About Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a river system. The Current and Jacks Fork rivers are two of the finest floating rivers found anywhere. Spring-fed, cold and clear: they are a delight to canoe, swim, boat, or fish. Besides these two famous rivers, the park is home to hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, trails, and historic sites such as Alley Mill.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
Generally, the park grounds are open 24-hours a day throughout the year. Some visitor centers will have different hours depending on season and staff availability. Likewise, certain roads, trails, or river access points may be seasonally closed.
Activities
Getting There
Visitor centers can be found at the following locations: Big Spring Entrance Station - 3 miles south of Van Buren on Highway 103 Alley Mill & Store - 12185 Alley Hollow Road Round Spring Ranger Station - 13209 Round Spring Campground Rd Administrative offices for Ozark National Scenic Riverways are located at 404 Watercress Drive, Van Buren, MO 63965. This location does not offer a visitor center - tourists should instead go to the Big Spring Entrance Station.
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Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Round Spring Guided Cave Tour
Discover the amazing world beneath your feet! Round Spring Cave is considered the most spectacular cave within Ozark National Scenic…
Lantern tours take visitors through one wing of the Round Spring Cave, showing off features such as the "Tobacco Barn,"…
Fly Fishing Clinics
Join a local fly-fishing legend and learn the art of this gentle sport in a free workshop! Clinics are currently…
See the Wild Horses
Learn about how to safely view wild horses within Ozark National Scenic Riverways! This page contains information on viewing locations…
Whether they're running, playing, or simply feeding on grass, horses can be a majestic sight along the riverways.
Round Spring Loop Trail
Round Spring Loop Trail.
Refresh at Big Spring
Rejuvenate your mind and spirit at Big Spring while embracing the soothing water sounds.
Paws in the Park
Follow along as your dog takes the lead through the trails to new spaces.
Visitor Centers
Alley General Store
Alley General Store is part of the Alley historic community and features Ozark cultural exhibits, cooperating association merchandise sales, and an informational contact station. A…
Hours: Alley General Store is open from Memorial Day through the end of October. The store is closed during fall/winter.
Alley Mill
Alley Mill is located at Alley Spring. Rangers lead guided tours of the mill or answer questions at the front desk. The facility offers an…
Hours: Alley Mill is open daily during the summer season, typically from Memorial Day Weekend through the end of October.
Big Spring Entrance Station
Built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this station serves as a welcome center for Big Spring. Park literature, passport stamps, and information…
Hours: Big Spring Entrance Station is open 7 days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During the off season (fall and winter), it is closed on weekends and federal holidays.
Pulltite Ranger Station
NOTE: Pulltite Ranger Station will be closed for the 2026 season due to flood damage. Showers and restrooms will be available. Pulltite Ranger Station is…
Hours: Pulltite Ranger Station is open intermittently during the summer season, typically on weekend afternoons. However, there is no set schedule. The nearby camp store (concessioner-owned) is open most days in the summer. Visitors looking for interpretation, information, or directions should instead visit the Round Spring Ranger Station, about 15 minutes away.
Round Spring Ranger Station
Round Spring Ranger Station, located along the Current River, serves the upper third of Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This station offers park literature, trip planning…
Hours: Round Spring Ranger Station is open for visitation during the summer season. Keep in mind that the ranger station may briefly close when rangers perform tasks outside the building.
Campgrounds
Akers Group Campground
Group campsites, located at Akers Ferry. The campground is located north of the junction of Highway KK and Highway K.
Alley Spring Campground
Located on the banks of the Jacks Fork, Alley Spring is our park's largest campground. These sites are often packed in summer, and for good…
Bachers Campground
Found just downriver from Blue Spring, this campground is home to deep swimming holes and impressive bluffs. Like other campgrounds on the Jacks Fork, Bachers…
Bay Creek Campground
Stretched along the edge of the Jacks Fork River, this campground is the largest backcountry campground in the park. In contrast to nearby Alley Spring,…
Big Spring Campground
Big Spring Campground is located just south of Van Buren, Missouri. The campground offers a variety of sunny or shaded sites, all within walking distance…
Big Tree Campground
Big Tree is home to 7 campsites: 6 standard and 1 cluster. These sites are all located right along the river, making for a beautiful…
Blue Spring Campground
Located within a bend of the Jacks Fork River, Blue Spring Campground is a popular destination throughout the year. In summer, visitors can enjoy freshwater…
Broadfoot Campground
Broadfoot Campground is nestled between the Current River and a huge field. This location offers a mix of sunny and shady sites, all found right…
Cedar Grove Campground
Seated in the northwest corner of the park, Cedar Grove is popular for both recreation and camping. In summer, thousands of people swim or float…
Cedar Spring Campground
Tucked away on the lower Current River, Cedar Spring is one of the smallest campgrounds in the park. With only two sites, this location has…
Clubhouse Campground
Clubhouse Campground is nestled on the banks of the lower Current River. This remote campground is far off the beaten path, allowing for a rustic…
Dee Murray Campground
Found just across the river from Cedar Grove, Dee Murray is another popular location for both camping and recreation. In summer months, the nearby river…
Gooseneck Campground
Nestled on the park's southern boundary, Gooseneck Campground offers well-maintained sites right along the lower Current River. A small inlet provides a great space to…
Grubb Hollow Campground
Grubb Hollow Campground is located on the lower Current River, just across the water from Kelley Bluff. This campground offers a handful of sites right…
Jerktail Campground
On summer days, Jerktail is a bustling location for floating, swimming, and recreation. The Current River, huge gravel bars, deep swimming holes, and impressive bluffs…
Log Yard Campground
Log Yard Campground offers well-maintained campsites in the backcountry of Ozark National Scenic Riverways. On the nearby banks of the Current River, large gravel bars…
Powder Mill Campground
Powder Mill is a simple, sunny campground with activities for any time of year. The Current River, the Ozark Trail, and Highway 106 make exploration…
Pulltite Campground
Pulltite Campground is a developed campground. Campsites are nestled in the woods along the Current River, offering a classic campground feel with easy river access.
Round Spring Campground
Round Spring Campground hosts sites in and along the forest, offering a more quiet, intimate experience with nature. This location has easy access to Round…
Rymers Campground
As one of the smallest, most remote campgrounds in the park, Rymers is loved for its beautiful surroundings. Rymers also serves as a river access…
Shawnee Creek Campground
Located at the junction of Shawnee Creek and the Jacks Fork River, this campground is a fantastic destination for families. This campground offers a variety…
Sinking Creek Campground
Located conveniently off Highway 19, Sinking Creek Campground is extremely popular in summer. Each season, thousands of visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, floating, and more. A…
Two Rivers Campground
Two Rivers Campground is located at the confluence of the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers, at the end of V Highway off State Highway 106…
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