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Dispersed Camping

Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Blue Spring Backcountry Camping, near Mountain View, Missouri, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors and don’t mind a little ruggedness. This location offers primitive camping with no amenities, so be prepared to rough it a bit, but the stunning scenery makes it worth it.

Visitors rave about the crystal-clear waters of the spring, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. One camper shared, “What an awesome place to see very cold water,” highlighting the beauty of the area. You can set up camp and enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, or just soaking in the natural surroundings.

The area is popular, especially in the summer, so expect some company. Campers have noted that it can get busy, but that just adds to the lively atmosphere. Plus, you’re close to Eminence, MO, where you can stock up on supplies for your adventures. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Blue Spring offers a unique experience in the heart of the Ozarks.

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Location

Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway is located in Missouri

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.05355381 N
91.63707418 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/7/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/7/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Alcohol
  • 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 Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2025

Great spot

Stayed at site 9 next to the river. No need to go find the scan and pay by the vault toilet all the sites have QR codes at the sites for scan and pay. East access to the water for swimming, paddle boarding etc.

Site9
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 16, 2025

These are Paid Sites

There are a small number of sites and they are difficult to find. To reserve for $10 per night you have to leave your things at the site and drive down to find the QR code by the bathrooms and book the site. Then the online booking wasn't working and wouldn't allow me to book the site and I spent an hour on the phone with the forest ranger who also didn't know what to do. It's beautiful but overwhelmingly noisy and busy on the weekend. People in your site who are going down the river stop to fish and eat and occupy your space. Trying to launch from your camp site. If you can get a chill few days in th week it's really wonderful and peaceful.

Site9
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Adi , May 16, 2025
  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Adi , May 16, 2025
  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Adi , May 16, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2019

Very beautiful

What an awesome place to see very cold water , camp sites are a little Ricky but manageable, does get to be a very busy spot in the summer

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2018

Blue, blue, blue, cold, cold, cold

Blue Spring is beautiful and cold! Aside from the over zealous teenagers jumping into the spring it was a nice visit.

This is a primitive camping area and there are a lot of partying people in and around this area plus frequent motorboat traffic. No amenities, many generators. Drive in, pick a spot and set up camp. There are so many areas to visit around the river this would be an excellent base camp or you could use it as a stop off on a float trip.

Eminence, MO is nearby and a good place to refuel and get stuff you need for your adventures. Make sure you get a paper map because phone signal can be iffy.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Shelly S., November 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Shelly S., November 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Shelly S., November 1, 2018
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2016

Love the Ozarks!!!

Absolutely love this place. We set up camp and paddled down river. We then got treated to a impromptu harmonica concert in a cave! Only in the Ozarks people. It was epic!

  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Ashley Y., August 8, 2016
  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Ashley Y., August 8, 2016
  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Ashley Y., August 8, 2016
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2016

Decisions, decisions

Primitive campsites in all the locations along Ozark National Waterway. They are well maintained and the staff you speak with is friendly and informative. Pound Mill is easier to drive into and a mile-ish hike to Blue Spring.take your water shoes, the river is awesome!!

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  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Shelly S., July 25, 2016
  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Shelly S., July 25, 2016
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2016

Blue Springs Lake

We visit this campground multiple times a year and it's always a positive experience. My parents have ano rv and they allow us to camp in a tent next to them! I love how close it is to the lake and the city.

  • Review photo of Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway by Crystal  M., June 28, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2015

Way too hot

This was the hottest campground I have ever been in my life. It was 109 and extremely humid. I've heard that in the winter, it's freezing cold. Perfect! The water was very warm to swim in, and is also a good place to fish for crappie and catfish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Blue Spring Campground?

Blue Spring Backcountry Camping offers primitive camping with minimal amenities. There are vault toilets available but no running water or electrical hookups. The campground has a small number of sites that cost $10 per night, which can be paid via QR codes located at the sites. Some sites have direct river access, such as site 9. Be prepared for a rustic experience - bring your own water and supplies as this is a true backcountry camping area.

Where is Blue Spring Campground located in Missouri?

Blue Spring Backcountry Camping is located along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway in Missouri. It's situated near Mountain View and Van Buren, Missouri. The campground is positioned along the river, providing direct water access. Many campers access the area through Pound Mill, which is about a mile hike from Blue Spring itself. The spring is a notable natural feature in this section of the Ozarks.

Is Blue Spring Campground near any hiking trails or outdoor attractions?

The main attraction at Blue Spring Backcountry Camping is the stunning Blue Spring itself, which is remarkably cold and beautiful. The campground sits along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway, offering excellent opportunities for paddling, swimming, and fishing (particularly for crappie and catfish). Caves can be explored in the vicinity. While specific trail names aren't mentioned, the area does offer hiking opportunities with Pound Mill being about a mile from Blue Spring. Water shoes are recommended for exploring the river.

What are the best seasons to visit Blue Spring Campground?

Spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit Blue Spring Campground. Summers can be extremely hot and humid, with temperatures potentially reaching over 100°F, making camping uncomfortable despite the swimming opportunities in the river. Winters tend to be freezing cold. The summer months bring higher visitor traffic with many people enjoying the spring and motorboat activity on the river. If you do visit in summer, prepare for crowds and heat, but enjoy the refreshing (though very cold) spring water.