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Brock Davis

Information

Reservations Required for All Campgrounds

As of January 1, 2025, ALL developed campsites will be available through reservation ONLY. These include Pulltite, Round Spring, Alley Spring, Big Spring, Two Rivers, and Akers. Reservations must be made through recreation.gov (online or by calling).

More info

Caution

River Ferry at Akers (on State Highway K) CLOSED until further notice

The Akers Ferry on State Highway K will not be in service until further notice.

National Scenic RiverwaysHorse trailsHorses provided

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

MO · Eminence

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 found 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.

Riding guide

Horses provided

Highlights

Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects some of the clearest, spring-fed rivers in the Midwest, where forested hills, limestone…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 100-120 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, this area offers a mix of designated horse trails, multi-use routes, and river valley corridors that provide varied terrain without extreme elevation gain. Riders can travel through hardwood forests, along ridgelines, and near the iconic Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.

Rideable terrain

100-120 miles

Trailer parking

Broadfoot Equestrian Campground This is widely considered the main equestrian hub in the park. Why riders use it Large parking areas and campsites designed for horse trailers Hitching posts and horse facilities Direct access to one of the largest horse trail networks in the riverways Good starting point for both day rides and overnight trips Many riders stage multi-day rides from this location. Shawnee Creek Equestrian Campground Another major horse staging area. Features Trailer-friendly parking and campsites Hitching rails and horse facilities Access to a well-developed trail network through forested hills and creek valleys This is a popular starting point for longer loops. Cedar Grove Horse Trailhead Area Good option for riders exploring the northern section of the riverways. Features Parking areas that can accommodate trailers Access to trails near the Current River corridor Quiet backcountry setting Powder Mill / Blair Creek Trailheads Used by riders accessing the southern sections of the park. Features Gravel parking areas large enough for truck-and-trailer rigs Access to longer backcountry rides through Ozark forest terrain

Horse regulations

Horse Use Regulations Where You Can Ride Horses and other stock animals are permitted on designated multi-use and horse-friendly trails within the Riverways. These include several forested and river valley routes maintained for stock access. Riding off designated routes and creating new trails is not permitted to protect sensitive soils and vegetation. Permits & Fees • No special permit is required for day riding with your own horse. • Overnight backcountry stock trips do not require a separate wilderness permit like in many national parks, but you must follow all Leave No Trace and Riverways regulations. Feed & Grazing • Grazing is prohibited except in designated areas at permitted stock camps. • Only certified weed-free feed (hay, pellets, cubes) is allowed to prevent introducing invasive species. • Feed may not be scattered on the ground. • Pack out all unused forage and manure. Stock Control & Safety • Riders must stay on designated trails and avoid terrain that would damage the resource. • Horses should be under control at all times, especially around hikers, cyclists, and river users. • Be aware that streams and rivers can rise quickly after rain. Stock Camps & Facilities Designated stock camps with tie-ups or highlines are found at several trailheads and campgrounds. Use of these must follow posted facility rules.

Getting here

Use 12185 Alley Hollow Road, Eminence, Missouri as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Broadfoot Equestrian Campground This is widely considered the main equestrian hub in the park. Why riders use it Large parking areas and campsites designed for horse trailers Hitching posts and horse facilities Direct access to one of the largest horse trail networks in the riverways Good starting point for both day rides and overnight trips Many riders stage multi-day rides from this location. Shawnee Creek Equestrian Campground Another major horse staging area. Features Trailer-friendly parking and campsites Hitching rails and horse facilities Access to a well-developed trail network through forested hills and creek valleys This is a popular starting point for longer loops. Cedar Grove Horse Trailhead Area Good option for riders exploring the northern section of the riverways. Features Parking areas that can accommodate trailers Access to trails near the Current River corridor Quiet backcountry setting Powder Mill / Blair Creek Trailheads Used by riders accessing the southern sections of the park. Features Gravel parking areas large enough for truck-and-trailer rigs Access to longer backcountry rides through Ozark forest terrain

Planning your visit

Must Know Before You Ride • This is river country. The Current and Jacks Fork Rivers are spring-fed and beautiful, but water levels can rise quickly after heavy rain. Always check conditions before riding near crossings. • Trails can be rocky. Expect limestone footing, exposed roots, and occasional slick areas after rain. • Mud is seasonal. Spring and wet periods can create soft trail conditions, especially in low-lying river corridors. • Heat and humidity are real factors in summer. Plan early rides and bring ample water for both you and your horse. • Cell service is limited in many valleys. Download maps ahead of time and share your itinerary. • Designated trails only. The Ozarks are ecologically sensitive, and creating new routes damages soil and vegetation. • Shared-use awareness is important. You may encounter hikers, cyclists, and river users near access points. • Wildlife includes ticks and insects, particularly in warmer months. Use appropriate prevention for both rider and horse. • Stock camps are available in certain areas, but amenities are rustic. Plan to be self-sufficient.

Where to stay

Alley Spring Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry indicates both guided ride support and horse-camping potential, making Ozark National Scenic Riverways one of the more flexible federal options for riders building a fuller travel plan. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Eminence before heading deeper into federal-land access points.

Trails

No trails synced for this park yet.

Campgrounds

Points of interest

Things to do

Visitor centers

Hours of operation

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Generally, the park grounds are open 24-hours a day throughout the year. Some visitor centers will have different hours depending on season and staff availability. Likewise, certain roads, trails, or river access points may be seasonally closed.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBoatingMotorized BoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingCavingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingGuided ToursHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingHunting and GatheringGathering and ForagingHuntingPaddlingCanoeingCanoe or Kayak CampingKayakingStand Up PaddleboardingJunior Ranger ProgramPlaygroundTubingRiver TubingSwimmingFreshwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Weather

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located in southeastern Missouri. Summer temperatures generally range from 75-100 degrees (°F) with high humidity. Winter temperatures generally range from 0-50 (°F) degrees with periods of intermittent freezing and snow. Periods of excessive heat are typical in summer, while heavy rains or flooding can occur throughout the year. Be sure to plan accordingly when camping, hiking, or floating.

Contact

Voice(573) 323-4236
Fax(573) 323-8010
Emailozar_interpretation@nps.gov

Photos

Stay near this park

No horse-friendly stays listed near Ozark National Scenic Riverways yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.

List your property

Directions

Visitor centers can be found at the following locations: Big Spring Entrance Station - 3 miles south of Van Buren on Highway 103 Alley Mill & Store - 12185 Alley Hollow Road Round Spring Ranger Station - 13209 Round Spring Campground Rd Administrative offices for Ozark National Scenic Riverways are located at 404 Watercress Drive, Van Buren, MO 63965. This location does not offer a visitor center - tourists should instead go to the Big Spring Entrance Station.

Get directionsOfficial directions

Source: nps.gov