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Ozark National Scenic Riverways

National Scenic Riverways · MO

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a river system. The Current and Jacks Fork rivers are two of the finest floating rivers found anywhere. Spring-fed, cold and clear: they are a delight to canoe, swim, boat, or fish. Besides these two famous rivers, the park is home to hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, trails, and historic sites such as Alley Mill.

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Current Alerts (6)

Park Closure

Paving at Alley Spring Campground Beginning 9/8/2026

Alley Spring Campground will close for paving from Tuesday, September 8th through Monday, September 21st for paving. The closure will include the river access and the "Bluff Hole" swimming area. Floaters putting in or taking out at Alley Spring will need to use the Burr Oak river access on the other side of the river. All pre-existing reservations during the closure have been cancelled or altered and refunds issued. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Park Closure

Round Spring Pavilion Parking Area Closed

The parking lot for the Round Spring Pavilion and for Round Spring itself is CLOSED for the remainder of the 2026 summer season while the low water bridge over Spring Valley Creek is rebuilt. Alternative parking near Round Spring Group Campsites 4-8 will provide trail access to the north side of Round Spring.

Information

Paving Work Ongoing Throughout the Park

Paving work is being done throughout Ozark National Scenic Riverways during the 2026 summer season, including at Alley Spring, Round Spring, Pulltite, and Big Spring. Watch here and on our park Facebook page for updates, as roads and campground loops may close and reopen depending on work progress.

Park Closure

Round Spring Lower River Landing Closed

The lower river landing at Round Spring, located in the campground, is closed until further notice for paving. Floaters putting in or taking out at Round Spring should plan to use the upper landing behind Carr's Store.

Information

Reservations Required for All Campgrounds

As of January 1, 2025, ALL developed campsites will be available through reservation ONLY. These include Pulltite, Round Spring, Alley Spring, Big Spring, Two Rivers, and Akers. Reservations must be made through recreation.gov (online or by calling).

Caution

River Ferry at Akers (on State Highway K) CLOSED until further notice

The Akers Ferry on State Highway K will not be in service until further notice.

Road Conditions

Akers Ferry Closure · State Highway K

The Akers Ferry on State Highway K will be out of service until further notice.

Impact: all-lanes-closed

Akers Ferry Closure · State Highway K

The Akers Ferry on State Highway K will be out of service until further notice.

Impact: all-lanes-closed

Entrance Fees

This park is fee-free.

Campgrounds (23)

Akers Group Campground

Group campsites, located at Akers Ferry. The campground is located north of the junction of Highway KK and Highway K.

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Alley Spring Campground

Located on the banks of the Jacks Fork, Alley Spring is our park's largest campground. These sites are often packed in summer, and for good reason: Alley Mill, floating, swimming, hiking, and more await! This campground offers standard sites (electric and non-electric), cluster sites, and group sites. A variety of sunny or partially shaded spots are available. The entire campground is within walking distance of the river, though some sites are closer than others.

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Bachers Campground

Found just downriver from Blue Spring, this campground is home to deep swimming holes and impressive bluffs. Like other campgrounds on the Jacks Fork, Bachers is a fantastic destination for camping, floating, and more. At the campground, the deep, blue swimming holes invite campers to cool off. Also, about 1 mile downstream, Jam Up Cave is a popular trip for summertime floaters. The whole area is great for viewing wildlife, and fall can be particularly pretty.

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Bay Creek Campground

Stretched along the edge of the Jacks Fork River, this campground is the largest backcountry campground in the park. In contrast to nearby Alley Spring, this location offers mostly shaded sites. Each summer, campers are drawn back to Bay Creek by cool waters and lush canopy. In addition to the lovely landscape, the adjacent river is a fantastic place to see wildlife, from Bald Eagles to White-Tailed Deer. Campers, floaters, and hunters all make consistent use of Bay Creek.

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Big Spring Campground

Big Spring Campground is located just south of Van Buren, Missouri. The campground offers a variety of sunny or shaded sites, all within walking distance of Big Spring and the Current River. A variety of hiking trails cover the area, making this a great destination year-round. Electric and non-electric sites are available year-round. Sites may be reserved at www.recreation.gov.

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Big Tree Campground

Big Tree is home to 7 campsites: 6 standard and 1 cluster. These sites are all located right along the river, making for a beautiful destination. Throughout the year, campers can enjoy views of the Current River, easy swimming access, and a variety of scenic ecosystems.

