How much does camping cost at Big Spring?

Camping fees at Big Spring are $10 - $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Spring first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Spring accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Spring before I book?

Yes! Big Spring has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Spring?

Big Spring is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Spring?

Yes, Big Spring has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Big Spring?

Cell phone service at Big Spring is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Big Spring have?

Big Spring has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Spring?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Spring. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Spring?

Big Spring offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Spring?

Popular activities at Big Spring include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Spring

4.10

242 reviews

PO BOX 490, VAN BUREN, MO 63965, USA

Top 14% in MOSpring

C-Report Card

Stargazing

Featured in:Swimming Camping Missouri

Quick Facts

476 ft

Price

$10 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Water systems shut o...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

476 ft

Price

$10 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Water systems shut o...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Big Spring

$10.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-141041: $25.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00; Group Picnic 2: $30.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00;...

Group Site Fee$140.00

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Provider

573-323-4236OZAR-Campground_Operations@nps.gov

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Campground Map

PO BOX 490, VAN BUREN, MO 63965, USA

Big Spring

PO BOX 490, VAN BUREN, MO 63965, USA

Nearby places

Van Buren (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes drive)

Weather at Big Spring

Current alerts(11)

50-amp electric hookups are now available in the 200 loop only (bring converters if necessary).
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.

Best Time to Camp at Big Spring

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of comfortable weather, peak wildflower displays, and lively river flows — expect daytime highs roughly 55–75°F (mid-40s to mid-50s at night) from March through May. Trails are green and fragrant, fishing for smallmouth and streamside wildlife viewing are at their best, and paddling is enjoyable as flows are often higher after rains. Weekdays are generally quiet while weekends fill up as temperatures warm; note modern restrooms open April 15, so plan accordingly if Peak months: May, April, October, September

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in MO

Spring is best: mild temps, wildflowers and lively river/spring flows highlighted in descriptions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: 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.)

About Big Spring

Big Spring sits along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Van Buren, operated by the National Park Service. This large campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station, serving as a base for exploring one of Missouri's most prolific springs and the surrounding Current River corridor. Visitors hike, bike, fish for smallmouth bass, and enjoy wildlife viewing in a landscape of forested bluffs and clear Ozark streams.

Big Spring Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including sites for RVs, tents, and groups. Electric and non-electric sites are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of comfortable weather, peak wildflower displays, and lively river flows — expect daytime highs roughly 55–75°F (mid-40s to mid-50s at night) from March through May. Trails are green and fragrant, fishing for smallmouth and streamside wildlife viewing are at their best, and paddling is enjoyable as flows are often higher after rains. Weekdays are generally quiet while weekends fill up as temperatures warm; note modern restrooms open April 15, so plan accordingly if Peak months: May, April, October, September

Elevation476 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits beneath white oaks, shortleaf pines, sycamores, and river birches. Big Spring. North America's largest freshwater spring. Pumps 280 million gallons of turquoise water daily just down the road. The larger landscape hides over 300 caves, with eight designated as outstanding natural features. Sinkholes, vanishing streams, and bubbling springs dot the terrain, evidence of water's slow work on Ozark bedrock over millions of years. Spring brings redbud and dogwood blooms; fall turns the maples crimson and gold.

Lodging & AccommodationsNull

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led campfire programs are offered during summer months, and some visitors appreciated the educational talks.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit: 14 days at this campground within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two tents or 1 RV and 1 tent permitted per site.

Groups

Group picnic areas are available, situated at Big Spring, Peavine, and Chubb Hollow locations. Specific sites like G02 and G03 are praised for their suitability for larger groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available on Recreation.gov with options to book online, via the app, or through the toll-free number (1-877-444-6777).

AccessibilityAccessibility features are mentioned but not fully detailed. Some sites allow for easy access to facilities like bathrooms or the river.

Site SizeSites are described as generally small and older in design, with lengths around 40-45 feet. Some sites allow for 50-amp electric hookups.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some sites offering closeness to nature and others being crowded or close together.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to bathrooms for convenience or sites like 212 with trail access leading to the river.

Best CampsitesGroup sites G02 and individual sites 212 and 214 get positive mentions. Group sites sit closer to bathrooms and have better layouts. Site-specific privacy and size vary widely. Some offer space, others are tight and close together.

Need help booking Big Spring?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

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.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Big Spring

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Fishing3.5/5

Biking3.5/5

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming in the Current River is available but water is cold and direct river access is limited.

Boating3.0/5

Canoeing/tubing/boating on the Current River available, though motorboat traffic can be disruptive.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Turquoise spring, scenic trails and forest offer high photographic value and iconic shots.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Big Spring

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From Booking Sources

4.1

242 reviews

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 242 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...

Based on 242 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 242 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 242 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...

Based on 242 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...

Based on 242 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...

Based on 242 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 242 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

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

Based on 242 reviews

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Big Spring

$10.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-141041: $25.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00; Group Picnic 2: $30.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00;...

Group Site Fee$140.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

573-323-4236OZAR-Campground_Operations@nps.gov

Go if

You want a full-service base camp for exploring the Ozark riverways with hiking, biking, and spring-fed swimming nearby.

Skip if

You need waterfront sites with direct river access or expect spotless facilities during peak season.

Nearby Campgrounds

1420 Maud St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, USA

Watercress sits along the Current River in Mark Twain National Forest near Van Buren, Missouri. This small, low-elevation campground operated by the Forest Service offers primitive tent and RV sites plus group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and direct river access. Visitors come for paddling, fishing, swimming, and hiking among the Ozark bluffs, with helpful camp hosts and a quiet riverside setting.

Big Spring

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Big Spring

Current alerts(11)

Best Time to Camp at Big Spring

Planning Tips

About Big Spring

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Spring?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Big Spring

Policies & Safety

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Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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Ask Camp Sage about Big Spring

Current alerts(11)

Best Time to Camp at Big Spring

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Spring?

Amenities available

Things to do at Big Spring

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews