Can you reserve a site at Big Spring?

Yes, Big Spring is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Big Spring have?

137 sites in total, of which 135 can be booked.

What is the maximum RV length at Big Spring?

76 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Big Spring?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Spring.

Are campfires allowed at Big Spring?

Campfires are allowed at Big Spring. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Big Spring

Campground · Missouri · 135 bookable sites ·

Managed by the National Park Service

Ozark National Scenic Riverways (National River) · Open Access

135
Bookable sites: 76 ft
Max rig length: up to 60
People per site: 2
Accessible sites: 443 ft
Elevation

Big Spring flows along it's tree and moss-lined banks — Photo: NPS Photo (Patty Wheatley-Bishop) · Recreation.gov

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.

The facts

135 bookable sites
137 sites in total, including non-bookable
3 sites for day use only
2 accessible sites
Vehicles up to 76 ft
Up to 60 people per site
Loops: Big Spring Group Sites, Big Spring Picnic Pavilion, Chub Hollow/Groupsite #3, Loop 100, Loop 200, Loop 300, Loop 400, Loop 500, Loop 600, Peavine Picnic Pavilion

Site types

102 Standard Nonelectric
28 Standard Electric
3 Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
2 Group Picnic Area
2 Management

Amenities

Electric hookups
Water hookups
Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Shade
Pets allowed
Sewer hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

137 campsites at Big Spring

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Water	Max rig	People
G01	Big Spring Group Sites	Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	—	45
G02	Big Spring Group Sites	Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	—	45
Big Spring Picnic Pavilion	Big Spring Picnic Pavilion	Group Picnic Area	—	Paved	—	Riverfront	—	60
CHPS	Chub Hollow/Groupsite #3	Management	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	60
G03	Chub Hollow/Groupsite #3	Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	45
101	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	34 ft	6	🐾
102	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	32 ft	6	🐾
103	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	50 ft	6	🐾
104	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	45 ft	6	🐾
105	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	50 ft	6	🐾
106	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	46 ft	6	🐾
107	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	45 ft	6	🐾
108	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	44 ft	6	🐾
109	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	50 ft	6	🐾
110	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	52 ft	6	🐾
111	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	49 ft	6	🐾
112	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	47 ft	6	🐾
113	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	50 ft	6	🐾
114	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	44 ft	6	🐾
115	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	43 ft	6	🐾
116	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	50 ft	6	🐾
117	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	52 ft	6	🐾
118	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	50 ft	6	🐾
119	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	44 ft	6	🐾
120	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	50 ft	6	🐾
121	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	51 ft	6	🐾
122	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	50 ft	6	🐾
123	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	48 ft	6	🐾
124	Loop 100	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	50 ft	6	🐾
201	Loop 200	Management	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	45 ft	6	🐾
202	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	—	43 ft	6	🐾
203	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	—	43 ft	6	♿ 🐾
204	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	45 ft	6	🐾
205	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	45 ft	6	♿ 🐾
206	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	47 ft	6	🐾
207	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	45 ft	6	🐾
208	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	43 ft	6	🐾
209	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	48 ft	6	🐾
210	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	48 ft	6	🐾
211	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	44 ft	6	🐾
212	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	51 ft	6	🐾
213	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
214	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	40 ft	6	🐾
215	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	25 ft	6	🐾
216	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	40 ft	6	🐾
217	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	46 ft	6	🐾
218	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	40 ft	6	🐾
219	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	47 ft	6	🐾
220	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	42 ft	6	🐾
221	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	37 ft	6	🐾
222	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	43 ft	6	🐾
223	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	33 ft	6	🐾
224	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	50 ft	6	🐾
225	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	45 ft	6	🐾
226	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	51 ft	6	🐾
227	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	35 ft	6	🐾
228	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	35 ft	6	🐾
229	Loop 200	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	37 ft	6	🐾
301	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	25 ft	6	🐾
302	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	22 ft	6	🐾
303	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	21 ft	6	🐾
304	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	25 ft	6	🐾
305	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	25 ft	6	🐾
306	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	25 ft	6	🐾
307	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Paved	—	Riverfront	76 ft	6	🐾
308	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	25 ft	6	🐾
309	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	25 ft	6	🐾
310	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Paved	—	Riverfront	76 ft	6	🐾
311	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Paved	—	Riverfront	21 ft	6	🐾
312	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	27 ft	6	🐾
313	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	31 ft	6	🐾
314	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	25 ft	6	🐾
315	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	30 ft	6	🐾
316	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	32 ft	6	🐾
317	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	30 ft	6	🐾
318	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	30 ft	6	🐾
319	Loop 300	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
401	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
402	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
403	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
404	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
405	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
406	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
407	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
408	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
409	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
410	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
411	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
412	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
413	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
414	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
415	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
416	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
417	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
418	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
419	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
420	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
421	Loop 400	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
501	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
502	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
503	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
504	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
505	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
506	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
507	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
508	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
509	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
510	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
511	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
512	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
513	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
514	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
515	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
516	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
517	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
518	Loop 500	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
601	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
602	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
603	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
604	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
605	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
606	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
607	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	45 ft	6	🐾
608	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
609	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
610	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
611	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
612	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
613	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
614	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
615	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
616	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
617	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
618	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
619	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
620	Loop 600	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	Riverfront	38 ft	6	🐾
Peavine Picnic Pavilion	Peavine Picnic Pavilion	Group Picnic Area	—	Paved	—	Riverfront	—	60

Getting there

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.

36.96250, -90.98306 · 36°57'45.0"N 90°58'59.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	3.1	2.8	4.6	5.4	5.7	4.3	3.3	3.5	4.0	3.7	4.7	3.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Historic Big Spring Lodge retaining walls and drinking fountain before restoration — Photo: NPS Photo · Recreation.gov

Big Spring flows along it's tree and moss-lined banks preview — Photo: NPS Photo (Patty Wheatley-Bishop) · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Add a photo

Common questions about Big Spring

Can you reserve a site at Big Spring?: Yes, Big Spring is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Big Spring have?: 137 sites in total, of which 135 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Big Spring?: 76 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Big Spring?: Yes, pets are allowed at Big Spring.
Does Big Spring have hookups?: Electric, Water.
Are campfires allowed at Big Spring?: Campfires are allowed at Big Spring. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Big Spring

Watercress 3.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pinewoods Lake Rec Area 11.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Webb Creek Park 16.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
River Road Park 16.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Piedmont Park 17.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Bluff View(clearwater Lake) 18.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Big Spring Entrance Station 1.4 mi · Visitor Center
Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area 11.9 mi · Campground
Barn Hollow Float Camp 20.5 mi · Campground
Horseshoe Bend Float Camp 20.5 mi · Campground
Stinking Pond Float Camp 20.6 mi · Campground
Deer Leap Recreation Area 20.6 mi · Campground

Comments

Contact

Phone 573-323-4236
Email OZAR-Campground_Operations@nps.gov
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-08-04.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.