Big Spring

Location

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Policies

Check-in

1:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Max stay

14 nights

Pets

Allowed (per listing)

Campfires

Allowed (per listing)

About

Big Spring Campground sits in a forested stretch of the Ozarks about four miles south of Van Buren on Missouri Highway 103, where the Current River runs directly past the loops and the spring that gives the unit its name pours out an astonishing 280 million gallons a day. The campground holds 131 sites in all: 129 sites that accommodate both RVs and tents and two tent-only sites spread across six loops Loop 100 (24 sites), Loop 200 (29), Loop 300 (19), Loop 400 (21), Loop 500 (18) and Loop 600 (18). Roads and parking spurs are paved, so most RVs can get in and out easily; facilities are year-round and include flush toilets and hot showers, picnic tables at each site, park-provided fire rings and grills, and a small amphitheater where ranger-led campfire programs run during the summer months. Reservations are accepted for the three group picnic areas (specify Big Spring Group Picnic Site at the spring, or Peavine and Chubb Hollow along the river when booking); for questions about campsite fees or other reservation policies call the park's main office at (573) 323-4236. The setting is defined by clear, spring-fed water and classic Ozark forest white oak and shortleaf pine on the slopes, and sycamore, cottonwood and river birch along the banks which makes water-based recreation the campground's chief draw. The Current and nearby Jacks Fork rivers are cold, clear and excellent for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, tubing and swimming, and there are canoe and kayak outfitters nearby if you don't bring your own. Hikers and equestrians will find several established routes leaving from the area, including the Alley Overlook Trail, Chubb Hollow Trail, portions of the Ozark Trail, Cave Spring Trail and Big Springs Trail, and there are more than 300 documented caves inside the park with ranger-guided tours at nearby Round Spring Cave in summer. Historic Alley Mill and Alley Spring are a short drive away and open for tours in the busy season. Activities available across the Riverways include auto touring, camping, fishing, hiking, historic and cultural site visits, horse camping, hunting where permitted, paddling and wildlife viewing for up-to-date guidance, season dates and any access requirements, contact the park office at (573) 323-4236 before you go.