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Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites

Missouri · National Park Service

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Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites will be reservable in advance beginning October 1st, 2025. If calling the Recreation.gov Call Center to make your reservation, please state the campsite you are wanting to reserve is in the “Lower Current District” of Ozark National Scenic Riverways and then state the campground and site number. Please download the Recreation.gov app before starting your journey to the backcountry sites, as cell service can be limited or simply non existent in these remote areas of the park. Within Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a "backcountry campground" refers to campgrounds with some basic amenities, but not as many as developed campgrounds. All backcountry sites have picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and vault toilets. These campgrounds may have fewer amenities, but they are some of the most beautiful locations in the park. Certain sites are located right on the river's edge, allowing quick water access. Some sites are far away from other campers, giving you a chance to enjoy natural peace and quiet. If you crave a camping experience that is off the beaten path, these are the sites for you! Keep in mind that these campgrounds are often harder to reach due to their location. Most backcountry sites require driving down gravel roads. Some roads are unsuitable for vehicles with low clearance. Horse camping is not allowed within ONSR. Trail riders who desire to camp should contact local campgrounds with stables. Day trail riders can park horse trailers during daylight hours at Shawnee Staging Area and Broadfoot Staging Area.The Current River flows past the campground, offering excellent canoeing, tubing, swimming and fishing. Over 130 miles (209 km) of waterways exist within the park. Canoe and kayak rentals and outfitters can be found nearby. Several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails crisscross the region, include the Alley Overlook Trail, Chubb Hollow Trail, Ozark Trail, Cave Spring Trail and Big Springs Trail. For facility specific information, please call (573) 561-0580.These campgrounds have vault toilets available. Picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts are provided. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers and some 80,000 acres of river, forest, open field and glade environments. Riparian habitats are a major component of the park. Typified by sycamores, maples, cottonwoods and willows, floodplain forests line the rivers. These provide habitat for

Directions

BIG TREE: Physical Address NPS Road 219 Kelly Township, MO 63965 Directions Big Tree Campground is located roughly 20 minutes south of Van Buren, MO. Starting in Van Buren, take Highway 60 south to Highway 103. Turn southeast onto 103, then follow that road for roughly 4 miles. Next, turn south onto Highway Z. Follow Highway Z for about 7.5 miles, then turn east onto a gravel road. Follow this road for about a half mile, at which point it will dead-end into Big Tree Campground. This route requires driving on gravel roads for about 1/2 mile. CLUBHOUSE: Physical Address NPS Road 107 Kelly Township, MO 63965 Directions Clubhouse Campground can be found at the end of County Road 60-221, in Carter County, MO. From Ellsinore, drive about 6.5 miles west on Highway 60. From there, turn west onto State Highway ZZ. Drive 1 mile to the bend of Highway ZZ, where it intersects with County Road 60-221. From there, follow the county road south for about 4.75 miles. The campground is located near the bottom of a hill, along the Current River. This route requires driving on gravel roads for almost 5 miles. Some areas are steep. GRUBB: Physical Address NPS Road 223 Kelly Township, MO 63965 Directions Grubb Campground is located roughly 30 minutes south of Van Buren, MO. Starting in Van Buren, drive west on Highway 60 for about 5 miles. Then, turn south onto State Highway C. Follow Highway C for 7 miles, then turn left onto State Highway F (intersection in Eastwood). Drive down Highway F for ro

Location

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Details

State
Missouri
City / area
—
Agency
National Park Service
Parent area
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Campsites
28
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$10–$25 / night
Rating
3.12 / 5 (8 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
Tent, RV, Trailer, Pop up

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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