Big Tree Campground

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Basic Information

Big Tree is home to 7 campsites: 6 standard and 1 cluster. These sites are all located right along the river, making for a beautiful destination. Throughout the year, campers can enjoy views of the Current River, easy swimming access, and a variety of scenic ecosystems.

TOTAL SITES: 7

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

Big Tree 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

Fee for standard sites starting April 15, 2025.

$10.00

Cluster Site

Fee for cluster sites starting April 15, 2025.

$25.00

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

NPS Road 219
Kelly Township, MO 63965

Directions

Big Tree Campground is located roughly 20 minutes south of Van Buren, MO. Starting in Van Buren, take Highway 60 south to Highway 103. Turn southeast onto 103, then follow that road for roughly 4 miles. Next, turn south onto Highway Z. Follow Highway Z for about 7.5 miles, then turn east onto a gravel road. Follow this road for about a half mile, at which point it will dead-end into Big Tree Campground. This route requires driving on gravel roads for about 1/2 mile.

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 sunny, grassy campsite along a river.

A picnic table and fire ring sit empty, with a blue river in the background.

Two trees part to show a beautiful blue river, with lush green trees in the back.

A wide, blue river with lush green trees along the hillside.

A concrete vault toilet building along the edge of a forest.

A limited development campsite under dappled shade.

A picnic table right along the water's edge.

A campground with dirt and grass. Trees hang overhead.

Big Tree Campground offers dappled shade, with a mix of trees and open space.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

Big Tree offers stunning campsites right along the Current River.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

The Current River is the heart of Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

Big Tree provides easy river access, perfect for swimming on a hot summer day.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

Big Tree, like other backcountry campgrounds, offers a vault toilet year-round.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

Some campsites offer more shade and privacy than others.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

Some sites have unobstructed views of the Current River.
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

Some campsites are better for large vehicles.
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 Big 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.