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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🚐 202, 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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🚐 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
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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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🚐 619, Loop: Loop 600
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🚐 620, Loop: Loop 600
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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

Christina P

Verified

December 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 112, Loop: Loop 100

5

The campsite was amazing and weather was great for being late November! Freshly paved roads helped the drive through the winding roads and the views are amazing! The hot showers were a delight to come back to after a short hike to the springs even though you did have to share them with some ladybugs ( but that's camping.) If you have to go to town for something they are all so helpful and nice. Definitely making this a summer destination. Van Buren/ Big Springs my family and I will be back soon.

Sharon W

Verified

December 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 210, Loop: Loop 200

5

Nice, clean, and spacious campground. Right by the rivers edge and plenty of trails to follow. Less than five minutes away from the big Spring. This was a great campsite and I’m sure I’ll visit it again.

Thomas P

Verified

December 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 218, Loop: Loop 200

5

Really enjoyed this gem of a park up in the Ozarks.

Elena N

Verified

December 1, 2025 • Stayed at: 212, Loop: Loop 200

5

Great spot for late fall visit. Trees super pretty. Spot 212 perfect for a walk down to the river. Bathrooms close by and shower house a quick drive over.

David B

Verified

November 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 211, Loop: Loop 200

5

Always a great experience.

Kathleen W

Verified

November 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 205, Loop: Loop 200

5

We came in early November. only a few campers around, beautiful weather, warm days, cool nights. Since we were in an RV, and self-contained, the lack of shower and toilet was not a problem. We enjoyed the colrs and full moon. I love Autumn, and this was a chance to see a part of Missouri I'd never seen before.

James D

Verified

November 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 207, Loop: Loop 200

5

Big Spring is one of Missouri’s most beautiful natural wonders — a must-see if you’re anywhere near the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The sheer power and clarity of the water are breathtaking; it’s amazing to stand by the spring and watch gallons rush out of the rock every second.

The park area is peaceful and well-kept, perfect for families, photographers, or anyone who just wants to unplug for a while. There are picnic tables, short walking trails, and a scenic overlook along the river that’s great for pictures.

If you enjoy the outdoors, bring sturdy shoes for the trails and a camera for the blue-green water near the mouth of the spring — it’s stunning in early morning light. Canoeing, kayaking, and tubing are also popular nearby on the Current River, and Van Buren has small local diners worth checking out after a day on the water.

Noah W

Verified

November 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 411, Loop: Loop 400

5

Amazing. Amazing. BEAUTIFUL. Amazing.

Brandy H

Verified

November 3, 2025 • Stayed at: 216, Loop: Loop 200

5

Definitely a place I would love to come back to. It was the end of October so it was empty. Freshly paved roads and pads. The only thing was the picnic table and firepit are on the driverside when backed in, so kinda awkward.

Wayne H

Verified

October 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 226, Loop: Loop 200

5

This was our third visit to Big Spring. Our campsite was quite level and the electrical power was good. There aren't very many electrical sites compared to non-electric, and probably more than half were occupied. The rest of the campground was mostly empty,. The road getting there is quite hilly and none too wide, but for us it is worth the drive. The spring is awesome. The size of the waves it produces is impressive. This was an overnight stop for us on a cross-country trip so we didn't explore the area.

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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