National Scenic Riverways

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a National Scenic Riverways in Missouri. The NPS currently lists 4 active alerts (1 closure), 23 campgrounds and 5 visitor centers, and no entrance fee.

Missouri National Scenic Riverways No entrance fee America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated · NPS Data API

A rocky "shut-in" with a modest waterfall.
Rocky Falls in Summer · Photo: NPS Photo / Wil Marischen (via nps.gov)

About the park

“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.”

Active alerts

4

Closures

1

Campgrounds

23

Visitor centers

5

Current alerts and closures

4 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 1 closure, 0 danger, 1 caution and 2 information.

Closure

Round Spring Pavilion Parking Area Closed

The parking lot for the Round Spring Pavilion and for Round Spring itself is CLOSED for the remainder of 2026 while the low water bridge over Spring Valley Creek is rebuilt. Alternative parking near Round Spring Group Campsites 4-8 will provide trail access to the north side of Round Spring.

Posted or updated Sep 24, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Caution

River Ferry at Akers (on State Highway K) CLOSED until further notice

The Akers Ferry on State Highway K will not be in service until further notice.

Posted or updated Mar 5, 2024 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Information

Paving Work Ongoing Throughout the Park

Paving work is being done throughout Ozark National Scenic Riverways during the 2026 summer season, including at Alley Spring, Round Spring, Pulltite, and Big Spring. Watch here and on our park Facebook page for updates, as roads and campground loops may close and reopen depending on work progress.

Posted or updated Jul 9, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Information

Reservations Required for All Campgrounds

As of January 1, 2025, ALL developed campsites will be available through reservation ONLY. These include Pulltite, Round Spring, Alley Spring, Big Spring, Two Rivers, and Akers. Reservations must be made through recreation.gov (online or by calling).

Posted or updated Nov 12, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here.

Things to do

A brown sign up close on brown post with hiking emblem.
Photo: NPS Photo

A Detective in Nature

Unearth the secrets of nature with your own journey through Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

A yellow/orange canoe on a clear blue river with rock bluff in background
Photo: NPS Photo

A Paddler’s Paradise

Paddle or float on crystal clear waters within the river routes of the Ozark region.

Year-round Pets allowed

Paddling

See all 34 things to do in Ozark →

Activities the NPS lists for Ozark.

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBoatingMotorized BoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingCavingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingGuided ToursHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingHunting and GatheringGathering and ForagingHuntingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingStand Up PaddleboardingJunior Ranger ProgramPlaygroundTubingRiver TubingSwimmingFreshwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Operating hours

Generally, the park grounds are open 24-hours a day throughout the year. Some visitor centers will have different hours depending on season and staff availability.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways
DayHours
MondayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
FridayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day

Weather: Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located in southeastern Missouri. Summer temperatures generally range from 75-100 degrees (°F) with high humidity.

Contact and directions

Phone
(573) 323-4236
Email
[email protected]
Address
Multiple locations - Alley Spring Visitor Center: 12185 Alley Hollow Road, Eminence, MO 65466, Van Buren, MO 63965
Coordinates
37.1397, -91.2571· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Alley General StoreDaily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM(573) 226-3945Yes
Alley MillDaily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM5732263945Yes
Big Spring Entrance StationDaily: 8:30AM - 5:00PM(573) 323-4236Yes
Pulltite Ranger StationMon Closed · Tue Closed · Wed Closed · Thu Closed · Fri 2:00PM - 6:00PM · Sat 9:00AM - 6:00PM · Sun 9:00AM - 12:00PM(573) 858-3397Yes
Round Spring Ranger StationDaily: 8:30AM - 5:00PM(573) 858-3297Yes

Campgrounds

Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.

On Amazon

Popular trail picks

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More parks in Missouri

Butterfield Overland National Historic TrailCalifornia National Historic TrailGateway Arch National ParkGeorge Washington Carver National MonumentHarry S Truman National Historic SiteLewis & Clark National Historic TrailOregon National Historic TrailPony Express National Historic TrailSanta Fe National Historic TrailSte. Geneviève National Historical ParkTrail Of Tears National Historic TrailUlysses S Grant National Historic SiteAll in Missouri

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/ozar/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.