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Blue Spring Campground

Located within a bend of the Jacks Fork River, Blue Spring Campground is a popular destination throughout the year. In summer, visitors can enjoy freshwater floating, swimming, fishing, and more. In winter and fall, nature unveils brilliant colors and large bluffs. Note: Blue Spring Campground should not be confused with the Blue Spring on the Current River, east of Eminence. Ozark National Scenic Riverways does not offer camping at Blue Spring on the Current River.

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Broadfoot Campground

Broadfoot Campground is nestled between the Current River and a huge field. This location offers a mix of sunny and shady sites, all found right on the water's edge. Though vehicles cannot reach the river, visitors still enjoy swimming, fishing, and more. At night, campers can enjoy amazing views of the moon and stars.   As part of the park's horse trail network, Broadfoot also features a horse staging area. This maintained field is found along the entry road.

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Cedar Grove Campground

Seated in the northwest corner of the park, Cedar Grove is popular for both recreation and camping. In summer, thousands of people swim or float on the Current River. Further upstream, visitors can also enjoy blue ribbon fishing. Finally, a nearby hiking trail connects to the historic Susie Nichols Cabin. This location sees year-round visitation. In warmer months, the cool river helps visitors beat the heat. In fall and winter, the southern sun keeps campers warm.

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Cedar Spring Campground

Tucked away on the lower Current River, Cedar Spring is one of the smallest campgrounds in the park. With only two sites, this location has great potential for secluded, private camping. With the river only a few feet away, campers can enjoy swimming, floating, fishing, and more. This campground also gives great views of some stone bluffs, which are illuminated by the sunset. Lastly, a short walk up the road, visitors can watch for wildlife along a large field.

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Clubhouse Campground

Clubhouse Campground is nestled on the banks of the lower Current River. This remote campground is far off the beaten path, allowing for a rustic experience. Basic amenities and partial shade make for a lovely campground. Visitors can enjoy easy river access and a number of nearby attractions, like Clubhouse Bluff or the old Tram Road. Clubhouse Bluff is located a short drive from the campground.

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Dee Murray Campground

Found just across the river from Cedar Grove, Dee Murray is another popular location for both camping and recreation. In summer months, the nearby river access is bustling with canoes, kayaks, rafts, and more. Other recreation opportunities include blue ribbon fishing and hiking trails. Dee Murray Campground features sunny campsites, all within a short walk to the river. A nearby gravel bar is vehicle-free, making for a peaceful experience.

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Gooseneck Campground

Nestled on the park's southern boundary, Gooseneck Campground offers well-maintained sites right along the lower Current River. A small inlet provides a great space to see wildlife, while gravel bars support swimming, floating, and more. This campground features a large, flat camping area, making it a popular destination for RVs and campers. Sites closest to the river have unobstructed views of the waterway. Other sites enjoy dappled shade from oaks, hickories, walnuts, and sycamores.

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Grubb Hollow Campground

Grubb Hollow Campground is located on the lower Current River, just across the water from Kelley Bluff. This campground offers a handful of sites right along the riverway. With a close proximity to the water, visitors can enjoy swimming, floating, fishing, and more. The woods are also quite pretty throughout the year.

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Jerktail Campground

On summer days, Jerktail is a bustling location for floating, swimming, and recreation. The Current River, huge gravel bars, deep swimming holes, and impressive bluffs draw visitors year after year. At night, campers can enjoy beautiful night skies and true Ozark seclusion. Jerktail Campground is one of the most remote locations in the park. Under the right conditions, visitors can see the Milky Way stretch across the sky. In the summer months, fireflies can make for a dazzling display.

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Log Yard Campground

Log Yard Campground offers well-maintained campsites in the backcountry of Ozark National Scenic Riverways. On the nearby banks of the Current River, large gravel bars and impressive bluffs await. Also, as one of the darkest areas of the park, this campground makes for fantastic stargazing. Log Yard features a year-round boat ramp. Whether it's gigging, trapping, or a simple day on the river, this campground is most popular with boaters.

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Powder Mill Campground

Powder Mill is a simple, sunny campground with activities for any time of year. The Current River, the Ozark Trail, and Highway 106 make exploration a breeze! Visitors can enjoy swimming, floating, fishing, hiking, and lovely views of the Current River. Great trails connect to both Blue Spring and the historic Owls Bend area, which is quite beautiful in fall.

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Pulltite Campground

Pulltite Campground is a developed campground. Campsites are nestled in the woods along the Current River, offering a classic campground feel with easy river access.

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Round Spring Campground

Round Spring Campground hosts sites in and along the forest, offering a more quiet, intimate experience with nature. This location has easy access to Round Spring and the Current River. Nearby trails connect to Echo Bluff and Current River State Park, making this campground a popular hub for hiking and floating. Electric and non-electric sites are available year-round. Sites may be reserved at www.recreation.gov.

