Trout fishing dominates the outdoor recreation scene near Jadwin, Missouri, where multiple campgrounds provide access to the spring-fed Current River and its tributaries. The Ozark highlands in this region feature elevations around 1,000 feet with dense forests of oak, hickory, and shortleaf pine. Seasonal temperature variations create distinct camping experiences, with summer temperatures often reaching the 90s while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 70s.
What to do
Trout fishing at Montauk: Purchase a $3 trout tag at the lodge to keep up to 4 trout daily with an 8-fish possession limit. "The conservation will stock the Current on a nightly basis, based on number of tags sold the day before. The stretch of river from spring to the falls are some of my favorite fishing anywhere," notes one Montauk State Park Campground visitor.
Cave exploration: Visit Round Spring Cave for unique underground adventures. "Tours of the cave are given daily June through August and cost $5. The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations," according to a visitor at Round Spring Campground.
Family hiking: Trek the short quarter-mile trail to the springs at Montauk or try the longer 1.5-mile Pine Ridge Trail. "If you walk to the spring overlook, you'll also encounter a portion of the Ozark Trail. About a half a mile down the Ozark Trail you can cross the Current River on a pedestrian bridge which is a pretty cool experience," shares a Round Spring camper.
Swimming in clear waters: Access the Current River directly from several campgrounds for cooling off during hot summer days. "The crystal clear waters of the Huzzah Creek. There are large boulders to jump from, some small fish to catch, tadpoles to observe, and lots of pretty shells to dig out of the rocky beach," reports a visitor to Red Bluff Campground.
What campers like
Private, shaded campsites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots under tree cover. "We stayed at site 206 which was very level and was surrounded in trees like basically ever other site which made it comfortable to sit outside all day," shares a Montauk State Park visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area provides chances to see diverse wildlife in natural settings. "We saw a bald eagle and a very curious little otter down by the river. Close proximity to the ozark trail," notes one Round Spring visitor. Another mentions, "You may get lucky and see otters on your way to the spring, or some of the wild horses in the area."
On-site dining options: Several campgrounds feature restaurants or food service. A camper at Circle B Campground notes, "Has a small store and food truck (loved!)" while another Montauk visitor mentioned, "The lodge has a full restaurant, as well as a diner style counter. My son love's to go and sit at the counter to get ice cream."
Convenient river access: Campgrounds position visitors near water recreation. "We stayed in our RV on a spot with river view. Was really nice! They have floating outfitter to rent or they will but your own boat in," shares a Circle B camper. At Red Bluff, "A few sites down was a little spot that you could walk right down into the water."
What you should know
Flash flood potential: Some campgrounds sit in flood zones, requiring caution during rainy periods. "There are flood level signs everywhere and you could see where flash floods had happened on the lowest level of camp," notes a visitor to Red Bluff Campground.
Limited cell service: Prepare for connectivity gaps throughout the area. "There is no cell service available, so make sure you have made reservations before you get here. Closest cell service is up the road at Echo Bluff State Park," warns a Round Spring camper.
Wildlife precautions: Secure food from raccoons and be aware of other wildlife. "The raccoon population is out of control," notes one Red Bluff visitor, while another warns, "Keep an eye out for copperheads and water moccasins along with black widow spiders."
River safety considerations: Water depth can change unexpectedly in area waterways. "You have to be careful because there are sudden drop-offs, it can be two feet deep and then you take a few steps and it's seven feet deep," cautions a Red Bluff visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Seek out ranger programs: Take advantage of educational opportunities. "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...or take in one of the nature programs at the amphitheater," suggests a Montauk visitor.
Consider glamping accommodations: For families seeking more comfort than traditional tent camping near Jadwin, Missouri, luxury accommodations provide alternatives. Echo Bluff State Park offers higher-end options: "This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities."
Select sites based on river proximity: For families with children, water access can define the experience. "The campground is broken down into 4 separate loops, with loop 1 being the only basic section, all the others have electricity. As the Current River winds its way through the valley, it creates one of the campground boundaries," explains a Montauk visitor.
Bring swimming gear: Water activities dominate summer recreation. "This is a great place to take young ones for a dip in its cool waters," notes a Montauk camper about the Tan Vat Access location just outside the park.
Tips from RVers
Reserve well in advance: Popular RV sites book quickly. "The campsites and cabins can be a bit difficult to book, if visiting on a Friday or Saturday, but the park is worth it," advises a Montauk visitor. Echo Bluff campers note, "you need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular."
Consider shade limitations: Some campgrounds lack mature trees for RV sites. A visitor to Little Sinkin Creek RV Resort notes its mountain setting with "beautiful scenery nearby to explore," while an Echo Bluff camper points out, "all of the campsites are out in the open with no shade."
Verify bathroom facilities: Quality varies between campgrounds. "Shower house is basic," notes a Circle B visitor, while another mentions, "Bathrooms were a little cramped but clean. Clean showers."
Assess site drainage: Some campsites retain water after rain. "Site 148 has standing water when it rains, but that was the only wet spot in the RV areas," reports a Circle B camper. This information helps RVers select the most suitable sites during variable weather conditions.
