Ozark National Scenic Riverways
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Ozark National Scenic Riverways at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Hike the Ozark Trail
- Nearby city
- Van Buren, MO
Explore this park
About Ozark National Scenic Riverways
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.
Weather Information
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.
Operating Hours
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.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Common questions
Planning Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Check the Permits tab on this page and Recreation.gov before you travel — campground, tour, or backcountry permits may apply even without park-wide timed entry.
See Permits tab →
