Camping near Jadwin, Missouri centers around the crystal-clear spring-fed Current River with water temperatures averaging 58°F year-round. The region sits within the Salem Plateau of the Ozarks at approximately 800-1,000 feet elevation, creating a landscape of rolling hills and limestone formations. Winter camping options remain limited with most facilities closing from mid-October through mid-April due to freezing temperatures that regularly drop below 20°F.
What to do
Cave exploration: 5 miles from Jadwin. Round Spring Cave, operated by the National Park Service, offers lantern-guided tours from June through August for $5. A camper at Round Spring Campground shares: "Tours of the cave are given daily June through August and cost $5. The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations."
Wild horse viewing: Seasonal. The areas around Eminence feature wild horse herds. A visitor to Round Spring Campground notes: "You may get lucky and see otters on your way to the spring, or some of the wild horses in the area. Go in the early morning to the spring trail to watch the mist roll off the water and enjoy the wildlife - so otherworldly."
Hiking options: 0.25-1.5 miles. Short trails lead to springs and connect to longer routes. A Montauk State Park visitor mentions: "If you decide not to fish, there are things to do such as take a tour of the mill when the naturalist does one of their demonstrations, hike the quarter mile trial to the springs, hike the longer 1.5 mile pine ridge trail, feed the fish at the hatchery, or take in one of the nature programs at the amphitheater."
What campers like
River bluff jumping: Summer activity. Several swimming holes feature natural rock formations. A camper at Flying W Store & Campground states: "At the very back where it connects to the Current River are some amazing bluffs to jump off of."
Spring viewing: Best at sunrise. The turquoise waters of the region's springs create striking visual contrasts against the forest backdrop. A visitor to Alley Spring Campground remarks: "Visited 8 springs in total. Checked out the camping facilities at every spring that offered camping. All locations looked similar. The grounds were well kept and all the folks working their we're courteous, knowledgeable, and helpful."
Riverside camping: Available May-September. Sites directly adjacent to the Current River provide prime fishing and swimming access. A camper at Cedar Grove/Dee Murray Backcountry Camping notes: "Nice scenic remote area, good for wading and trout fishing. It is also a beautiful place to float with the family."
What you should know
Flooding concerns: Spring to early summer. Campgrounds in river floodplains may require evacuation during heavy rains. A camper warns about Alley Spring Campground: "The campground is located on the flood plane, heavy rain may cause flooding and evacuation!"
Limited cell service: Most remote areas. Coverage improves near state parks and towns. A visitor to Round Spring Campground shares: "It has zero cell service but you can drive about 2 miles up the road to the state park and connect their WiFi."
Primitive facilities: Many backcountry sites. Several areas offer minimal amenities requiring preparation. A Cedar Grove camper explains: "Campground is very primitive you have to walk up a large Hill to get to the porta potty and is sometimes noisy with all the floaters but all in all a great place to go."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: State park programs. Several campgrounds offer organized activities for children. A visitor to Montauk State Park Campground shares: "We didn't take advantage of it, but there were a lot of activities aimed at kids. Great mix of modern campground and nature experience."
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs. Historical mills and conservation areas provide learning experiences. A camper notes: "The host was great did a nice show at the amphitheater about the local area bathroom and showers are great, not to mention the nice clean river."
Kid-friendly swimming: Accessible spots. Several areas feature shallow water access points for children. An experienced camper advises: "If you head out of the park on YY you will find Tan Vat Access located right outside the park on the Current. This is a great place to take young ones for a dip in its cool waters."
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Reserve early. Many campgrounds have limited level sites suitable for RVs. A visitor to Pinecrest Campground and Cabins reports: "Can't beat the camping or the service here. Clean shower houses and bathrooms on sight. 10/10 recommend."
Alternative accommodations: Multiple options. For those seeking RV alternatives, several campgrounds offer cabins, yurts, or glamping. A visitor to Big Rock Candy Mountain Campground notes: "Tent, rv Hookups, cabins, yurt. Pool. Pleasant place for kids and adults. Good restaurant, live entertainment on occasion, views, trails."
Road conditions: Challenging in places. Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. A camper warns: "The highway to get here is narrow, winding, and hilly! But it's worth the trip."
