Ozark Riverways upgrades campground reservation system for 2025 season

VAN BUREN — Ozark National Scenic Riverways has updated its campground reservation system.

As planned, all developed campgrounds and large group sites are now reservation-only. These include Big Spring, Alley Spring, Round Spring, Pulltite, Two Rivers, and Akers campgrounds. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Same-day reservations are available.

Backcountry campgrounds will remain first-come, first-served year-round, as in previous years. Visitors do not need to make reservations for those sites in advance. Beginning April 15, 2025, backcountry campers will use a new payment system called “Scan & Pay,” available on the Recreation.gov mobile app. Campers should download the app at the Apple App Store or Google Play and create an account prior to their visit, as cell service is limited within the park.

Once the Recreation.gov app is downloaded to a phone, the “Scan & Pay” system works offline. At the campground, campers simply select and set up their campsite, use the app to scan the QR code at the campground bulletin board, and confirm the booking. Payments will process automatically when service is restored. Apart from the payment update, backcountry sites will function as they have in the past.

The decision to use “Scan & Pay” was driven by visitor feedback, with many preferring non-reservable backcountry sites. Now, the park offers both reservation-only and first-come, first-served camping options.

Primitive camping remains free and non-reservable under the original plan. Visitors can camp at established primitive sites without charge, provided they adhere to park regulations available at nps.gov/ozar.

For more information about camping options, visit the park’s camping page at go.nps.gov/OZARcamping. The page includes campground descriptions, directions, and photos. Questions and comments can be directed to the park’s Facebook page at facebook.com/Ozarkriverways or by calling 573-323-4236.