sites · 30 ft: 120 sites · 35 ft: 110 sites · 40 ft: 48 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 1:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 131 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 3 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 573-323-4236 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-08-04.
From the official listing
Overview In the rolling, forested landscape of Big Spring, two of America's most beautiful spring-fed rivers combine to make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
As the first national park area to protect a wild river system, visitors have plenty of scenic water activities to enjoy as well as hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Recreation The Current River flows past the campground, offering excellent canoeing, tubing, swimming and fishing. Over 130 miles (209 km) of waterways exist within the park. Canoe and kayak rentals and outfitters can be found nearby.
Several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails crisscross the region, include the Alley Overlook Trail, Chubb Hollow Trail, Ozark Trail, Cave Spring Trail and Big Springs Trail.
Facilities This year-round campground has flush toilets and shower facilities available. Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved.
Ranger-led campfire programs are offered in the campground amphitheater during summer months.
Reservations are accepted for three different group picnic areas. Be sure to specify which picnic area you desire. Big Spring Group Picnic Site is at the spring; Peavine and Chubb Hollow are along the river. Natural Features The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is known for its caves, springs, sinkholes and losing streams, and features over 300 identified caves within its boundaries. The caves range in size from a rock overhang to almost seven miles of identified passages. Eight caves, including an open sinkhole, have been designated as outstanding natural features.
The Ozark forest is mostly White oak and Shortleaf pine, Missouri's only native pine species. Along the rivers, Sycamore, Cottonwood, River birch and maples are common.
Redbud and dogwoods are also abundant, putting on a spectacular show during most spring months.
Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (573) 323-4236. Nearby Attractions Scenic Big Spring is the largest freshwater spring in North America and produces an outflow of 280 million gallons a day.
Round Spring Cave is nearby, with ranger-guided tours offered daily during summer months. Historic and picturesque Alley Mill and Alley Spring are also nearby. The mill is open daily in the summer and ranger-guided tours are available upon request.
Directions, from the listing
Big Spring Campground is located four miles (6.4 km) south of Van Buren, Missouri. Turn south on Missouri Highway 103 and continue south for four miles (6.4 km) to the Big Spring Unit of the park.
Nearest federal campgrounds
3 mi straight-line · Poplar Bluff MissouriFSU.S. Forest ServicePinewoods Lake Rec Area
11 mi straight-line · POPLAR BLUFF MissouriUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersWebb Creek Park
16 mi straight-line · Piedmont MissouriUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersRiver Road Park
17 mi straight-line · Piedmont MissouriUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersPiedmont Park
17 mi straight-line · PIEDMONT Missouri
Trip Card — Big Spring
VAN BUREN · Missouri · Ozark National Scenic Riverways
| Agency | NPS · National Park Service |
|---|---|
| Location | VAN BUREN · Missouri · Ozark National Scenic Riverways |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 31 |
| Max RV | Up to 76 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 135 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234044 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.