Ozark National Scenic Riverways


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 you'll find anywhere. Spring-fed, cold and clear they are a delight to canoe, swim, boat or fish. Besides these two famous rivers, the park is home to hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, trails and historic sites such as Alley Mill.

The Headquarters (Administrative Offices Only/No Visitor Center) for Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located at 404 Watercress Drive in Van Buren, Missouri. It's located at the corner of Watercress Drive and Main Street, across the street from the Van Buren Public School complex.

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
  • Group Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Caving
  • Fishing
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Gathering and Foraging
  • Hunting
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • Tubing
  • River Tubing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Park Film

  • Archeology
  • Great Depression
  • Industry
  • Mills
  • Logging and Timber Cutting
  • Wars and Conflicts
  • Civil War
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Cats (wild)
  • Caves, Caverns and Karst
  • Fire
  • River and Riparian
  • Rock Landscapes and Features
  • Scenic Views
  • Unique Species
  • Rare
  • Endangered
  • Wilderness

Clubhouse Overlook

Sunset picture with high vantage point overlooking river with fall colors and sun setting in distanc

Ozark National Scenic Riverways has some spectacular scenery.

Big Spring

A sunrise photo with blue turbulent water and a algae colored rock with trees overhanging

Big Spring produces more than 250 million gallons of water per day.

Rocky Falls

a brown gravel bar with distant waterfall of water flowing down over brown rocks

Rocky Falls is a popular picnic area and swimming hole located near the center of Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Prairie Hollow Gorge

looking down through large brown/grey/purple boulders with creek in middle and forest in distance

Prairie Hollow Gorge is located near the Two Rivers junction, off State Route V.

Current River near Pulltite

A red canoe on gravel bar with clear blue stream behind and green forest

The clear water of the Current River is perfect for floating.

Klepzig Mill

fall colors on leaves of trees surrounding a creek with an old wooden mill on the right

Klepzig Mill is a little off the beaten path but worth the trip.

Alley Mill-Winter

a red mill with snow on roof with a stream emanating from it.

Alley Mill is a popular destination.

Klepzig Mill-Shut In

brown rocks with water flowing over like a waterfall

Klepzig Mill has a series of shut-ins along the creek