Openings · last 7 days
0
01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-10344920
When Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites reopens
Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites's openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 30 days
7
Openings · last 90 days
7
Only 7 openings in the last 90 days: not enough recent activity for a reliable pattern. A free Campsite Sniper alert watches around the clock instead, and pings you the moment one opens.
02 · Availability Outlook · Sep 18 – Nov 30, 2026 · of 28 monitored sites
Of the 2,072 tracked site-nights (Sep 18 – Nov 30, 2026): 1,777 open for online reservation · 295 reserved.
Where the open windows are
14.2% of tracked site-nights are not currently open for online reservation. 1,777 of 2,072 remain open; here is where they are.
Load status
Sep 18 – Nov 30, 2026Not open online14.2%
Open site-nights1,777 / 2,072
Reserved (of online inventory)295 / 2,072
Weekday openings998
Weekend openings779
Of the open site-nights on mapped sites, 998 fall on weekdays and 779 on weekends (Fri–Sun).
Open dates by month
Sep 2026 – Nov 2026November holds the most room. 757 of 840 site-nights are still open there.
Holiday windows
Sites open per night · of 28 sites| Window | Night | Sites open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | SAT Sep 5 | 0 | None open |
| SUN Sep 6 | 0 | None open | |
| MON Sep 7 | 0 | None open | |
| Thanksgiving | THU Nov 26 | 28 | Open |
| FRI Nov 27 | 28 | Open | |
| SAT Nov 28 | 28 | Open |
Labor Day: no online availability on any tracked night. Thanksgiving: 28 sites are available for the complete three-night stay.
Best-availability sites
Most open site-nights · tracked window| Site | Open site-nights |
|---|---|
| Big Tree Campground - Site 5 | 74 |
| Clubhouse Campground - Site 1 | 74 |
| Clubhouse Campground - Site 3 | 74 |
| Clubhouse Campground - Site 4 | 74 |
| Clubhouse Campground - Site 5 | 74 |
The 5 sites with the most open site-nights in the current snapshot. Pair a bookable date with a free alert to cover everything else.
Next windows
As of Sep 18, 2026 snapshotNext open dateFri · Sep 18
Next open weekendFri · Sep 18
The next bookable night is Sep 18; the first open weekend starts Sep 18. Campsite Sniper can watch later dates for you.
Stays and site detail
1,777 open site-nights across 28 sites at Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites, from the same hourly snapshot as everything above.
Multi-night stays. 57 2-night, 57 3-night, 47 7-night openings where a single site is free for every night, per Campsite Sniper's current snapshot — soonest Sep 18 at site Big Tree Campground - Site 5.
RV length. Longest recorded site here is 40 ft. 13 sites take 25 ft, 5 sites take 35 ft, 5 sites take 40 ft. 6 sites of 28 have no recorded maximum and are not counted.
All 28 sites with current availability
| Site | Max RV | Hookups | Open site-nights | Longest run | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Tree Campground - Site 5 | 30 ft | None | 74 | 74 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +62 more |
| Clubhouse Campground - Site 1 | 30 ft | None | 74 | 74 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +62 more |
| Clubhouse Campground - Site 3 | 30 ft | None | 74 | 74 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +62 more |
| Clubhouse Campground - Site 4 | 18 ft | None | 74 | 74 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +62 more |
| Clubhouse Campground - Site 5 | 18 ft | None | 74 | 74 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +62 more |
| Clubhouse Campground - Site 6 | 18 ft | None | 74 | 74 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +62 more |
| Gooseneck Campground - Site 1 | Not recorded | None | 74 | 74 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +62 more |
| Gooseneck Campground - Site 2 | Not recorded | None | 74 | 74 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +62 more |
| Grubb Hollow Campground - Site 1 | 19 ft | None | 74 | 74 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +62 more |
| Grubb Hollow Campground - Site 2 | 24 ft | None | 74 | 74 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +62 more |
| Grubb Hollow Campground - Site 3 | 24 ft | None | 74 | 74 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +62 more |
| Clubhouse Campground - Site 2 | 30 ft | None | 72 | 64 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1 +60 more |
| Cedar Spring Campground - Site 7 | Not recorded | None | 71 | 43 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +59 more |
| Big Tree Campground - Site 4 | 30 ft | None | 70 | 65 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 2, Oct 3 +58 more |
| Big Tree Campground - Site 6 | 18 ft | None | 70 | 65 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 2, Oct 3 +58 more |
