Ozark National Scenic Riverways spans 134 miles of riverways with elevations ranging from 450 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The region features over 400 documented caves and springs within limestone and dolomite formations. Camping options range from primitive riverside sites with no amenities to established campgrounds with electric hookups, with most sites accommodating tents on rocky or gravel surfaces.
What to do
Float trips year-round: The Current and Jacks Fork rivers maintain consistent temperatures around 58°F due to the spring-fed water sources. Big Spring Campground offers easy river access for paddlers. "Great place to have a picnic lunch and watch the spring bubble up," notes Charlotte B., who frequently visits the area.
Cave exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to local cave systems with seasonal tours. "Round Spring Cave is nearby... Caves tours are available June - Oct., but even if your visit is outside of this window, the walk to the cave is kind of magical," shares Lea B. from her experience at Round Spring Campground.
Wildlife watching: Elk reintroduction programs have established local herds that can sometimes be spotted. "If you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd. They reintroduced elk in this area a few years ago," says Joseph A. about his stay at Log Yard Campground.
Fishing for smallmouth bass: The clear, spring-fed rivers provide excellent fishing opportunities. "This stretch of the current is 25-hp boat territory. There will be boat traffic on the river on the weekends," notes Joseph A. about the fishing conditions at Log Yard.
What campers like
Cold springs for summer relief: The numerous springs maintain consistent cool temperatures even during hot months. "Been camping here for 32 years!" shares Heather T. about Alley Spring Campground, noting the refreshing waters that draw repeat visitors.
Spacious riverside sites: Some campgrounds offer private waterfront camping with direct river access. "We had a section of the river to ourselves and it was a large private spot," reports Jade G. about her experience at Two Rivers Backcountry Camping, where campers can secure secluded spots along the water.
Off-season tranquility: Winter and early spring camping provides solitude at most campgrounds. "We spent 3 week days camping here in our camper van. We snagged a spot with a river view. Campground was maintained by NPS, very clean," explains Theresa H. about her April visit to Round Spring Campground.
Historic structures: Several campgrounds feature preserved historic sites. "The old mill, the spring, the caves, wild horses need I say more," Curtis M. notes about the attractions near Alley Spring Campground.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have no cell reception, requiring advance planning. "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," advises Lea B. about Round Spring Campground.
Flood risks: Many campgrounds sit on flood plains and may require evacuation during heavy rains. "The campground is located on the flood plane, heavy rain may cause flooding and evacuation!" warns Joel R. about Alley Spring Campground.
Weekend crowds vs. weekday solitude: Popular areas become congested during summer weekends. "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," reports Adi about Blue Spring Backcountry Camping.
Payment systems: Many primitive sites require on-site registration via QR codes. "There is a small designated campground above the river bank sites... 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," explains Anthony L. about Log Yard Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds with amenities: Families benefit from facilities available at developed sites. "This campground has full amenities. Clean bathrooms and showers. Firewood available for purchase and even WiFi. The WiFi doesn't reach the primitive campsites but that was perfect for us to unplug! It was a great place to take our kids!" recommends Stephanie W. about Timbuktu Campground at Echo Bluff State Park.
Bring appropriate pet bedding: The rocky terrain can be uncomfortable for animals without proper mats. "The site was rocky, so mats would be hard (but we had an air mattress, so we were fine)," notes Jade G. about Two Rivers, which applies equally to pet comfort on the rocky terrain.
Schedule ranger programs: Several campgrounds offer educational programs suitable for children. "The host was great did a nice show at the amphitheater about the local area," shares Jeff A. about Round Spring Campground.
Pet-friendly hiking trails: Numerous paths accommodate leashed dogs near camping areas. "We walked through the campground past the spring and caught a little trail that hooked up with the ozark trail and had a lovely day hike around a loop. It was perfect," explains Theresa H. about pet-friendly trails near Round Spring.
Tips from RVers
Limited electrical options: Only select campgrounds offer hookups for larger RVs. "Loved this campground. Some curvey roads to get to it. Has historic mill and plenty of river places to fish and play. Canoe floats available. We had several family's camping and had taken almost a whole loop. We had everything from tent campers to large motor homes," explains Cathy S. about Harveys Circle B Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds feature tight curves and hills. "The highway to get here is narrow, winding, and hilly! But it's worth the trip," cautions Joel R. about traveling to Alley Spring Campground with RVs.
Level sites vary by location: RVers should research specific site conditions before arrival. "The electric sites are in the center of the campground on the road with no shade," notes Joel R. about Round Spring Campground, highlighting the tradeoff between hookups and shade.
Reservation requirements: Popular RV sites fill months in advance during peak season. "The only negative is that we have experienced are that you need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular," advises J K. about Echo Bluff State Park's campground.
