Missouri / Carter County / Ozark National Scenic Riverways / Mark Twain National Forest

Gooseneck Campground

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. Payment via Recreation.gov Scan & Pay mobile app required. Potable water is seasonal; vault toilets available year-round.

About

Nestled on the southern boundary of Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Gooseneck Campground provides a scenic base for exploring the lower Current River. The campground features seven sites spread across a large, flat area that makes it particularly popular with RV and trailer campers. Sites closest to the river enjoy unobstructed views of the waterway, while others benefit from dappled shade provided by mature oaks, hickories, walnuts, and sycamores. The small inlet adjacent to the campground offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and nearby gravel bars provide ideal spots for swimming, floating, and launching watercraft. The Current River here is spring-fed, cold, and clear, making it a popular destination for paddling, fishing, and enjoying the pristine Ozark environment. Access to Gooseneck requires driving approximately 1.2 miles on gravel roads. The campground features vault toilets available year-round and seasonal potable water. As a backcountry campground, sites are first-come, first-served with payment via the Recreation.gov Scan & Pay mobile app. The campground's riverside location and flat terrain make it an accessible option for those seeking a balance between developed amenities and a more remote camping experience.

Directions

From Van Buren, head west on Highway 60 for about 5 miles, then turn south onto Highway C. Continue on Highway C for approximately 11 miles, then turn east onto Big Barren Creek Road. Follow for about 1.2 miles to the campground. The final 1.2 miles are on gravel roads.

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