The Ozark region lies in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, along with small portions in Oklahoma and Kansas. The region is made up of mountains and plateaus, along with rivers, caves, and springs. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves a long stretch of the Current River and its surrounding area, including a stretch of another river, Jacks Fork.

During our visit to Ozark National Scenic Riverways we stayed in the southern region of the park, camping at the Big Spring campground near Van Buren, Missouri. Our campground was large and comfortable; we went during Memorial Day weekend, and only about half the campground was full. We did have many other visitors to our campsite, however. We were serenaded by a chorus of frogs, as we saw copious amounts of deer.

In the morning we explored this area of the park, beginning with Big Spring, one of the largest springs in the United States. Because of the type of bacteria in the water, the spring is a lovely deep blue color.

Nearby, a large bend in the Current River makes for a scenic view–the river wending its way through the trees and bluffs overhead.

As we made our way out of the park, we drove through beautiful forests with sloping hills and winding creeks.

While we only explored a small area of the park, we were treated to lovely views, both up close and on a grand scale. We are excited to return to this park and see more areas of it, and encourage you to check out the park yourself.