OutReserve

Big Spring

Big Spring flows along it's tree and moss-lined banks
Historic Big Spring Lodge retaining walls and drinking fountain before restoration
Big Spring on a cold fall morning with mist
Big Spring flows along it's tree and moss-lined banks preview

Featured amenities

Showers

About Big Spring

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.

Number of accommodations: 132

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Water Activities

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 15 to Oct 15

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Showers
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

132 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 101, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 102, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 103, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 104, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 105, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 106, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 107, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 108, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 109, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 110, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 111, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 112, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 113, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 114, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 115, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 116, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 117, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 118, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 119, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 120, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 121, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 122, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 123, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 124, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 202, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 203, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 204, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 205, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 206, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 207, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 208, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 209, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 210, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 211, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 212, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 213, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 214, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 215, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 216, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 217, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 218, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 219, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 220, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 221, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 222, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 223, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 224, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 225, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 226, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 227, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 228, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 229, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
Price not available
301, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
302, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
303, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
304, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
305, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
306, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
307, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
308, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
309, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 310, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
Price not available
311, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 312, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 313, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
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🚐 314, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
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🚐 315, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
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🚐 316, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
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🚐 317, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
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🚐 318, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
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🚐 319, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
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🚐 401, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 402, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 403, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 404, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 405, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 406, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 407, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 408, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 409, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 410, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 411, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 412, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 413, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 414, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 415, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 416, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 417, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 418, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 419, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 420, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 421, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
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🚐 501, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 502, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 503, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 504, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 505, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 506, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 507, Loop: Loop 500
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🚐 508, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 509, Loop: Loop 500
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🚐 510, Loop: Loop 500
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🚐 511, Loop: Loop 500
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🚐 512, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 513, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 514, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 515, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 516, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 517, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 518, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
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🚐 601, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 602, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 603, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 604, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 605, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 606, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 607, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 608, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 609, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 610, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 611, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 612, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 613, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 614, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 615, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 616, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 617, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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🚐 618, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 619, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 620, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
Price not available
G02, Loop: Big Spring Group Sites
45 guests · Campfire
Price not available
G03, Loop: Chub Hollow/Groupsite #3
45 guests · Campfire
Price not available

Reviews (239)

What Guests Are Saying

Big Spring Campground offers a beautiful and peaceful setting with stunning natural springs, clean facilities, and hot showers, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. While some reviews noted maintenance issues, such as poorly placed picnic tables and unclean fire pits, many visitors appreciated the spaciousness, cleanliness, and convenience to nearby attractions like Van Buren. Overall, guests enjoyed their experiences and expressed a desire to return, highlighting the campground's charm and natural beauty.

Review Summary

4.1
239 reviews
5
54.0%
129
4
23.4%
56
3
8.8%
21
2
8.8%
21
1
5.0%
12

Daniel K

Verified

June 27, 2021 Stayed at: 220, Loop: Loop 200

5

Nice facility. Clean bathrooms/shower house. Beautiful area

Emily M

Verified

June 25, 2021 Stayed at: 218, Loop: Loop 200

5

Beyond beautiful well worth the drive. Sites seem a little weird like they are short but wide? So you have to park kinda sideways but it was a great time

Sue W

Verified

June 17, 2021 Stayed at: 204, Loop: Loop 200

3

Signage to campground is very small and could be improved. Floating or Kayaking is a must.

Diane D

Verified

June 16, 2021 Stayed at: 203, Loop: Loop 200

5

Big Spring campground was beautifully maintained. Each campsite was clean and spacious. The Big Spring is a must see. I enjoyed the easy access to the Current River.

Russell H

Verified

June 6, 2021 Stayed at: 210, Loop: Loop 200

5

Restrooms were always clean. Quieted right down at 9:30pm. Peaceful Beautiful woodsy experience.

Michael H

Verified

June 5, 2021 Stayed at: 206, Loop: Loop 200

1

How do you check in at park on mobile device??? Should be real simple.

Malinda Y

Verified

May 30, 2021 Stayed at: 223, Loop: Loop 200

5

We loved the area. We are fairly new at this so it may be normal but there was no camp host? Would definitely go again.

Melony M

Verified

May 17, 2021 Stayed at: 210, Loop: Loop 200

5

Big Spring is a beautiful campground. Personally think its great for Spring and fall camping. Summer camping may be a little hot with no great access to the river to cool off in. Already have our next reservation in the fall booked! The Spring is soooo amazing!

Stacie G

Verified

May 10, 2021 Stayed at: 209, Loop: Loop 200

5

This state park campground have the most beautifully manicured landscape that I’ve ever seen. Everything was extremely clean including the bathrooms and the showers, although the showers could be updated, they were still extremely clean. The beauty of this campground is in the top 10 of our all-time visits to any state park campground.
The staff was exceptionally friendly but not overly intrusive. We definitely will be back, if I’m ever in this area this is the only place I’ll stay

Gregory H

Verified

May 9, 2021 Stayed at: 213, Loop: Loop 200

3

Wonderful park but mosquitoes were very bad

Location Big Spring

Address:
Po Box 490
Van Buren, MO, 63965
United States

Highway access

Big Spring Campground is accessible via Missouri Highway 103, which connects to the nearby town of Van Buren.

Latitude & Longitude: 36.9625 / -90.9831

Elevation: 138 feet

Policies & Rules

General

  • If you arrive and another party is occupying your reserved campsite, please call Arrowhead Dispatch at 1-844-460-3604 for a Law Enforcement officer to be dispersed to your location for removal of the unauthorized party.
  • 50-amp electric hookups are now available in the 200 loop only (bring converters if necessary).
  • There is no direct water hook up at the campsites. You may fill your tanks at the station near the front entrance.
  • There are no sewer hookups. A dump station is available at the campground entrance.
  • Two tents or 1 RV and 1 tent per site only on Standard Family sites
  • Modern restrooms are open April 15-Oct. 15. During other times visitors will be directed to an alternative, which may be a short distance from their campsite.
  • No glass bottled beverages are allowed in tubes or non-motorized vessels
  • All reservations and reservation changes MUST be completed through the Recreation.gov user profile or by calling toll free 1+877-444-6777.
  • For more information about the campground, please call (573) 323-4236 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30pm weekdays, or e-mail OZAR_Campground_Operations@nps.gov.
  • Free standing Hammocks only. NO hammocks are allowed to be tied to trees.
  • Water systems shut off Oct. 15-April 14. (Water off means most bathrooms and faucets in campgrounds will be closed and facilities winterized, including picnic pavilions. The exception are the heated shower houses/flush restrooms at Round Spring, Big Spring and Alley Spring campgrounds.)

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 13, 2026

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