Big Spring River Camp Introduce
Looking for "camping near me" that combines natural beauty with convenient access to outdoor activities? Big Spring River Camp, located at 501 Chicopee Rd, Van Buren, MO 63965, USA, offers a riverside camping experience that has garnered both praise for its location and family-friendly atmosphere, as well as some notes regarding its management and facilities. You can reach them at (573) 323-8328 or their mobile number, +1 573-323-8328, for inquiries and bookings.
Based on recent customer feedback, Big Spring River Camp appears to be a popular destination, particularly for families. One reviewer described their recent weekend stay as "wonderful," highlighting the friendly and patient staff and the cleanliness of the grounds. The campground's location seems to be a major draw, presumably offering easy access to the Big Spring River for various water-based activities such as floating. This makes it an attractive option for local users seeking "camping near me" with opportunities for river recreation.
The review also points out a couple of aspects to be aware of. Firstly, there is reportedly "not a ton of shade" on the grounds. This is an important consideration, especially during the hot summer months in Missouri. Campers planning a stay here might want to come prepared with canopies or choose campsites that offer more natural cover if available. Secondly, while the bathrooms were noted as "spotless," they were also described as "SO DANG HOT," making it difficult to feel completely refreshed after using them. Despite this, the reviewer humorously concluded that it didn't matter much since they were likely heading back to the river anyway, underscoring the appeal of the river access.
The sentiment of this reviewer was overwhelmingly positive, stating that they "would definitely stay here again" and found it to be a "great location" that was "very family friendly" during their weekend visit. Their eagerness to return suggests that the positive aspects of Big Spring River Camp, such as its location and atmosphere, outweigh some of the noted inconveniences.
However, another review presents a contrasting perspective regarding the management. This reviewer suggested that the owner "needs to retire," citing issues with memory and an unpleasant encounter upon returning from floating, where they felt they were wrongly accused of potentially not paying for the night. This review also described one of the staff members as "rude." It's important for potential visitors to consider this feedback alongside the positive review to get a more balanced understanding of the potential experience at Big Spring River Camp.
Considering these points, Big Spring River Camp offers a compelling option for those searching for "camping near me," particularly if proximity to the Big Spring River and a family-friendly environment are high on the priority list. The clean facilities are a definite plus. However, potential campers should be mindful of the limited shade and the possibility of hot bathrooms, as well as the mixed feedback regarding the management and staff.
To summarize the environment and features based on the available reviews: the campground is located on the Big Spring River, offering easy access for activities like floating. The grounds are generally clean. It appears to be a family-friendly location, especially on weekends. However, shade may be limited, and the bathrooms can get very hot. The staff experience seems to vary, with some being friendly and patient, while at least one instance of rudeness and a concern about the owner's management has been reported.
In terms of services, the mention of clean bathrooms suggests that the campground provides at least basic sanitary facilities. The friendly and patient staff mentioned in one review indicates a positive service interaction, though the other review tempers this with a less favorable experience. The primary feature seems to be its location on the Big Spring River, catering to those interested in river-based recreation.
Regarding promotional information, the positive review, emphasizing a "wonderful" family weekend and a desire to return, serves as an implicit endorsement. The mention of its great location further promotes its appeal to those seeking "camping near me" with river access. However, the negative review regarding management should also be considered by prospective campers.
For local users looking for "camping near me" in the Van Buren, Missouri area, Big Spring River Camp presents itself as a riverside option with clean facilities and a generally family-friendly vibe. While there are some concerns raised about the lack of shade, the heat in the bathrooms, and the management, the allure of the river and the positive experiences of some visitors make it a place worth considering. It might be beneficial for potential campers to contact the campground directly using the provided phone numbers to inquire about specific site details, shade availability, and any other concerns they may have before making a booking.
In conclusion, Big Spring River Camp offers a potentially enjoyable camping experience centered around the Big Spring River. Its clean grounds and family-friendly atmosphere, as reported by some, are significant advantages for those seeking "camping near me." However, the limited shade, hot bathrooms, and mixed reviews regarding management suggest that prospective visitors should weigh these factors when making their decision. For those prioritizing river access and a generally positive environment, Big Spring River Camp remains a local option to explore.
Big Spring River Camp Photos










Big Spring River Camp Location
Big Spring River Camp
501 Chicopee Rd, Van Buren, MO 63965, USA
Big Spring River Camp501 Chicopee Rd
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Big Spring River Camp Reviews
We stayed here with our family last weekend. It was wonderful. Staff is friendly and patient and the grounds were clean, but there is not a ton of shade. The bathrooms were spotless, but SO DANG HOT. Hard to get that clean feeling when you can't dry off because you are immediately wringing wet again, but who cares when you are most likely just going to wander back down to the river anyway...We would definitely stay here again. It is a great location and on the weekend we were there, very family friendly. We can't wait to do it again!
Jul 22, 2015 · Megan FolderThe woman who owns the place needs to retire. She can't remember from one day to the next. Got ran out in the evening when getting back from floating. I guess she thought I was gonna rip her off and not pay for that night! Her help was a rude b!+(#
Jun 17, 2024 · Scott RobinsonAbsolutely terrible service. Called and reserved two riverfront tent camping sites with electric over two months ago for my wife, my kids, and I. Wanted it for Memorial Day Weekend. It took no shortage of two separate conversations (that lasted over 30 minutes each time) just to get these people to help me reserve the site. I must have spoken to at least three different employees there. After finally reserving it (they call it their "vetting process" (attempts to weed out party-goers), I kept checking my bank account for the deposit to clear. I was becoming concerned that there was some sort of issue, the site wasn't actually being reserved, etc. I had to call them AGAIN just to make sure we were still on for Memorial Day weekend because the deposit didn't clear my bank. They assured me "give it time, we are small, everything is fine". Finally they ran my card, the deposit posted to my account, and we sighed in relief as my family finally had the sites reserved.This morning a woman called me and just nonchalantly said that she had "some bad news". She claimed" "due to a family emergency", they won't be able to house my family and I in the tent sites we reserved (and paid a deposit for) months ago! They said their bath houses and down and they will have to issue us a refund.I had roughly 20 days to secure TWO campsites on the water with electric for Memorial Day Weekend. I have no idea as to how I would be able to pull this off, but after several phone calls I was able to secure an even better location on the water at a camp site that was unbelievably compassionate, understanding, and willing to help. This other camp site saved the day and my family will still be enjoying their holiday vacation.Just being blunt here- I don't think Big Spring Campgrounds had a "family emergency" at all. I think they simply booted my wife and kids for either an RV or some friends of theirs. Might I add- they didn't even bother apologizing. Not once, not at all. A two minute phone call with a "good luck to you" attitude. Good times!I hope they enjoy my scathing (but HONEST) review. They will never see a dime of my money. Hopefully, you won't risk your dime here, either. Avoid this place like the plague.
Apr 27, 2019 · Joshua BeersWe stopped in for the night and it was a great experience for us. Got some much needed sleep and continued on to our destination in the morning 🌄 The owner was very friendly and helpful. Camp site was easy in and out and clean. We will be back on the trip back home.
Aug 23, 2022 · Donna CoxWe just returned home from a short trip to current river. We camped in our truck camper for one night-I wish we had more time! This campground was extremely clean and nice. Bathrooms/showers were phenomenal. The owners were some of the nicest people we have met. Very family and pet friendly. We will definitely be back very soon.
Jul 04, 2016 · Amy Cozort
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