| Big Tree Campground - Site 3 | 30 ft | None | 69 | 64 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 2, Oct 3, Oct 4 +57 more |
| Cedar Spring Campground - Site 6 | Not recorded | None | 68 | 43 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 2 +56 more |
| Grubb Hollow Campground - Site 4 | 18 ft | None | 66 | 37 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1 +54 more |
| Gooseneck Campground - Site 8 | Not recorded | None | 64 | 55 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +52 more |
| Big Tree Campground - Site 7 | 30 ft | None | 63 | 53 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1 +51 more |
| Grubb Hollow Campground - Site 5 | 24 ft | None | 62 | 37 nights | Sep 20, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 2, Oct 3, Oct 4 +50 more |
| Big Tree Campground - Site 2 | 30 ft | None | 61 | 47 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 2, Oct 3 +49 more |
| Big Tree Campground - Site 1 | Not recorded | None | 52 | 26 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Oct 4, Oct 11, Oct 12, Oct 13, Oct 14 +40 more |
| Gooseneck Campground - Site 4 | 40 ft | None | 45 | 32 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +33 more |
| Gooseneck Campground - Site 5 | 40 ft | None | 37 | 13 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +25 more |
| Gooseneck Campground - Site 3 | 40 ft | None | 33 | 13 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +21 more |
| Gooseneck Campground - Site 6 | 40 ft | None | 30 | 13 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +18 more |
| Gooseneck Campground - Site 7 | 40 ft | None | 30 | 13 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +18 more |
About Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites
Overview
Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites will be reservable in advance beginning October 1st, 2025. If calling the Recreation.gov Call Center to make your reservation, please state the campsite you are wanting to reserve is in the “Lower Current District” of Ozark National Scenic Riverways and then state the campground and site number. Please download the Recreation.gov app before starting your journey to the backcountry sites, as cell service can be limited or simply non existent in these remote areas of the park.
Within Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a "backcountry campground" refers to campgrounds with some basic amenities, but not as many as developed campgrounds. All backcountry sites have picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and vault toilets.
These campgrounds may have fewer amenities, but they are some of the most beautiful locations in the park. Certain sites are located right on the river's edge, allowing quick water access. Some sites are far away from other campers, giving you a chance to enjoy natural peace and quiet. If you crave a camping experience that is off the beaten path, these are the sites for you!
Keep in mind that these campgrounds are often harder to reach due to their location. Most backcountry sites require driving down gravel roads. Some roads are unsuitable for vehicles with low clearance.
Horse camping is not allowed within ONSR. Trail riders who desire to camp should contact local campgrounds with stables. Day trail riders can park horse trailers during daylight hours at Shawnee Staging Area and Broadfoot Staging Area.
Recreation
The Current River flows past the campground, offering excellent canoeing, tubing, swimming and fishing. Over 130 miles (209 km) of waterways exist within the park. Canoe and kayak rentals and outfitters can be found nearby.
Several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails crisscross the region, include the Alley Overlook Trail, Chubb Hollow Trail, Ozark Trail, Cave Spring Trail and Big Springs Trail.
Natural Features
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers and some 80,000 acres of river, forest, open field and glade environments. Riparian habitats are a major component of the park. Typified by sycamores, maples, cottonwoods and willows, floodplain forests line the rivers. These provide habitat for Swainson's warblers, wood ducks, great blue herons and a wide variety of other species. As a significant karst resource, the park contains the world's largest collection of first magnitude springs. It also contains over 300 known caves, numerous sinkholes and losing streams.
The park also contains several "Missouri Natural Areas", parcels set aside due to their unique scenic beauty or scientific value.
Nearby Attractions
Round Spring Cave is nearby, with ranger-guided tours offered daily during summer months. Historic and picturesque Alley Mill and Alley Spring are also nearby. The mill is open daily in the summer and ranger-guided tours are available upon request.
