Ozark National Scenic Riverways

About Ozark

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.

Hours

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.

Weather

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located in southeastern Missouri. Summer temperatures generally range from 75-100 degrees (°F) with high humidity. Winter temperatures generally range from 0-50 (°F) degrees with periods of intermittent freezing and snow. Periods of excessive heat are typical in summer, while heavy rains or flooding can occur throughout the year. Be sure to plan accordingly when camping, hiking, or floating.

Things to do

Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Birdwatching, Boating, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Canoeing, Car or Front Country Camping, Caving, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Freshwater Swimming, Front-Country Hiking, Gathering and Foraging, Gift Shop and Souvenirs, Group Camping, Guided Tours, Hiking, Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Hunting and Gathering, Junior Ranger Program, Kayaking, Motorized Boating, Paddling, Park Film, Playground, RV Camping, River Tubing, Scenic Driving, Shopping, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Stargazing, Swimming, Tubing, Wildlife Watching.