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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.
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.
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.
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.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (573) 323-4236.
$30 / night
The park features a primitive group/special-use camping area with a fire ring and restroom facilities. Call the park for information on how to reserve this area.
North Fork Recreation Area provides camping, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking and fishing access to the beautiful North Fork of the White River, which has a total of nine major springs flowing into it. Two of its largest springs are Big Springs and Blue Spring, which contribute some 18 million gallons of cold, clear water every day. North Fork Recreation Area serves as trailhead for the 35-mile long Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail and the Blue Spring Trail.
Twin Bridges Campground along Missouri’s North Fork River with canoe and kayak rentals. This campsite offers a variety of lodging options including: cabins and trailers that sleep up to twelve people, tent sites, RV Hookups and base camps for those canoe or kayak packing. They also offer rentals for canoes, kayaks, rafts, and even ATVs. Twin Bridges is a basecamp for backpackers heading into Mark Twain National Forest, as well as hunters and fisherman. Twin bridges offers a cafe, bar, community fire pit, and camp store.
$11 - $220 / night
Montauk State Park preserves a shady green retreat that offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fun, whether it is fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking or just relaxing with friends and family. Montauk State Park's campground offers basic and electric campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites. The park's store carries a variety of camping supplies.
Backcountry camping on Jacks Forks River
Gamaliel Campground is conveniently located on the Bennetts Bayou area of Norfork Lake. Most sites are shaded beneath tall trees, while others come equipped with canopies to shade the picnic tables. Norfork Lake boasts plenty of secluded coves for water sports and breezy, open stretches for sailing. There are 19 well-maintained Army Corps of Engineers parks along the lake for bountiful water sport opportunities.
Explore the mile-long nature trail that loops from the campground. Sailing the open waters makes for an exciting water activity. Scuba diving in the lake is common, attracting divers from neighboring U.S. states. For visitors interested in fishing, Norfork Lake is stocked annually, and it's not unheard of to catch striped bass over 40 pounds.
Norfork Lake stems from the North Fork River in northern Arkansas. It's about 25 miles east of Bull Shoals lake, and cuts through the Ozark Mountains. The Ozarks are made from a heavily eroded plateau, shaped and carved by hundreds of streams over thousands of years. The region attracts a wide array of plants and animals.
Head south to see the Ozark National Forest and head west to see Bull Shoals Lake, a similar man-made lake that's larger in size and equally entertaining as Norfork.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$50 / night
Scout
I'd seen a lot of great reviews for this campground, so I had high expectations when we arrived for a night in early November. We reserved a spot in the 900 loop, just to be safe - a few of the camping loops allow reservations, and the rest are walk in. The loop was very open, spaces all fully visible to each other. The bathrooms were locked for the season after 10/15.
Since things were pretty empty, we moved to the 500 loop, which was more tree covered, near the river, and next to the shower house, which was the one park bath open for the winter. Bathrooms and showers were clean, though no camp host was present the night we stayed.
We were the only people on the 500 loop, so it was fine, but again - sites VERY close together. Some picnic tables were less than 20 feet apart. The 600 loop was the only heavily occupied loop when were there, filled with campers, presumably because of the electric access.
This is a NPS campground, so its amenities tend to be fewer than many MO state parks. I have other parks in this area that have more scenic and private tent camping. Just on the other side of the river is the Alley spring and mill, which are lovely - and ironically, some of the picnic sites are more spacious than these tent sites. I wish we could camp on that side!
Guide
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
ScoutYou will love this campground. It's a beautiful rv resort next to the water. Step out of your rv and you will see some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the United States. Michael is the director of the campground and he is so very helpful and congenial. We travel to many states but this campground is our very favorite and if you like or love to fish, this is your place! Go see for yourselves and we will probably see you there!!
Wanda and Pete Shurow
LegendWe loved our stay at Blue Heron. We had a riverfront spot and really just came to chill not fish but it’s a fishing location. White river is trout paradise so if you’re an angler this is where it’s at. Campground was SUPER clean. Best level pads and hookups we’ve ever seen. Firewood and ice for sale. Everything was absolutely perfect except the road noise….which in all fairness we knew about. LOTS of noise. It died down after 8pm and before 8am and we couldn’t hear it in our camper so it’s was ok.
Legend
Decent campground with excellent trout fishing! The campground layout was kinda weird and the dump station was in an odd spot. However, we had a nice river front site that we really enjoyed. Lots of nice people in the campground and on the river. Be sure to visit the hatchery across the street. . Limited AT&T service. Individual Private suite style bathrooms. Playground. No store, no firewood for sale. Level sites. Several sites have covers over the picnic tables. .
