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

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Year-round
Water Activities

Water Activities

Spring Summer Fall

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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🚐 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
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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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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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🚐 222, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 223, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 224, Loop: Loop 200
Electric Only
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🚐 225, 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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⛺ 304, Loop: Loop 300
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
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⛺ 305, Loop: Loop 300
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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🚐 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

Karen L

Verified

July 21, 2024 • Stayed at: 216, Loop: Loop 200

2

Although the spring was beautiful, the campsite was disappointing. Not waterfront as described. You can take a trail down to the river from another campsite but definitely can't see or hear the river from the campsite. There are no showers in the camping loop. You will need a bike or car to get to the shower house. Fire pit and picnic table are on the driver's side so not convenient.

Sharon L

Verified

July 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 223, Loop: Loop 200

5

Such a lovely campground that is well maintained and perfect for making use of the Current River. We floated from the rocky beach on our paddle boards and had a lovely time! Highly recommend this place!

Matthew C

July 11, 2024

1

Bathrooms were close by but a massive puddle in the middle of the campsite when we arrived and that caused lots of mosquitoes and other bugs. Had to line up tents on uneven ground to avoid the water and it was kinda annoying.

Tony C

Verified

July 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 113, Loop: Loop 100

4

Nice place and throttle hosts were very nice

Robert B

Verified

July 9, 2024 • Stayed at: 111, Loop: Loop 100

5

What a great campground. The 100 and 200 campsites are very close to the river. There’s even a trail to walk upstream and float back down right at the campground.
Many facilities are new. Spaces are level.
This campground is so close to so many other hiking areas, I chose to stay an extra 10 days.

GLADIS R

Verified

June 25, 2024 • Stayed at: 209, Loop: Loop 200

5

It's a great place to relax. When you go to the river, don't forget your mosquito repellent, outdoor shade, bear spray (just in case), an igloo with refreshments, sunscreen, seats, and water shoes, which you can find at the gas stations in the nearest town...

Simon B

Verified

June 25, 2024 • Stayed at: 206, Loop: Loop 200

4

Nice campground and beautiful area but the sites are packed in tight and it’s a bit of a family party atmosphere on the weekends. Those that prefer a quieter campground should avoid.

Jane W

Verified

June 17, 2024 • Stayed at: 210, Loop: Loop 200

5

Big Spring has a really nice camping areas. The campsites were far enough apart and had very nice fire rings, tables and pads. The bathrooms were clean and the campground hosts were also very nice. We walked down to the current river which was beautiful as always and also went to the big spring and did a hike. We will be coming back!

Billy C

Verified

June 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 212, Loop: Loop 200

2

The campground roads were narrow and the sites were much closer together than the map suggested. The campsite views were of undergrowth rather than the river. Ants invaded our camper and mosquitoes attacked us outside. The spring was beautiful but the best part of the campground was leaving. We won't be back.

Barbara A

Verified

May 28, 2024 • Stayed at: 210, Loop: Loop 200

5

Big Spring is a great campground - it fit our needs perfectly!! Sites were large, great table and fire ring. We enjoyed exploring the campground and spring area. Enjoyed dinner in downtown Van Buren at Las Margaritas.

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: July 11, 2026

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