One of the largest springs in the United States, and by far the largest in the Ozarks, pouring out an average of 289 million gallons a day from water that travels underground from as far as 45 miles away. It sits about four miles south of Van Buren at the end of Route 103, inside the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Big Spring was a state park from 1924 until 1969, when Missouri gave it to the National Park Service, and the Civilian Conservation Corps built its dining lodge and cabins in the 1930s. The campground takes tents and RVs, with electric hookups in the 200 loop (no water or sewer hookups; there’s a dump station). Sites are by reservation only, through Recreation.gov or (877) 444-6777, up to six months ahead: $20 a night for a standard site and $30 with electric from April 15 to October 15, less in winter. Two picnic shelters, Big Spring Shelter by the spring and Peavine Shelter by the campground, can be reserved the same way. An accessible walkway leads to the spring, the Slough Trail nearby is wheelchair accessible, and rangers give campfire programs on summer weekend evenings. The lodge and CCC cabins are closed for renovation.
- Where
- End of Route 103, south of Van Buren, MO
- Phone
- (573) 323-4236
Verify before relying on this. Hours, fees, access, and regulations change — check with the park, area, or venue directly before a trip. Something out of date? Let us know.
