OutReserve

Big Spring

Po Box 490, Van Buren, Missouri, United States

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
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🚐 102, Loop: Loop 100
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🚐 103, Loop: Loop 100
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🚐 104, Loop: Loop 100
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🚐 123, Loop: Loop 100
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🚐 124, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
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🚐 202, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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Electric Only
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🚐 210, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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Electric Only
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Electric Only
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Electric Only
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Electric Only
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Electric Only
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🚐 219, Loop: Loop 200
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Electric Only
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🚐 222, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 223, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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Electric Only
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🚐 227, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 228, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 229, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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⛺ 301, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
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⛺ 302, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
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⛺ 303, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
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6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
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6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
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⛺ 306, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
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⛺ 307, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
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⛺ 308, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
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⛺ 309, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
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🚐 310, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
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⛺ 311, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
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🚐 312, Loop: Loop 300
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🚐 313, Loop: Loop 300
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🚐 314, Loop: Loop 300
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🚐 619, Loop: Loop 600
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🚐 620, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
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⛺ 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)

Verified Only

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

Nicholas R

Verified

June 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 112, Loop: Loop 100

5

The dogs got some ticks but the rangers and park service employees were great. the ranger program saturday night was really cool. A real hidden gem in the midwest. 5/5

Mary B

Verified

January 20, 2020 • Stayed at: 219, Loop: Loop 200

5

Had a great time at Big Springs. It is a beautiful park with abundant deer to view. The Spring is breathtaking. Also there are nice trails to hike.

Thomas H

Verified

January 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 207, Loop: Loop 200

3

Bathroom & Showers were filthy, walked in took one look & left. Camping part of the trip was very good.

Diana B

Verified

January 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 217, Loop: Loop 200

4

Very nice campground, you can tell it is older because it is hard to fit today’s size campers in some of the spots. Made for the small campers. It was clean and taken care of. We were there Columbus weekend so quiet for the most part.

Lisa J

January 16, 2020

2

I know the NPS is struggling now with budget cuts, but the facility has been flooded out and is currently under water. So with that said if there is nothing there but a slab of concrete should it be rented out as a facility??

DAVID O

Verified

January 15, 2020 • Stayed at: G02, Loop: Big Spring Group Sites

3

Our group camping experience was very good. However, after renting rafts at the neighboring community, we were very disappointed in our rafting outing on the river... way too many motor boats in that area, downright dangerous for tubing and rafting!

Tina B

Verified

January 14, 2020 • Stayed at: 216, Loop: Loop 200

4

The spring is absolutely beautiful, the hiking trails are well marked. The rangers (esp. Sean) were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The campground itself is a little older and there has been some flooding in the past years, evidence of the flood damage is still visible. The shower house is older as well and could use updating. Overall we had a good experience.

Erica W

Verified

January 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 229, Loop: Loop 200

5

First time there. It was easy; clean; the couple that was their monitoring the campsites were friendly and helpful. We will definitely be back during the summer to do more floating and love the campsite we were at great location and a quick walk down to current river

RICHARD L

Verified

January 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 210, Loop: Loop 200

5

Great place to vacation. Really enjoyed the river.

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

Map of Big Spring location at Van Buren, MO, United States
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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.)

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Nearby destinations

Van Buren
Ellsinore
Winona

Last updated: June 13, 2026

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