Ozark Riverfront Campground, near Van Buren, Missouri, is a fantastic spot for those who love water activities and a lively atmosphere. Located right off the Current River, it’s perfect for tubing and floating, with local companies ready to help you get on the water.

The campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, many shaded by trees, making it a comfortable place to set up camp. Visitors have mentioned the convenience of having a communal bathroom and showers, although it can get busy on weekends. As one camper noted, “The little store where you check in is so convenient for anything you may have forgotten,” which is a nice touch for those who might need a last-minute snack or gear.

For those looking to unwind after a day of adventure, the campground hosts karaoke on Saturday nights, creating a fun community vibe. You can also enjoy the nearby Big Spring State Park for more camping options and scenic views. Just a heads up, the area can get crowded, especially during peak season, but that just adds to the lively spirit of the place. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Ozark Riverfront Campground has plenty to offer for a memorable outdoor experience.

Ozark Riverfront Campground

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Van Buren. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Missouri camping adventure.

Van Buren

The Best Camping Near Van Buren, Missouri

We've stayed here for 3 of our Current River float trips.  I LOVE THIS CAMPGROUND!!  The tent sites are great, the ground is wonderful and not rocky. It's very well maintained.  The little store where you check in is so convenient for anything you may have forgotten...and the staff is friendly and helpful!!  You can even have pizza delivered to your site, and are within walking distance to an ice cream shop, yet you don't feel like you're out of town.  It's right on the river and next to the float check in area.  The bathrooms and showers are clean.  There is just so much convenience it's crazy.  And 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!  I honestly wish I could live here for the summer.  

Current River Campground

If you are a fish or amphibious in anyway this is the area to vacation! Primitive well maintained campsites, I also saw campers with generators. BYOB, etc. and spotty cell phone coverage, best way to get away! Water sports galore! 

Must love water

Campground review:  As always, the staff at the campground are awesome and helpful. We had a site very close to the entrance/store/showers this time.  It was wonderful coming off of the river and being just steps away from our tent!  I've decided that while I love the Saturday karaoke, I really like camping here on Sundays when it's quieter and less crowded. ----------------------------------------------------------Gear Review: As a Dyrt Ranger, I also get products to review and test in the field.  I tested the "Sleep Under the Stars Pack" by Lightspeed Outsoors.  The pack included a queen size air mattress, two inflatable pillows, and a pump.  The mattress inflated in just a couple of minutes.  It is thinner than my air mattress that I usually use, so I was skeptical.  It seems to have some support that normally isn't there.  It's pretty firm!  The two of us and our dog slept comfortably on it all night, although we preferred to use our actual pillows.  Paw prints wiped off easily, and it deflated in a snap!  I can't wait until we get to use it again!  

Ranger Review: Sleep Under the Stars Pack from Lightspeed Outdoors at Current River Campground

**Van Buren**, MO is in the midst of to the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. This whole area is party central for water lovers that spend their vacation time either motoring, floating or sitting along the Current River and the several natural springs that feed into it. 

_Big Spring State Park_ is nearby with plenty of camping options. The campground is still under renovation due to the 2017 flood. There is a showerhouse used by all that is a bit cryptic and bug infested. There is one flush toilet in the first campground loop, the other two loops have porta pots. Picnic table, fire ring and lantern hook on semi-private, mostly level sites. Some have more shade then others. Also a group site is available. 

_Skyline Drive_ is the scenic roadway through the _Mark Twain National Forest_ in this area of the state. There are several areas that people camp on the Current River sand bars. If your looking to commune with nature it is possible even with the crowd, they stick mostly to the river.

Eminence, MO is the crossroads to several of the springs and Current River areas. Food , fuel and shopping.

Definitely a destination camping area.

Aqua central!

Right off the Current River, walking distant to downtown Van Buren. This campground coordinates pickups for if you want to tube the river with one of the local companies or you can have a local shuttle take you to the bar and Karaoke across the river. The area for campers and RVs are leveled with gravel but has ample shade trees but sites are pretty close. The tent area is grassy with shade trees as well and the sites are closer towards the river. The park has one communal bathroom which can get pretty busy on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Photos of Ozark Riverfront Campground

Real photos from real campers