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Upper Current District Backcountry Campsites

Missouri · National Park Service

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Upper Current District Backcountry Campsites — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

Upper 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 “Upper 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.The Current River flows past the campgrounds, offering excellent floating, fishing, and swimming. Over 130 miles (209 km) of waterways exists within the park. Canoe and kayak rentals and outfitters can be found nearby. Several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails crisscross the region. For facility specific information, please call (573) 561-0580.The backcountry campgrounds have vault toilets available. Picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts are provided at each campsite. 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

Directions

CEDAR GROVE: Physical Address NPS Road 154 Current Township, MO 65501 Directions Cedar Grove Campground is located about 10 minutes from Jadwin, Missouri. Starting in Jadwin, drive west on State Highway ZZ. Follow this road for roughly 5.3 miles. (Note: After 2.3 miles, the road will become County Road 651.) Eventually, you will reach a large concrete river crossing. Just before the crossing, take a right turn onto NPS Road 154. This gravel road will take you through the campground. This route requires driving on gravel roads for less than 1000 feet. DEE MURRAY: Physical Address NPS Road 109 Current Township, MO 65501 Directions Cedar Grove Campground is located about 12 minutes from Jadwin, Missouri. Starting in Jadwin, drive west on State Highway ZZ. Follow this road for roughly 5.3 miles. (Note: After 2.3 miles, the road will become County Road 651.) Eventually, you will reach a concrete river crossing. Cross over the river and drive up the hill to the intersection. Then, turn left onto NPS Road 109, which will take you to the campground and river access. This route requires driving on gravel roads for less than 1000 feet. SINKING CREEK: Physical Address NPS Road 145 Eminence, MO 65466 Directions Sinking Creek Campground is located roughly 20 minutes north of Eminence, MO. Starting in Eminence, drive north on Highway 19. After about 14 miles, there will be a bridge over Sinking Creek. After crossing the bridge, take the first left. A short gravel road will take you to the

Location

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Details

State
Missouri
City / area
—
Agency
National Park Service
Parent area
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Campsites
27
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$10 / night
Rating
4.36 / 5 (28 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
Tent, RV

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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