Established Camping
Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Alley Spring Campground, near Van Buren, Missouri, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its beautiful river access and shaded sites, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.
The campground offers clean facilities, including restrooms and a new shower house, which visitors appreciate after a day of exploring. Many campers have mentioned the flat, spacious sites, making it easier to set up tents or park RVs. As one happy camper put it, “Great camping! Flat spots. Mostly shaded.”
For adventure seekers, Alley Spring is surrounded by stunning scenery, including the historic Alley Mill and several springs that feed into the river. You can enjoy swimming, tubing, or fishing right nearby, and the trails around the spring are a must-see. Reviewers rave about the ranger programs on weekends, which provide a fun and informative experience for all ages.
While the campground is just a short drive from Van Buren, it feels like a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re planning a family trip or a solo getaway, Alley Spring Campground has everything you need for a memorable outdoor experience.
Description
National Park Service
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Overview
The rolling, forested landscape around Alley Spring is where two of America's most beautiful spring-fed rivers combine to make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. As the first national park area to protect a wild river system, visitors are able to enjoy various water activities as well as hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Recreation
Canoeing, tubing, swimming and fishing are popular activities on the vast waterways in the region, with over 130 miles (209 km) of water trails. Canoe and kayak rentals and outfitters can be found nearby.A short walk from the campground leads to a popular swimming area on the Jacks Fork River, a crystal clear and spring fed waterway that's cool and refreshing on a hot summer day. Several interpretive trails with educational exhibits meander nearby. Other hiking trails include the Alley Overlook Trail, Chubb Hollow Trail, Ozark Trail, Cave Spring Trail and Big Springs Trail.
Natural Features
Known for its caves, springs, sinkholes and losing streams, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways has over 300 identified caves within its boundaries. They range in size from a rock overhang to almost seven miles of identified passages. Eight caves, including an open sinkhole, have been designated as outstanding natural features. The Ozark forest is mostly White oak and Shortleaf pine, Missouri's only native pine species. Along the rivers, Sycamore, Cottonwood, River birch and maples are common. Redbud and Dogwood are abundant, putting on a spectacular show during most spring months.
Nearby Attractions
Historic and picturesque Alley Mill and the scenic Alley Spring are nearby. The mill is open daily in the summer and rangers offer tours upon request. Pretty Round Spring is close to the campground as well.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (573) 323-4236.
Location
Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway is located in Missouri
Directions
From the east on US Highway 60, turn north on Missouri Highway 19 in the town of Winona. Continue north 12 miles to the town of Eminence. From Eminence, Alley Spring campground is located five minutes west of State Highway 106. From Mountain View, travel 19 miles east from Mountain View on US Highway 60 and turn north on County Highway E. Go north on E for 10 miles until you reach State Highway 106, then turn west on 106 for two miles. The Alley Spring Campground is on the south side of Highway 106.
Address
PO BOX 490
Van buren, MO 63965
Coordinates
37.14722 N
91.44972 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 3 min from Springfield
- 2 hrs 23 min from Cape Girardeau
- 2 hrs 25 min from Jefferson City
- 2 hrs 35 min from Jonesboro