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Rymers Campground

As one of the smallest, most remote campgrounds in the park, Rymers is loved for its beautiful surroundings. Rymers also serves as a river access point, making floating trips a breeze! Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy river recreation or secluded sites. Like other campgrounds on the Jacks Fork, Rymers sees year-round visitation. In summer, deep swimming holes help campers beat the heat. In fall, trees show off a rainbow of colors. Finally, as winter approaches, tall bluffs reveal themselves.

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Shawnee Creek Campground

Located at the junction of Shawnee Creek and the Jacks Fork River, this campground is a fantastic destination for families. This campground offers a variety of sunny and shaded sites. The shallow creek is a favorite for kids and parents to explore, and a canoe launch allows easy river access. The nearby field offers another unique opportunity: Wild horses are frequently spotted grazing or running around. Shawnee Creek Campground is one of the best places to see this cultural resource.

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Sinking Creek Campground

Located conveniently off Highway 19, Sinking Creek Campground is extremely popular in summer. Each season, thousands of visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, floating, and more. A large gravel bar makes recreation a breeze, and with access to Sinking Creek and the Current River, swimmers can enjoy both warm and cool waters. This location is also very close to Round Spring and Echo Bluff, which offer other recreational opportunities. A number of hiking trails pass through the area.

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Two Rivers Campground

Two Rivers Campground is located at the confluence of the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers, at the end of V Highway off State Highway 106 in Shannon County, MO.

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Things to Do

About Current River Challenge

Current River Challenge

About Hiking Safety

Hiking Safety

About River Safety

River Safety

A Detective in Nature

Unearth the secrets of nature with your own journey through Ozark National Scenic Riverways.  

Alley Overlook Trail

Alley Overlook Trail

Alley Slough Trail

Alley Slough Trail

A Paddler’s Paradise

Paddle or float on crystal clear waters within the river routes of the Ozark region.

Ask a Ranger

Expand your knowledge with a journey through the park.

Big Spring Branch Trail

Big Spring Branch Trail

Big Spring River's Edge Trail

Big Spring River's Edge Trail

Big Spring Slough Trail

Big Spring Slough Trail

Big Spring Stone Ridge Trail

Big Spring Stone Ridge Trail

Blue Spring Trail

Blue Spring Trail

Cave Spring Trail

Cave Spring Trail

Discover Geologic Wonders

There is so much to discover within the park’s 134-miles of river and 80,000 acres of land. 

Fly Fishing Clinics

Join a local fly-fishing legend and learn the art of this gentle sport in a free workshop! Clinics are currently offered for youth and parents. All skills levels are welcome; call (573) 858-3297 for details and reservations. Park Ranger Mark Van Patten will lead the course. Demonstrations cover various fly rod casting methods, proper catch and release techniques, and strategies for fly presentation. Other lessons will discuss equipment, flies, and entomology.

Hike the Ozark Trail

Ozark Trail

Historic Alley Mill Talk

Tour the iconic and historic Alley Roller Mill at Alley Spring. Alley Mill is rumored to be the most photographed mill in the state and perhaps the nation.

Paddle Jacks Fork River

Float the Jacks Fork River

Paddle the Lower Current River

Paddle the Lower Current River

Paddle the Upper Current River

Paddling Upper Current

Paws in the Park

Follow along as your dog takes the lead through the trails to new spaces.

Picture This

Experience the wonder of nature’s scale from the smallest details to the openness of the sky and waters.  

Pulltite Nature Trail

Pulltite Nature Trail

Reach New Elevations

Reach new elevations in the Ozark Mountains and enjoy the view.  

Refresh at Big Spring

Rejuvenate your mind and spirit at Big Spring while embracing the soothing water sounds.

Ride Equestrian Trails

Equestrian Trails

Round Spring Guided Cave Tour

Discover the amazing world beneath your feet! Round Spring Cave is considered the most spectacular cave within Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Large, varied formations fill over a mile of the passage, which has been well-preserved over the years. There is no better way to learn about Ozark caves than through a tour!

Round Spring Loop Trail

Round Spring Loop Trail.

Round Spring Trail

Round Spring Trail

Visitor Centers

  • Alley General Store
  • Alley Mill
  • Big Spring Entrance Station
  • Pulltite Ranger Station
  • Round Spring Ranger Station

Source: National Park Service.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways: Alerts, Camping & Things to Do | ExploreParksUSA