Log Yard Campground, near the Ozark National Scenic Riverway, is a rugged spot that invites you to embrace the wild side of camping. This area offers a unique backcountry experience with access to the beautiful Current River, perfect for those who appreciate nature in its raw form.

The campground is known for its stunning scenery, with rocky shores that provide a great place to set up camp and enjoy the view. Visitors have highlighted the peaceful ambiance, especially during quieter times, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and soaking in the natural beauty. Just keep in mind, this isn't a place for those seeking modern amenities—there are no restrooms or trash services, so be prepared to pack out what you bring in.

For adventure seekers, the river offers opportunities for swimming and fishing, while the surrounding area is perfect for hiking and exploring. Some campers have even spotted the local elk herd, adding a touch of wildlife magic to your stay. Just remember, cell service is non-existent here, so it's a great chance to disconnect and truly unwind.

While the campground can get busy on weekends, especially with locals using it as a boat launch, many have found their own slice of tranquility by venturing a bit further down the riverbank. As one camper put it, “This place is like a hidden treasure.” If you're looking for a backwoods escape that feels remote yet accessible, Log Yard Campground is worth checking out.

Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Van Buren. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Missouri camping adventure.

Van Buren

The Best Camping Near Van Buren, Missouri

This area has access to the shores of the current river.  No campsites, just the open rocky shores.  You can park right on the shores and set up camp.  Beware! The gravel settles if wet and many trailers and campers have gotten stuck here.  4wd is recommended.  While their are no amenities, the location is beautiful.  Very secluded

Camping on river

There is a small designated campground above the river bank sites described in the other review. The site typically costs 5 dollars a day but a sign up at the campground says fees are waved due to less services for COVID. Pit toilets, dumpster, and water all on site but not at each camp. Great spot to car camp. 


Good place to stop for a few days

It was a little barren this time of year, I mostly had the beach site to myself, other than what I image was a group of high schoolers who came to party. They were loud and rowdy for about an hour then packed up, though not without driving by my tent and yelling a couple f**k you’s at me while I was trying to sleep. 

However the site was very nice and is exactly as described in the previous review. *There was a lot of litter on the beach.*

Great spot to car camp

This site was a fantastic spot hidden pretty far off the beaten path. We had to fjord an overflowing stream that went across the road but didn’t have any trouble in our Jeep Wrangler. When we arrived we saw a couple tents at a site before we reached the water and only one vehicle by the water at the first “site”. We drive along a path past that first site and parked in another partially hidden water access site. It was perfect. Never heard or saw anyone else. Beautiful sunrise hitting the trees and the stone along the opposite side of the river in the morning. Highly recommend. Just be aware you will not have cell service. 

Hidden gem

This place is like a hidden treasure. lots of space on the bank to have privacy from other campers, the river was blue and super pretty, and the area was very clean. i didnt see litter anywhere. there is no cell service so youll have to drive up the road to ellington to get anything. overall it was a very relaxing experience, i HIGHLY recommend this campsite. 

One of the best spots ive camped at!

This was definitely one of, if not my favorites campsites I’ve stayed at! There is a small campground on by the bathrooms with designated sites, and then dispersed camping on the beach. Super pretty spot and great for swimming, but people are pretty bad about cleaning ups free themselves so quite a bit of litter on the beach. Overall a great stay!!

One of a kind 

The scenery of this dispersed camping area is definitely a five star for the area. Nice view and access to the Current River. Plenty of stars out at night. There is an area of more traditional campground spaces you come across first but the dispersed style spots are further down the road. There’s still a $10/night fee.  Even though there are fire rings all along the rocky beach, locals use this area as a boat launch and park their trucks and trailers in the camping areas.   The campers who came in late on our last night destroyed the peaceful ambiance; loud kids running all over and pulling  branches down from living trees, loud music past quiet hours and most running generators. That downgraded my rating from five stars overall. This would be a great place midweek or off season but definitely not going back during peak times due to the discourteous people. 

Beautiful spot, noisy campers

Log yard is a Backwoods camping area on the current river. 4 wheel drive is recommended. You have to cross a creek to get to this location. If the weather moves in. It would be wise to pack up and move out while you can. If the creek comes up, you may not be able to cross it again. There is one good established campsite at this location and 2 not so good ones. The area changes after a flood, and the campsites have to be reestablished. There is a boat ramp at this location that is a favorite hang out of the locals. They will drink, play loud music, and leave trash lay around. This stretch of the current is 25-hp boat territory. There will be boat traffic on the river on the weekends. Log yard is part of the Ozark scenic river ways, which is FEDERAL LAND. You may have an encounter with a forest ranger at this campsite. If you do, they will ask for your info and have you establish a Backwoods campsite. Be respectful and don't upset the Rangers. They don't play in the Ozark scenic river ways. This camp is beautiful and wild.  NO CELL SERVICE. If you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd. They reintroduced elk in this area a few years ago. Get out and enjoy what Missouri has to offer 

Photos of Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

Real photos from real campers