Went during opening weekend for hunting. But there was enough space it didn't feel crowded at all. We really enjoyed the hiking trail.
Place was fine and well kept. Convenient store and pool and playground were nice. Went on a holiday weekend so I expected it to be crowded. Didnt expect such small tent sites so close together. If it isn't crowded not a big deal.
We tent camped on the island for 2 nights. It was awesome, you can fish right off the bank of your own private island within in minutes of waking up. Not as secluded as the other survivor tent site but really fantastic place. Had a restroom on the island, big plus for a family with 5 little ones. Some of the amenities were closed cause of the covid but a great place we will be coming back too.
We stayed at the Big Spring Campground for a quick weekend away. Only 2.5 hr drive for us. The Big Spring is really an impressive sight.
The NPS Staff was very friendly and did not mind all my questions about the park or spring or wildlife. They had a presentation in the Amphitheater while we were there but missed it cause the kids were just enjoying running around so much.
Short hikes on some maintained sand trails from the campgrounds to the river. I regretted not bringing my water shoes for the river, rock bottom.
The whole place looked well maintained, some of the back campsites possibly under renovation. We were in the 400 loop and they had new fire rings with gravel pads around them installed recently.
Plenty of deadfall to collect for firewood which was great since you cannot bring in your own firewood.
Was a great secluded tent camp site. Liked that they had wagons to help haul our gear to the site. Family of 7 so we have plenty of stuff to haul. Was a really fun time. Spent lots of it in the water and got to see some wild horses so that was exciting.
My family stayed in the African Treehouse Lodge. It was a great weekend getaway. The kids loved that the upstairs was up a ladder and running across the swinging rope bridge. The playground has a zipline that all the kiddos had a blast using. We were able to "rent" for free a couple of movies from the office and the staff was really friendly and helpful. The trails made for a good afternoon family walk. Some trails were more cleared out than other but the variety is a plus in my book. They are not overly long trails but still very enjoyable. They have plenty of RV sites and some cabins and treehouses. Me and my wife will be coming back to one of the couples only treehouses for sure! There are not a lot of tent sites and they are all in one crowded area with little seclusion or cover but this place is clearly more geared to the RV's and Cabin getaways. Would be great for family reunions or family trips to the Branson area.
Went tent camping with the family (6 of us ages 1-33) during the offseason. Just a beautiful place. Kids had a blast.