Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park Headquarters (No Visitor Center) — Local services in Van Buren

Blue Spring/Big Springs

Blue spring was one of the most beautiful springs in the area. If you're going to drive there pay special attention to the roads. If you go up 106 from Eminence you go past the bridge about 2 miles up on the right you will see a sign that says Blue Spring trail head. This is the trail head and ALSO the spring entrance. Turn onto that road and at the fork go right towards the trail head. Start walking down the trail from the parking lot(yes there are restrooms in the parking lot) you've got a bit of a hike first you come to a fork in the trail to the right shows hiking, go left. The trail is a bit rough and can be muddy and you have to step across a small creek stepping stones are in place but be prepared to get your feet wet if some needs assistance across. Once you arrive it is incredibly beautiful. Bug spray is a must, Absorine Junior worked great to repel the nats. Lots of ticks up there this year also. One of the bluest springs there. ENJOY!

Big Springs

If your going to Big Springs be advised the bridge is out and will be under construction for most of the 2019 season they said. You cannot enter through the main park entrance. But, if you are coming up the road near the park from the highway (Winona way) there is a church on the left, turn before the church onto a paved road it will take you into the park. Just sharing this because there were no signs explaining this to use we had to ask the construction crews in the area. Big Springs is amazing and huge. Gorgeous pictures. Beware of the bugs bring repellant, restroom are nice and clean handicapped parking. Grounds are nicely maintained and the walk from the parking lot is a short distance and easy. Picnic tables and benches around...

The land, scenery, and a lot of the people were awesome, but...so disappointed by how commercial everything has become... The Landing was by far totally outrageous on prices. 100.00 for a raft rental! Seems no matter where you go if you're not rich you can't have any fun. Eventually we came to a place that had the most friendly older man that was a campground host...he told us about an affordable camp that was right on the current! Beautiful spot, yet another saga...handful of sites $5. Sweet! Set up camp have a great night float all the next day in a expensive canoe...only one we saw on the river...mostly motor boats flying through like nobody else was there! Since when is it OK to have Morons running up and down the river when there's umpteen people, children, floating all over! It was ridiculous. Van Buren has changed to the point we won't be back...got back to the site only to be told that the one site we picked was not 5 dollars like the rest of the site's it was 30 for two nights! Needless to say pulled up tent and pulled it to next site. Not coming back...but we will find another place on the current because I love that river...

I love this wilderness area. I frequently visit for canoe trips down the upper Current River and upper Jacks Fork River. While there are several approved concessioners from which to choose, Two Rivers Canoe Rental is my preferred choice for single day or multi-day float trips.

But canoeing isn't the only choice. The area is great for hiking, horseback riding, and seeing wild life. I've seen deer, Great Blue herons, ibis, muskrat, otter, ducks, turtles, bald eagle, and wild horses along the rivers. There are several large springs including some in caves as well as in the open to see unique habitats.

One can primitive camp on gravel bars along the river or at any of the several Natonal Park Service campgrounds with restrooms, fire pits, and poles to keep trash or food bags out of the reach of animals, as well as hot showers. There is a fee for the NPS campsites, but it's a great value and the sites are patrolled by rangers for safety and to limit disturbances during quiet hours.

This is a hidden gem in the crown of the NPS and a great place for solo visitors, ...