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
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🚐 124, 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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🚐 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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⛺ 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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🚐 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

STEVE M

Verified

August 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 216, Loop: Loop 200

2

Sites were merely reasonable; some shaded some not. No wifi or cell service available.
This relatively low rating is probably partially due to the time of year we visited. It was untolerably hot and the area was absolutely swarming with flies.
On a positive note, the campground host was extremely helpful and very friendly.

Marvin L

Verified

August 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 218, Loop: Loop 200

5

We had a great camping experience (camper). All the facilities buildings were in excellent shape and very clean.
The camper sites are a bit on the smaller side and close together. It gets very busy during the evening but during the day when everyone is out on the river the campground is peaceful.

Laura M

Verified

August 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 213, Loop: Loop 200

3

We stayed 3 nights in August. It was hot & buggy. The bugs were gnats & they were relentless. We never saw campground hosts but saw their spot. One morning, we had a very loud family packing up BLASTING music with curse words BEFORE 7:00. It was so loud. The next NIGHT, a group of young people were up drinking and playing very loud music until after 2:00 AM. I honestly was worried a fight was going to breakout because of how loud it was. The scenery is beautiful but the camping environment should have been different; it should be peaceful at a campground.

Katherine J

Verified

August 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 212, Loop: Loop 200

4

Had a wonderful time we love going to Big Springs. However our campsite had really tall grass and could have been mowed before we got there. (Only Complaint) Rocky Falls is a fun destination. 😁

James K

Verified

August 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 217, Loop: Loop 200

4

Nicely kept park. Can’t swim anywhere there🙈. National Park Service invested $ millions in renovations for CCC lodge and cottages which were finished two years ago AND NOT OPENED. It was VERY hot for our August visit. Swimming would have been nice. Travelled to Alley Springs Mill….very well kept and beautiful.

Dave H

Verified

August 19, 2025 • Stayed at: 301, Loop: Loop 300

4

While it would have been nice to have a site with electric it turned out better as the electric loop was busy and noisy.
The campground was very well kept, grass mown, asphalt in great shape, etc. The bathrooms could have been better...we only stayed on a Saturday night while passing through the area.

Elizabeth R

Verified

August 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 302, Loop: Loop 300

5

Love van buren, MO and the big springs park but even better the current river!

Hank L

Verified

August 11, 2025 • Stayed at: 216, Loop: Loop 200

1

When we arrived and saw how close all of the campsites where to each other we left and did not stay. I have camped at other state campgrounds in other states and have had space between campsites.

Tim D

Verified

August 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 203, Loop: Loop 200

4

We had a great time visiting. It was so nice to be able to cook outside with no mosquitoes. The place is beautiful and the springs were awesome to see, the water so blue. The park rangers were super nice and helpful and it was good to have them present. Knowing that you did not have to worry about anyone being unruly. This camp was as pleasant to visit and we will come back more often. The river access was great and everything was clean and natural.

Brooke W

Verified

August 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 204, Loop: Loop 200

5

Nice campground. It was close proximity to the water. There is a trail not to far off to walk down to the water.

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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