Big Spring
Van Buren, MO
One of the largest springs in the US, pouring out of a bluff base into the Current River. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the stone cabins and dining lodge nearby.
Big Spring is a giant spring in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri, about 4 miles (6 km) downstream from Van Buren in Carter County. Its water flows about 1,000 feet (300 m) before joining the Current River. Mean discharge is about 470 cubic feet per second (13 cubic meters), with a minimum of about 236 cfs. That makes it one of the largest springs in the United States and the world, the largest in the Ozark region and the second-largest tributary of the Current River.
The spring is part of the Big Spring Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. The National Park Service manages the visitor facilities.
Time-sensitive (as of October 2026, per NPS alerts): paving work is under way in the park in summer 2026, including at Big Spring; roads and loops may close temporarily. All campgrounds must be reserved through recreation.gov. During winter deer hunts the campground and trails were recently closed at times, while the spring and boat ramp stayed open.
- Nearest town
- Van Buren, MO
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.9530, -90.9920
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Big Spring CampgroundsCampsite1 mi from Big Spring
- Gooseneck CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Big Spring
- Horseshoe Float CampCampsite20 mi from Big Spring
- Barn Hollow Float CampCampsite20 mi from Big Spring
- White Creek Float CampCampsite20 mi from Big Spring
- Shawnee Creek CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Big Spring
All campsites in Missouri · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Big Spring?
Big Spring is in Van Buren, MO, at GPS 36.9530, -90.9920. It is about 24 mi from Eminence.
Can you camp near Big Spring?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Big Spring Campgrounds, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Big Spring?
Big Spring is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Missouri Ozark springs and shut-ins and Spring pools, gravel bars and granite domes – by camper through Missouri’s Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
What is there to see near Big Spring?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rocky Falls (15 mi), Alley Spring and Mill (28 mi), Round Spring (32 mi) and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park (41 mi).
When is the best time to visit Big Spring?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)