Big Spring

Star4.06
229 reviews
PO BOX 490, VAN BUREN, MO 63965, USA

Quick Facts

476 ft

Price

$10 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Spring
$10.00 - $140.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on season and site type. Peak season (April 15 - October 15) rates: Standard Electric sites $30, Standard Nonelectric $20, Group Tent...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$140.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
573-323-4236OZAR-Campground_Operations@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.06

Satisfactory

Based on 229 reviews

660 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanrestroomshiking

Some mention

crowded

"Big Spring Campground has received varied feedback from users. While many campers appreciate the natural beauty of the area, issues such as site proximity, facility cleanliness, and lack of direct river access are frequently mentioned."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 490, VAN BUREN, MO 63965, USA

Big Spring

PO BOX 490, VAN BUREN, MO 63965, USA

Driving directionsBig Spring Campground is located four miles south of Van Buren, Missouri. Turn south on Missouri Highway 103 and continue south for four miles to the Big Spring Unit of the park.
Access to the campground is via Missouri Highway 103, which is a paved road in good condition. Visitors report that signage to the campground could be improved, as some signs are small and not easily visible.
Nearby places
Van Buren (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and camping gear, can be found in Van Buren, approximately 4 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Big Spring

Time your visit for spring's wildflower explosion or autumn's brilliant foliage display, when comfortable temperatures create perfect conditions for outdoor exploration. Summer brings sultry days that make the cool river waters irresistible for swimming and paddling. While winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, freezing temperatures make this season best suited for the hardiest cold-weather campers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer offers swimming and boating but is hot, buggy and can be crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn foliage and comfortable temps make fall an ideal season per seasonal reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 9% in MO

Spring wildflower explosion and mild temps are highlighted as a top time to visit.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but modern restrooms closed off-season; cold river limits activities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15 - October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground is open year-round but modern restrooms are closed outside the April 15 - October 15 period. Alternative facilities are provided during the off-season.
  • Current Alerts: Flooding has been reported in the past, impacting certain campsites. Visitors should check for current conditions before arrival.

About Big Spring

Nestled within the pristine Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Big Spring Campground serves as your gateway to one of Missouri's most spectacular natural playgrounds. Here, the crystal-clear Current River beckons adventurers to cast a line for smallmouth bass, drift lazily in tubes on hot summer days, or navigate gentle rapids by kayak. Miles of winding trails lead through ancient forests, revealing hidden springs and scenic overlooks that showcase the raw beauty of the Ozark landscape.
Big Spring Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including sites for RVs, tents, and groups. Electric and non-electric sites are available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Official check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Official check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit: 14 days at this campground within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The Big Spring Campground is rich in recreational activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and water sports. The Current River provides opportunities for canoeing, tubing, swimming, and kayaking. Nearby attractions include Big Spring itself, Rocky Falls, and Blue Spring.
HikingHiking trails such as Alley Overlook Trail, Cave Spring Trail, and Big Springs Trail are available. Trails are described as well-marked and scenic.
FishingFishing is permitted and several campers enjoyed the quality of the water and the abundance of fishing locations.
SwimmingSwimming opportunities are available in the Current River, characterized by clean but cold water.
BikingBiking is popular due to paved roads and scenic trails in the area. Some campers specifically mentioned enjoying biking around CCC buildings and exhibits.
BoatingBoating opportunities exist on the Current River, but user reviews note concerns about the presence of motorboats disrupting activities like tubing and kayaking.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of deer, turkey (notably named Pumpkin), and raccoons.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as raccoons and mosquitoes are common. Users reported difficulties due to gnats and flies in summer and potential flooding in certain sites during rainy seasons.
Active AlertsFlooding has been reported in the past, impacting certain campsites. Visitors should check for current conditions before arrival.

Weather at Big Spring

Reviews

4.1
229 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Big Spring is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Big Spring Campground has received varied feedback from users. While many campers appreciate the natural beauty of the area, issues such as site proximity, facility cleanliness, and lack of direct river access are frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 229 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the scenic beauty of Big Spring and nearby attractions, as well as the availability of hiking and biking trails. The campground's quiet atmosphere and clean restrooms in certain loops...
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Based on 229 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include crowded and small campsites, poorly maintained shower facilities, lack of direct river access, and disruptive motorboats on the Current River.
Based on 229 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing fly deterrents and extended-length water hoses. They also suggest visiting nearby attractions like Rocky Falls and Blue Spring. Several reviewers highlighted the value of...
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Based on 229 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends indicate that spring and fall are ideal times to visit due to moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer months may be less favorable due to bugs, high temperatures, and...
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Based on 229 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Current River flows past the campground, offering excellent canoeing, tubing, swimming and fishing." "Bathrooms at circle 200 were nice, new and clean. However, the shower house was by far the...
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Based on 229 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop 200 received mixed reviews with mentions of clean restrooms but poorly maintained shower houses. Specific campsites like 212 and 216 were noted for close proximity to the river and scenic views.
Based on 229 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are somewhat mentioned, with campers noting proximity to restrooms and pathways to the river. However, detailed feedback from users with disabilities is lacking.
Based on 229 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and some campers highlighted tick prevention as a necessary precaution when visiting.
Based on 229 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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