Legend
Round Springs is a National Park campground. It’s about 12 miles north if Eminence MO on the Current River. There are only 50 sites, some have electricity. Most of the campsites are scattered along the road with lots of trees and privacy. The electric sites are in the center of the campground on the road with no shade. There are few walk in sites near the river. There is a shower and dump station.
LegendAlley Springs is a Natural Park campground. It’s located right on the Jacks Fork River just a few miles west of Eminence MO. The highway to get here is narrow, winding, and hilly! But it’s worth the trip.
There are 260 campsites some have electricity. Also a dump station. Sites are level, with shade. The campground is located on the flood plane, heavy rain may cause flooding and evacuation!
Legend
I’ve been coming to the Current River area for over 60 years, before the National Scenic Riverways, when Round Springs, Alley Springs, Big Springs, and Montauk were all state parks. They were great places for camping, swimming in the Current River, and canoeing. This new State Park at Echo Bluff is everything I would eliminate from a campground. Sites are packed close together, everything is concrete. No privacy, no shade , no natural beauty. A big modern lodge, cabins and townhouses. I made reservations for two weeks expecting a state park experience. Sorely disappointed! We left early. The staff mostly didn’t bother us. But we watched the cop that sat along the road partway down a steep hill almost every day and gave out tickets for exceeding the 20 mph limit. Showers/bathrooms were new, but not centrally located. Probably would not go back.
Traveler
Well kept state park and trout hatchery. Recently upgraded electric in campground 4, which was nice. Each campground has its own host, which is great when you need it. I hung out with friends in a basic group site, too, and there was plenty of room and a nice setting (site 116). Food at the lodge was better than anticipated and friends in the cabins had no major complaints either.
Traveler
Spent 3 nights here and the area is beautiful! The mill and springs are soothing and crystal clear. The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in. Great spot if you are in the area. A few people on the river fishing and kayaking but no other campers that we saw while there.
ScoutThis is our 5-6 year to stay here. Over the years, we have seen so many b improvements to this area.. it’s always a great time. Michael, the host, is just an all around great guy. We are looking forward to our next stay
Legend
Very small park. Restaurant and store are Nextdoor. Spots are large. We were the only campers in the park.
Traveler
Log yard is a Backwoods camping area on the current river. 4 wheel drive is recommended. You have to cross a creek to get to this location. If the weather moves in. It would be wise to pack up and move out while you can. If the creek comes up, you may not be able to cross it again. There is one good established campsite at this location and 2 not so good ones. The area changes after a flood, and the campsites have to be reestablished. There is a boat ramp at this location that is a favorite hang out of the locals. They will drink, play loud music, and leave trash lay around. This stretch of the current is 25-hp boat territory. There will be boat traffic on the river on the weekends. Log yard is part of the Ozark scenic river ways, which is FEDERAL LAND. You may have an encounter with a forest ranger at this campsite. If you do, they will ask for your info and have you establish a Backwoods campsite. Be respectful and don't upset the Rangers. They don't play in the Ozark scenic river ways. This camp is beautiful and wild. NO CELL SERVICE. If you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd. They reintroduced elk in this area a few years ago. Get out and enjoy what Missouri has to offer
Scout
Most peaceful place to stay. You are surrounded by mountains, wildlife, birds, eagles, deer, geese and the confluence of the White & Norfork River is at the end of driveway. Norfork Lake is just a few miles away. Love the Pavilion, fire pit and corn hole!
Traveler
Super friendly people, very accommodating. They offered to help us hookup when we arrived, so sweet, and specially since we are new to this. Gave us advice about where to eat around town. The site was nice and shady. The bath house was excellent - very nice showers and bathrooms, very clean, very private. Such a family feel. Very good value for the price! Thanks for an excellent stay. Would stay here again if we ever return to the area.
TravelerThe scenery of this dispersed camping area is definitely a five star for the area. Nice view and access to the Current River. Plenty of stars out at night. There is an area of more traditional campground spaces you come across first but the dispersed style spots are further down the road. There’s still a $10/night fee. Even though there are fire rings all along the rocky beach, locals use this area as a boat launch and park their trucks and trailers in the camping areas. The campers who came in late on our last night destroyed the peaceful ambiance; loud kids running all over and pulling branches down from living trees, loud music past quiet hours and most running generators. That downgraded my rating from five stars overall. This would be a great place midweek or off season but definitely not going back during peak times due to the discourteous people.
ScoutWe stay at Blue Heron 3-4 times a year and love it! Excellent concrete pads with easy back-in markings for RVs. Great cement patio so there is no mud in case of rain. Each site has its own fire pit and 2 chairs. All the sites are great, but the river sites provide a nice cool breeze off the water!
Scout
Even though their website says they have tent camping they DO NOT
TravelerPretty campground with river access and accessible restrooms. Showers were a little far from our loop. I wish the sites had tent pads as it was hard to find a flat spot to place the tent and several holes in the terrain. There is NO cell signal, so I highly recommend you take a weather radio. I wish we had.
