Big Spring Campground is located four miles south of the town of Van Buren, Missouri. Turn South on Missouri Highway 103 and continue south for four miles to the Big Spring unit of the park.
Open all year round. Modern restrooms are open Apr 15-Oct 1. Water is shut off and many restrooms are closed after Oct 1 to prevent frozen pipes. Campers will be directed to an open restroom or vault toilet which may be a short distance from their campsite. Canoeing, tubing, swimming, and fishing are popular activities. The town of Van Buren is four miles north and offers restaurants, outdoor supplies, and tube and canoe rental concessionaires. The scenic Big Spring is nearby. Big Spring is the largest freshwater spring in North America and produces an outflow of 280 million gallons a day. The river is crystal clear and spring fed, cool and refreshing on a hot summer day. The campground has flush toilets and free hot showers available. Ranger-led campfire programs are offered in the campground amphitheater during summer months. Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a Firewood Movement Restriction Program in effect to prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases. If you plan to visit the park, buy your firewood from a local source (within 50 mile radius of your destination) or you may collect 'dead and down' wood in the park. All firewood must be burned before you leave. Reservation are accepted for two different Picnic Pavilions. Be sure to specify which Pavilion you desire. Big Spring Pavilion is at the spring, and Peavine Pavilion is along the river. Picnic Pavilion reservations will be accepted year round.
