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
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

Campground Amenities

  • Showers
    Showers

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

Sites & Availability

132 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 101, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 102, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 103, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 104, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 105, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 106, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 107, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 108, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 109, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 110, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 111, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 112, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 113, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 114, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 115, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 116, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 117, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 118, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 119, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 120, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 121, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 122, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 123, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 124, Loop: Loop 100
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 202, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 203, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 204, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 205, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 206, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 207, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 208, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 209, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 210, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 211, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 212, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 213, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 214, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 215, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 216, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 217, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 218, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 219, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 220, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 221, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 222, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 223, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 224, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 225, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 226, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 227, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 228, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 229, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
$30.00
/ per night
⛺ 301, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
⛺ 302, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
⛺ 303, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
⛺ 304, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
⛺ 305, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
⛺ 306, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
⛺ 307, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
⛺ 308, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
⛺ 309, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 310, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
⛺ 311, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 312, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 313, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 314, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 315, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 316, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 317, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 318, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 319, Loop: Loop 300
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 401, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 402, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 403, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 404, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 405, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 406, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 407, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 408, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 409, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 410, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 411, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 412, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 413, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 414, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 415, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 416, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 417, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 418, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 419, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 420, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 421, Loop: Loop 400
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 501, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 502, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 503, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 504, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 505, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 506, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 507, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 508, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 509, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 510, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 511, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 512, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 513, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 514, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 515, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 516, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 517, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 518, Loop: Loop 500
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 601, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 602, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 603, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 604, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 605, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 606, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 607, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 608, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 609, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 610, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 611, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 612, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 613, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 614, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 615, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 616, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 617, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 618, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 619, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 620, Loop: Loop 600
No Hookups
$20.00
/ per night
⛺ G02, Loop: Big Spring Group Sites
45 guests · Campfire
$65.00
/ per night
⛺ G03, Loop: Chub Hollow/Groupsite #3
45 guests · Campfire
$65.00
/ per night

Reviews (236)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Big Spring Campground is a peaceful and well-maintained location, known for its beautiful spring and river, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing, and hiking. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, helpful staff, and the serene atmosphere, especially during less crowded times. While some guests noted the lack of water and electric hook-ups at sites and occasional noise from other campers, many expressed a strong desire to return for the natural beauty and overall enjoyable experience.

Review Summary

4.1
236 reviews
5
54.7%
129
4
22.9%
54
3
8.9%
21
2
8.5%
20
1
5.1%
12

Andy W

Verified

October 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 210, Loop: Loop 200

5

Spring is easy to access and awe-inspiring. CCC lodge is pretty awesome also. Campground was nice.

Christopher D

Verified

October 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 212, Loop: Loop 200

5

Our trip was after Labor Day so the campground was not very populated. I like camping in the trees and grass so close to the river. Lots of trails to and from the river. The Spring itself is impressive. Bathroom facilities were clean and functional. Van Buren is a neat little town that can be explored in a couple hours.

Mark H

October 23, 2025

4

The park maintenance employee made sure to have the hot showers turned on, as it was close to the end of the season

Dave W

Verified

October 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 307, Loop: Loop 300

4

Our visit occurred during shutdown. We saw very little official presence. The bathrooms were clean but the campground was unmowed. The spring itself was very impressive. We didn't stop at the entrance station since it was closed. It would have been nice to have had trail maps posted. Most of the campsites could not accommodate larger RVs or trailers. The sites were wide enough so that the trailer could be dropped and the tow vehicle park next.

Heather M

Verified

October 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 214, Loop: Loop 200

3

We moved our spot three times since after arriving we realized we would be in full sun. Then we found a better spot with partial day shade, but moved again to help accommodate another camper who needed a larger spot. We ended up closer to the river and it was a great location with lots of shade. The bathrooms were clean. I regretted not bringing the e bikes to ride to the showers and to Big Spring. The trails to the river cut through people’s camp sites and that felt a little awkward. There were little gnats on the first day and tons of flies on another, but the area was so pretty and conveniently located to the nearest town for groceries and river float activities.

pieter l

Verified

October 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 212, Loop: Loop 200

5

Staff was very helpful.

Erica L

Verified

October 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 407, Loop: Loop 400

5

We love camping at Big Spring. The gravel bars are wonderful. Great place for swimming! The hot showers are a great amenity to have while camping. We will return!

douglas s

Verified

October 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 216, Loop: Loop 200

1

We were unable to get to the campground due to road paving. After 3 miles of hills and curvers we found the road blocked with no warning.
After calling the office, we were advised to turn around and recover the 3 rugged miles and find a church on the corner of the new road to take 3 more miles to the campground.
We never saw the church or road, we headed for home.
I believe that staff should have notified us by email as to the closure, nothing was sent or received by us.
Very bad experience.

Matt O

Verified

October 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 420, Loop: Loop 400

4

We had an amazing time staying at Big spring. Very well maintained.

Brendan K

Verified

September 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 212, Loop: Loop 200

4

Very nice. Peaceful.

Location Big Spring

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

Latitude & Longitude: 36.9625 / -90.9831

Elevation: 138 feet

Map of Big Spring location at Van Buren, MO, United States
Open on Google Maps Open on Apple Maps

Policies & Rules

Category About
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.
General

50-amp electric hookups are now available in the 200 loop only (bring converters if necessary).
General

There is no direct water hook up at the campsites. You may fill your tanks at the station near the front entrance.
General

There are no sewer hookups. A dump station is available at the campground entrance.
General

Two tents or 1 RV and 1 tent per site only on Standard Family sites
General

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.
General

No glass bottled beverages are allowed in tubes or non-motorized vessels
General

All reservations and reservation changes MUST be completed through the Recreation.gov user profile or by calling toll free 1+877-444-6777.
General

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.
General

Free standing Hammocks only. NO hammocks are allowed to be tied to trees.
General

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

Watercress
Closed for Season

Watercress

Poplar Bluff, MO

***Watercress sustained substantial damage to the pavilions during the 2017 flood, they are not reservable at this time, however the boat ramp is still open for public use.*** Watercress Campgrou...
Pinewoods Lake Rec Area
Closed for Season

Pinewoods Lake Rec Area

Poplar Bluff, MO

Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area sits next to Pinewoods Lake in southeastern Missouri. It is an ideal location to enjoy lake fishing and scenic trails.
Webb Creek Park
Closed for Season

Webb Creek Park

Piedmont, MO

Webb Creek Campground on Clearwater Lake greets visitors with excellent camping, fishing, swimming, boating and picnicking opportunities. Water sport enthusiasts love the lakes diverse offerings, ...

3.5 (22)

From $14/night

Nearby destinations

Van Buren
Ellsinore
Winona