Big Spring
- Nearest town
- Van Buren, MO · 3.8 mi
- Elevation
- 446 ft
- Coordinates
- 36.96250, -90.98306
About this place
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.
Services
What you can do here
A dotted outline means nobody has told us either way. It is not a no — it is an honest gap, and the fastest way to close it is a traveller who has been there.
Rates
What it costs
Peak season, April 15, 2026 to October 15, 2026. Outside those dates the site may be closed or priced differently.
| Site type | Per night |
|---|---|
| Standard Nonelectric | $20.00 |
| Group Picnic Area | $30.00 |
| Standard Electric | $30.00 |
| Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | $65.00 |
Recreation.gov booking system · read Aug 19, 2026. Fees change; the booking page is authoritative.
The details, and where each came from
Everything we know
- ADA accessible
- No
- Back-in spaces
- 129
- Campfires allowed
- Yes
- Electric hookup (amps)
- 50
- Fresh tank fill
- Yes
- Longest rig that fits (ft)
- 76
- Number of campsites
- 137
- Pets allowed
- Yes
- Phone number
- (573) 323-4236
- Pull-through spaces
- 4
- Reservable
- Yes
- Water hookup at site
- Yes
If this one is closed
Other dump stations nearby
| Location | Distance | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Webb Creek Park | 16 mi | Limited confidence |
| River Road Park | 17 mi | Limited confidence |
| Piedmont Park | 17 mi | Limited confidence |
| Bluff View(clearwater Lake) | 19 mi | Limited confidence |
| Highway K | 28 mi | Limited confidence |
Photos
What it looks like
Last updated Aug 19, 2026.