Backpackers hiking the Ozark Trail find this primitive creek-side spot after an easy descent from Council Bluff Recreation Area. The site sits at the bottom of a hill where Big River forms a reliable creek rather than an actual river. An established fire ring surrounded by large logs provides seating for up to ten campers.
The water runs clean at its origin point, though campers need to bring purification equipment. The location requires hiking in from the trailhead and maintains the Leave No Trace principle of camping 100 feet from water sources. Detailed National Geographic maps from the Ozark Trail Association mark this as one of several water access points along the 50-mile section between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State Park.
Description
Backcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig River Primitive Campground is located in Missouri near Belleview
Coordinates
37.70012164 N
90.94757118 W
Connectivity
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T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Big River Primitive Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 41 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 44 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 2 hrs 13 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 2 hrs 42 min from Columbia, MO
