Ozark National Scenic Riverways was established in 1964 as the first national park area created to protect a river system. It follows about 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers — clear, cold, spring-fed water flowing past bluffs, caves and some of the largest springs in the country. For RVers, it’s a slower, quieter Ozarks, built around floating, swimming and campfire nights.
National Park Service campgrounds
Big Spring
Big Spring Campground near Van Buren sits beside one of the largest springs in the United States, with Civilian Conservation Corps–era buildings and some electric sites.
Alley Spring
Alley Spring on the Jacks Fork is home to the iconic red Alley Spring Mill, built in the 1890s, and is a short drive from Eminence.
Round Spring
Round Spring on the upper Current along Highway 19 is a classic float put-in with a collapsed-cave spring basin near camp.
Developed campgrounds in the park are reservable on Recreation.gov, typically up to six months ahead.
State parks nearby
- Montauk State Park near Salem protects the springs that form the Current River’s headwaters and is one of Missouri’s classic trout parks.
- Echo Bluff State Park near Eminence is one of Missouri’s newest state parks, with a modern lodge and campground beneath a dramatic bluff.
Things to do
- Float the rivers: outfitters in Eminence, Van Buren and along Highway 19 rent canoes, kayaks and tubes with shuttles.
- Visit the springs: Big Spring, Alley Spring and Round Spring are all easy walks from parking areas.
- Look for wild horses: free-roaming herds live in Shannon County near Eminence and are protected by federal law.
- Trout fishing: at Montauk and on designated stretches of the upper Current.
Driving and logistics
Highways 19, 106 and 60 connect the river towns. They’re two-lane, hilly and curvy, with some long grades — manageable for most RVs at moderate speeds. Many river accesses use gravel roads, and cell service is spotty in the hollows, so download maps before you go.
When to go
Late spring through early fall is prime floating season. Spring brings higher water and wildflowers; September and October offer warm days, cool nights and fewer crowds. Many park campground loops reduce services in winter.
Current River RV FAQ
Can you RV camp on the Current River?
Yes. Big Spring, Alley Spring and Round Spring campgrounds in Ozark National Scenic Riverways accept RVs and offer some electric sites. Montauk and Echo Bluff state parks are nearby options.
Where is the best campground on the Jacks Fork River?
Alley Spring Campground, near the famous red mill and a short drive from Eminence, is the most popular RV-friendly campground on the Jacks Fork.
Do I need reservations?
Reservations through Recreation.gov are strongly recommended for summer weekends and holidays.
Details change — always confirm hookups, rates, site lengths and seasonal closures directly with the campground before you go. Some links may be affiliate links; see our disclosure.
