Blanchard Springs Campgrounds
4.7932 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Open from January 1 ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Open from January 1 ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBlanchard Springs Campgrounds
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates include $15 for Standard Nonelectric sites and $3 parking fee per vehicle.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$45.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider870-757-2211
What Campers Say
4.79
Top-Rated
Based on 32 reviews
132 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanwater
Some mention
cell service
"Blanchard Springs Campground is widely loved for its scenic beauty, clear waters, and ample opportunities for recreation. It is family-friendly with well-maintained facilities, but the lack of cell service and first-come, first-served policy can be challenging."
Fees & Passes at Blanchard Springs Campgrounds
$15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: 14 nights maximum stay during a visit
Cancellation: Late cancellations for individual campsites will incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first ...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Ozark-St. Francis National Forests website.
Best Time to Camp at Blanchard Springs Campgrounds
The magic of Blanchard Springs shifts with the seasons, offering distinct camping experiences throughout the year. During peak winter weeks, crystal-clear skies reveal brilliant constellations while crisp, cold air invigorates morning hikes. However, the campground truly comes alive in late spring when wildflowers carpet the forest floor and gentle breezes carry the sweet scent of blooming dogwoods. Early fall brings perhaps the most spectacular show, as the surrounding hardwoods burst into flames of gold, crimson, and amber under reliably dry, temperate conditions – perfect for those memorable outdoor adventures.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: January 1 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from January 1 to December 31 annually.
- Current Alerts: Flooding may close individual sites; contact the campground for updates.
About Blanchard Springs Campgrounds
Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Blanchard Springs Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with 17 intimate campsites and two group areas perfect for family gatherings or small reunions. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables, cooking grills, and traditional campfire rings where stories and s'mores are shared under starlit skies. While you won't find electrical hookups here, you'll discover something better – a chance to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the peaceful rhythms of the forest. Fresh water stations are conveniently located throughout the grounds, and a dump station ensures a comfortable stay for those traveling in smaller RVs.
The campground offers 17 individual campsites and 2 group sites, accommodating small RVs and tents.
Historical SignificanceStep into the living heritage of the Ozarks at Blanchard Springs, where mountain music once echoed through these hollows and generations of families carved out lives from the rugged landscape. The nearby Blanchard Springs Caverns serves as a magnificent underground cathedral, offering fascinating tours that reveal millions of years of geological history alongside tales of early explorers and the resourceful mountain folk who first called these hills home. This is more than a campground – it's a gateway to understanding the rich tapestry of Ozark culture, from traditional crafts to time-honored stories passed down through the generations.
Weather and SeasonsThe magic of Blanchard Springs shifts with the seasons, offering distinct camping experiences throughout the year. During peak winter weeks, crystal-clear skies reveal brilliant constellations while crisp, cold air invigorates morning hikes. However, the campground truly comes alive in late spring when wildflowers carpet the forest floor and gentle breezes carry the sweet scent of blooming dogwoods. Early fall brings perhaps the most spectacular show, as the surrounding hardwoods burst into flames of gold, crimson, and amber under reliably dry, temperate conditions – perfect for those memorable outdoor adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering yellow pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their evergreen canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor below. The campground's setting is nothing short of spectacular, with dramatic limestone bluffs rising like ancient sentinels around the perimeter, their weathered faces telling stories written over millennia. Crystal-clear mountain streams meander through the landscape, their gentle babbling providing nature's perfect soundtrack for relaxation. These pristine waters invite quiet contemplation, refreshing wades on warm afternoons, and serve as mirrors reflecting the surrounding beauty of this protected wilderness sanctuary.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets are provided, but there is limited information on other accessibility-specific features at the campground.
Sites SizeSites are suitable for small RVs and tents.
Sites Privacy"Quiet, shady campsites with great parking and tent areas."
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites with shade for summer visits and proximity to the stream for easy water access.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum stay during a visit
Groups
- Two group sites are available
- however, no maximum limits for guests or vehicles are specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes individual sites and two group areas equipped with tables, grills, and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from January 1 to December 31 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations not available; sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Scan and Pay feature available.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability, with individual sites open unless there is high water. Call ahead for current status at 870-757-2211.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations for individual campsites will incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's fees. Sites cannot be modified or canceled on the check-in date.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers can engage in swimming in the nearby creek, trout fishing at Mirror Lake, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. The area has scenic rock formations and historically significant sites nearby.
Hiking
"Awesome hiking trails." Nearby attractions like the North Sylamore trail and Ozark Highlands Trail provide opportunities for longer hikes.Fishing
Trout fishing is available at Mirror Lake. Reviews highlight the creek's clear water, which is perfect for fishing.Swimming
"Epic swimming spot in nearby creeks." Highlights include crystal clear water and a big rock for jumping.Biking
No detailed reviews on biking trails, but biking is listed as an activity in nearby areas.Wildlife viewing
"Tons of butterflies that the kids loved." Also, the area is surrounded by a naturally diverse forest.Cultural and Educational Programs
Blanchard Springs Caverns offer tours and family activities, providing cultural and educational experiences.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings and grills. Visitors are encouraged to use hardwood for minimal smoke.
- Quiet hours are enforced, and campers are advised to avoid loud activities such as chopping wood early in the morning.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife encounters, including mountain lions as noted in user reviews. Smoky conditions due to surrounding hills in certain areas during campfires.
Active alertsFlooding may close individual sites; contact the campground for updates.
Weather at Blanchard Springs Campgrounds
48
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 77%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash details are not provided in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Mirror Lake and clear streams, which are popular for trout fishing and swimming.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of cell service, no electricity at sites, and early closures. Some reviews critique the Scan and Pay system for lack of refund capabilities.
HostNo specific host information available.
Campground Map
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.8
32 reviews
Blanchard Springs Campgrounds is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Blanchard Springs Campground is widely loved for its scenic beauty, clear waters, and ample opportunities for recreation. It is family-friendly with well-maintained facilities, but the lack of cell service and first-come, first-served policy can be challenging.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
"Super clean bathrooms and the park rangers are absolutely phenomenal." "Crystal clear water, nice and cold." "The creek stays cool and swimmable all summer long."
Based on 32 reviewsCommon Concerns
"No cell service at all." "Sites fill up quickly on weekends." "The shower button must be held down the entire time."
Based on 32 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
"Get there early on a Friday or Saturday as the sites fill up quickly." "Bring your firewood as it's not available on-site." "Respect quiet times."
Based on 32 reviewsSeasonal Insights
In summer, the creek remains cool and swimmable, attracting families. Late fall sees increased campsite demand during weekends due to cooler weather, as noted in reviews.
Based on 32 reviewsCamper Quotes
"My partner and I stayed three nights here. Couldn’t have asked for a more scenic, calm, and friendly area." "The water was crystal clear, nice and cold. Tons of butterflies." "Showers are large,...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some reviews mention that certain areas of the campground, like lower campgrounds, are occasionally closed. No specific site numbers are highlighted.
Based on 32 reviewsAccessibility Features
No particular insights from users about accessibility.
Based on 32 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no detailed pet-related reviews were provided.
Based on 32 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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