Bay Creek Campground

Open

Basic Information

Stretched along the edge of the Jacks Fork River, this campground is the largest backcountry campground in the park. In contrast to nearby Alley Spring, this location offers mostly shaded sites. Each summer, campers are drawn back to Bay Creek by cool waters and lush canopy.

In addition to the lovely landscape, the adjacent river is a fantastic place to see wildlife, from Bald Eagles to White-Tailed Deer. Campers, floaters, and hunters all make consistent use of Bay Creek.

TOTAL SITES: 11

Electric Hookups: 0

RV Only: 0

Tent Only: 0

Walk to/Boat to: 0

Group: 0

Horse: 0

Other: 0

Campground Features

Amenities

Cell Phone Reception

No

Internet Connectivity

No

Trash/Recycling Collection

No

Food Storage Lockers

No

Camp Store

No

Ice for Sale

No

Firewood for Sale

No

Staff On Site

No

Amphitheater

No

Laundry

No

Dump Station

No

Potable Water

No Water

Fire/Stove Policy

Fires are permitted in designated fire rings and grills. Visit our camping regulations page for other policies regarding fires, stoves, and lanterns: https://www.nps.gov/ozar/learn/management/camping-regulations.htm

Toilet Types

• Vault Toilets - year round

Shower Types

• None

Operating Hours & Seasons

• Every Day:Open 24 hours

Bay Creek Campground is typically open throughout the year. The campground may be temporarily closed during/after flooding or storms.

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Weather

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located in southeast Missouri. Summer temperatures generally range from 75-100 degrees with high humidity. Winter temperatures generally range from 0-50 degrees with periods of intermittent freezing and snow.

Fees

Standard Site

Nightly fee for standard sites starting April 15, 2025.

$10.00

Contact Information & Directions

Email Address

Send this campground an email
Email us for questions about park campgrounds and their regulations.

Phone number (Voice)

[phone]
This number will reach Big Spring Entrance Station.

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 490
Van Buren, MO 63965

Physical Address

County Road 106-425
Summersville, MO 65571

Directions

Starting in Eminence, drive west on Highway 106. After about 9.7 miles, turn left onto County Road 106-425. Stay straight on the main path as it heads into the woods. Follow the gravel road for just over 2 miles, until it runs into Bay Creek. This route requires driving on gravel roads for about 2 miles.

Directions Details

Additional Information & Regulations

Cell Phone Additional Information

Cell service is generally unreliable. Connectivity depends on carrier and location within the campground.

Regulations

Visit our Camping Regulations page for rules governing quiet hours, generators, fires, hammocks, and more.

More about regulations

Reservations

Backcountry campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Starting on April 15, 2025, backcountry sites will require fees year-round. Payment will only be possible through the "Scan & Pay" system, via the recreation.gov app. Visitors should download the app and set up their account prior to arrival.

Image Gallery

A car and tent occupy a campsite surrounded by trees.

A heavily shaded campsite opens up into a bright, grassy field.

A concrete restroom building next to an accessible parking pad.

A shaded campsite right next to the water's edge.

A grassy campsite surrounded by trees.

A grassy clearing with a shaded campsite in the background.

Some campsites are further apart than others, allowing for a higher degree of privacy than developed campgrounds.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

Bay Creek Campground offers basic amenities and plenty of shade.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

An accessible restroom can be found near the campground entrance.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

Scenes like this makes it obvious why so many campers return to Bay Creek in summer.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

A few sites at Bay Creek are further from the river, offering wide and grassy sites.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

Most sites at Bay Creek Campground offer partial or full shade.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

Accessibility Information

ADA Information - The bathroom facility is accessible with an accessible parking space. Otherwise, there are no ADA camp sites within this campground. For nearby accessible campsites, please visit Alley Spring Campground instead.

Wheelchair Access - Apart from the restroom building, this area is not wheelchair accessible.

RV & Trailer Information - RVs and trailers are allowed as specified in our campground regulations.

RV Allowed - Yes

Trailer Allowed - Yes

Classification - This campground is a limited development campground.