Round Spring Campground in the Ozark National Scenic Riverway provides glamping opportunities in Winona, Missouri with sites positioned along the Current River. The campground sits at 900 feet elevation in the southeastern Missouri Ozarks, where limestone formations create the unique blue-green springs that feed the river system. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F with high humidity, making riverside sites particularly desirable.
What to do
Cave exploration: tours available June-October at Round Spring Campground for $5 per person. "The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations," notes Marty C., who visited the formations during summer tours.
Float trips: shuttle service available daily from Pulltite Campground with departure times at 10am and 11am. "This campground is right on the Current River. You can rent a canoe right here at the store and the people are extremely friendly!" shares Tabby M. about the river access options.
Hiking: trail access to Ozark Trail via spring overlook path at Round Spring. "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," explains Lea B.
Wildlife viewing: dawn and dusk optimal for spotting wild horses near campgrounds. "We saw a bald eagle and a very curious little otter down by the river," reports Theresa H. about her spring camping trip.
What campers like
Spring-fed water clarity: visible underwater features at Two Rivers Backcountry Camping where the Current River flows. "The water is spring-fed and very clear and beautiful. Be sure to visit the nearby springs and sites of the recreational area. The springs are so deep blue and dramatic against the rocky cliffs," describes Jade G.
Secluded waterfront sites: private river access at many campgrounds. "We had a section of the river to ourselves and it was a large private spot," states Jade G. about their campsite location.
Modern facilities in natural settings: Montauk State Park combines wilderness with amenities. "This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities," explains J K. from Echo Bluff State Park, highlighting the range of accommodation options common throughout the region.
Evening entertainment: Saturday karaoke at Ozark Riverfront Campground during summer months. "The absolute best is that there is campground karaoke on Saturday nights when the sun goes down! I love how that gets the campground to gather and have some fun together!" shares Barbara L.
What you should know
Limited cell service: plan communications ahead in most river campgrounds. "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," advises Lea B. from Round Spring.
Flooding potential: check conditions May-July before arrival. "We spent four days at the park with friends during the higher rain and very high river. I have never seen the river through the park so high to the top of the banks," reports John K. from Sam A. Baker State Park.
Reservation requirements: book months ahead for summer weekends. "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," notes J K. about popular riverfront sites.
Bugs: prepare for gnats and mosquitoes from late spring through summer. "The campground had gnats, but we didn't get too many mosquitos so for that we were grateful," explains Tenley D. about Two Rivers.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly river access: shallow entry points at designated swimming areas. "This is a great place for kids. You can sit in the cool clear water and relax," recommends Kevin B. from Sam A. Baker State Park.
Nature programs: evening amphitheater shows scheduled throughout summer. "The host was great did a nice show at the amphitheater about the local area," shares Jeff A. about the ranger-led programs at Round Spring.
Biking opportunities: paved paths connect campground sections at Ozark Riverfront Campground. "Super park for great biking, hiking, river access, restaurant, great camp store. This park always has a lot of activities for the campers!" explains Jenny H. about the family-friendly options.
Off-site attractions: nearby springs within 10-20 minute drive from most campgrounds. "Go in the early morning to the spring trail to watch the mist roll off the water and enjoy the wildlife - so otherworldly," suggests Lea B. about the accessible natural features.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: research specific site numbers before booking. "Sites 1-18 are fairly small and not very level. Sites 19-29 have larger, more level areas," notes Lea B. about Round Spring's RV accommodations.
Water/electric connections: check for specific amp service as it varies by campground. "Full RV options. You can also rent modern hotel suite-style cabins and eat in the dining hall so you don't have to cook," mentions Dan N. from Montauk State Park about the range of services available.
Off-season advantages: greater site availability in spring and fall. "It was perfect in the off season. People were wonderful and you are right next to the water. Pickup for float trips is nice too," notes Douglas J. about Harveys Circle B Campground.
Shade considerations: newer campgrounds have less tree cover for parking. "The only other negative is that all of the campsites are out in the open with no shade," explains J K. about newer developed glamping areas in the region.
