Upper Current District Backcountry Campsites

Overview

Upper 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 “Upper 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.

Recreation

The Current River flows past the campgrounds, offering excellent floating, fishing, and swimming. Over 130 miles (209 km) of waterways exists within the park. Canoe and kayak rentals and outfitters can be found nearby.

Several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails crisscross the region.

Facilities

The backcountry campgrounds have vault toilets available. Picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts are provided at each campsite.

Natural Features

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 Swainson's warblers, wood ducks, great blue herons and a wide variety of other species. As a significant karst resource, the park contains the world's largest collection of first magnitude springs. It also contains over 300 known caves, numerous sinkholes and losing streams.

The park also contains several "Missouri Natural Areas", parcels set aside due to their unique scenic beauty or scientific value.

Nearby Attractions

Round Spring Cave is nearby, with ranger-guided tours offered daily during summer months. Historic and picturesque Alley Mill and Alley Spring are also nearby. The mill is open daily in the summer and ranger-guided tours are available upon request.

Scenic Big Spring is the largest freshwater spring in North America and produces an outflow of 280 million gallons a day.