Best Places to Visit in the Ozarks for Camping

Campgrounds in the guide, from full-service parks to quiet river landings, each with its reservation route and fee details as the managing agency states them.

Campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts under tall pines at Big Spring Campground

Big Spring Campground

Near Van Buren, Missouri

The Park Service's main campground in the Big Spring area: 123 reservable sites on the Current River, a boat ramp, electric hookups in one loop, and Big Spring itself within walking distance.

  • Camping
  • Families
  • First-Time Visitors

Log Yard Campground

Near Van Buren, Missouri

A Park Service backcountry campground and year-round boat ramp at River Mile 37 on the Current River: six reservable sites, a vault toilet, and some of the darkest night skies in the park.

  • Camping
  • Float Trips
  • Fishing

Gooseneck Campground

Near Van Buren, Missouri

The Park Service campground at River Mile 0, where the Lower Current and the Riverways end: a large flat camping field on the river at the end of Big Barren Creek Road, with standard sites, a picnic area, and an accessible restroom.

  • Camping
  • Float Trips
  • Swimming