Scenic Big Spring is the largest freshwater spring in North America and produces an outflow of 280 million gallons a day.
28 monitored sitesRVs up to 40 ftNo hookups28 shadedPets OKFire pitsMax party 20
Getting there
BIG TREE: 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. CLUBHOUSE: Physical Address NPS Road 107 Kelly Township, MO 63965 Directions Clubhouse Campground can be found at the end of County Road 60-221, in Carter County, MO. From Ellsinore, drive about 6.5 miles west on Highway 60. From there, turn west onto State Highway ZZ. Drive 1 mile to the bend of Highway ZZ, where it intersects with County Road 60-221. From there, follow the county road south for about 4.75 miles. The campground is located near the bottom of a hill, along the Current River. This route requires driving on gravel roads for almost 5 miles. Some areas are steep. GRUBB: Physical Address NPS Road 223 Kelly Township, MO 63965 Directions Grubb Campground is located roughly 30 minutes south of Van Buren, MO. Starting in Van Buren, drive west on Highway 60 for about 5 miles. Then, turn south onto State Highway C. Follow Highway C for 7 miles, then turn left onto State Highway F (intersection in Eastwood). Drive down Highway F for roughly 5.75 miles, then turn right onto County Road F-227. Stay on this road for about 2.5 miles, then turn right into Grubb Hollow Campground. This route requires driving on gravel roads for about 2.5 miles. CEDAR SPRING: Physical Address NPS Road 103 Kelly Township, MO 63965 Directions Cedar Spring Campground is located roughly 30 minutes south of Van Buren, MO. Starting in Van Buren, drive west on Highway 60 for about 5 miles. Then, turn south onto State Highway C. Follow Highway C for 7 miles, then turn left onto State Highway F (intersection in Eastwood). Drive down Highway F for roughly 5.75 miles, then turn right onto County Road F-227. Stay on this road until it dead-ends into Cedar Spring Campground (approximately 1 mile past Grubb Campground). This route requires driving on gravel roads for about 3.5 miles. GOOSENECK: Physical Address NPS Road 106 Kelley Township, MO 63965 Directions Gooseneck Campground is located roughly half an hour south of Van Buren, MO. Starting from Van Buren, head west on Highway 60. Around the 5-mile mark, turn south onto Highway C. Stay on Highway C for approximately 11 miles, then turn east onto Big Barren Creek Road. Follow this road (without turning) for about 1.2 miles. The road will eventually dead-end into Gooseneck Campground. This route requires driving on gravel roads for ~1.2 miles.
Po Box 490, Van Buren, MO 63965573-323-4236
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHuntingScenic DriveSwimmingWild Horse ViewingWildlife Viewing
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
03 · Field Photos · roll CS-10344920 · facility + sites
Photo gallery
Roll CS-10344920 · Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites · Van Buren MO12 frames · facility + sites
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites?
Reservations for Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites are made through Recreation.gov. The current snapshot shows substantial availability: 1,777 of 2,072 tracked site-nights are open (85.8%), though availability can change. Campsite Sniper has also detected 7 site openings here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick a site on the map to see its calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this campground for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Sep 18, 2026 16:19 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.
How often do new openings appear at Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites?
Campsite Sniper detected 7 site-date openings here over the last 90 days, none in the last 7. A free alert watches around the clock and pings you the moment one appears.
Can I get a multi-night stay at Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites?
57 three-night openings are showing, counting only runs where the SAME site is free for all three nights. The soonest starts Sep 18 at site Big Tree Campground - Site 5. Confirm and book on Recreation.gov.
Which sites at Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites fit a 35-foot RV?
5 of the 28 sites that support RV analysis have a recorded maximum of 35 ft or more; the longest recorded is 40 ft. 22 of those 28 sites have a recorded maximum length and 6 do not; they are not counted as fitting.
Which month has the most availability at Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites?
November 2026, with 757 open site-nights in the current snapshot of 840.
When is the next open date at Lower Current District Backcountry Campsites?
As of the Sep 18, 2026 snapshot: the next open date is Fri, Sep 18 and the next open weekend starts Fri, Sep 18. Detected openings can add earlier dates at any time; a free Campsite Sniper alert catches those the moment they appear.
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