GuidePositives: Tranquil little campground with beautiful spring and cave. Quiet, shady, has two points of river access, group sites, and steaming hot showers. Close to Echo Bluff State Park, Current River State Park, and Eminence, MO.
Negatives: Test sites are hit or miss. Sites 1-18 are fairly small and not very level. Sites 19-29 have larger, more level areas. 30-39 are kind of mixed. Many sites have steps up of down to the site from the road. 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.
Other info: 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.
Cave tours are available June - Oct., but even if you visit is outside of this window, the walk to the cave is kind of magical.
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.
Bathrooms available on the upper camping loop, but the showers are located on the bottom loop (three family style showers). Fantastic water pressure.
Host was friendly even when he had to tell us we couldn't hang hammocks in National Park campgrounds.
While you're there drive down to Alley Spring for a nice hike, another beautiful spring and historic mill, and at the camp store you can get a National Parks Passport stamp (located in the screened in porch) for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
We stayed in site 13 which is located directly behind the bathrooms. Good if you have to go all the time, bad if you don't like to hear loud toilet flushes. Very shady site.
TravelerLove tent camping! Secluded and shaded. I want a few years back and it was lovely can’t wait to see if there have been updates!
RangerAverage space between sites. Level paved sites with gravel picnic area including picnic table, fire ring, lantern hanger. Some sites had covered picnic area. Limited shade, most sites don’t have trees. Good access to sites. Clean and private bathrooms. Each room had its own lockable bathroom with toilet, sink and shower. Garbage cans were outside of bathrooms, as well as dumpsters near the registration building. Friendly staff upon check in. Campground was patrolled regularly. No laundry or recycling. Nearby road with little road noise. Verizon cell signal was excellent. There is a dump station and potable fill station. No store or food for purchase on site. No hiking in campground, but multiple trails nearby. Boat ramp at campground and lots of wading fly fishing in river. Fish hatchery across from campground.
TravelerWe celebrated a birthday with family and friends at Blue Heron - we traveled from Texas. What a GREAT place. Beautiful views - so many amenities - they have everything you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Can’t wait to return and stay in one of the riverfront cabins. SO nice. Cheryl and Michael were so helpful and made sure our trip was one for the books.
ScoutWe stayed in a riverfront site. It was perfect access to bank fishing and the boat ramp. The entire property including our site was very clean, well kept and attractive.
Michael was great to work with and very attentive to any need we had.
I would gladly recommend this property to anyone wanting to camp by a great trout stream in a beautiful setting.
TravelerEcho Bluff State Park is nestled in the heart of Missouri's Ozarks. This natural haven offers a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park boasts a stunning blend of scenic beauty, recreational activities, and comfortable amenities.
The first thing that strikes you about Echo Bluff State Park is its breathtaking natural beauty. The towering bluffs, dense forests, and the pristine Sinking Creek that meanders through the park create a picturesque landscape that's a joy to explore. Hiking trails like the Signal Hill Trail and Current River Trail offer hikers stunning vistas and the chance to encounter local wildlife.
For those looking to relax, the park offers a range of options. The modern campground facilities are well-maintained and provide all the comforts of home, while the cozy cabins offer a rustic yet comfortable escape. The Echo Bluff Lodge is a standout feature, offering a beautiful setting for meals and relaxation with its panoramic views of the park.
One of the highlights of Echo Bluff State Park is its accessibility to the Current River. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are popular activities, and the park provides easy access to the river. It's also a designated Missouri Trout Park, making it a paradise for anglers.
In conclusion, Echo Bluff State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful getaway. Its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and comfortable accommodations make it a must-visit destination in Missouri. Whether you're an avid hiker, a water sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, Echo Bluff has something to offer everyone.
ScoutFirst, the park hosts were so friendly, helpful and hard working. They kept everything spotless! Bathrooms and showers were a 10. Grounds were a 10. Location and surroundings were gorgeous. Sites were spacious and there’s not a “bad” site in the whole park. It was Peaceful and quiet at night. We walked through the walk in tent camping area and it was amazing. Sites were big, private and spread out through the woods with wooden platforms. Path through the area was gravel and very well maintained. The Betty Lea Lodge was close and had an awesome store and gift shop. We will definitely be back!
Guide
Some people showed up for day use, but the sites were empty. Totally alone with a gorgeous lake.
If you're looking for a great spot to camp with your furry friends near West Plains, Missouri, there are several welcoming options that cater to pet owners. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors while ensuring your pets have a fantastic time too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near West Plains, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near West Plains, MO is Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 4.6-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near West Plains, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 103 dog-friendly camping locations near West Plains, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
