Current River.
The Current River is the crown jewel of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways - established in 1964 as the first national park area created to protect a wild river system. Fed by enormous springs (Welch, Cave Spring, Pulltite, Round Spring, Blue Spring and Big Spring, one of the largest in America), it runs cold, fast and astonishingly clear past bluffs, caves and gravel bars.
It is the most popular float river in Missouri, and for good reason: dependable spring flow keeps it floatable nearly year-round, the NPS access points are well-organized and spaced for half-day to multi-day trips, and there is a deep bench of NPS-authorized outfitters around Akers, Round Spring, Eminence and Van Buren for boats and shuttles.
The upper river (Baptist Camp/Cedar Grove down through Akers, Pulltite and Round Spring) is smaller, clearer and more intimate; the lower river (Two Rivers down through Van Buren and Big Spring) is bigger and faster. NPS rules keep it wild - one PFD per person (kids 7 and under must wear one), no tying vessels together, and no glass or styrofoam.
Floating the Current from Eminence, Van Buren & Salem.
The Riverways stretch for miles, with a few hub towns providing outfitters, food and lodging along the way.
- From Eminence (~10 min). The central hub - closest to Round Spring, Two Rivers and the Jacks Fork confluence; outfitters, lodging and stores.
- From Van Buren (~10 min). The lower-river hub and NPS headquarters; nearest town to Big Spring.
- From Salem (~30-40 min). The larger town north of the upper accesses (Baptist Camp, Cedar Grove, Akers).
- From NWA (~3.5h) & beyond. A bucket-list destination - plan an overnight or multi-day; it pairs perfectly with the Jacks Fork.
The Current has the most developed float infrastructure in the region - NPS access points, NPS-authorized outfitters, developed campgrounds and gravel-bar camping. It is the easiest “big” Ozark float to plan, but still wild enough to demand respect and a PFD.
Where to put in.
The National Park Service maintains designated access points down the entire river, listed downstream. Pick segments to match your time - half-day, full-day or multi-day - and remember NPS river rules apply throughout.
Akers to Pulltite Day float
A classic upper-river run - small, clear and intimate, past Cave Spring and bluffs. Akers Ferry is a beloved put-in; Pulltite has a campground and spring. A great half-to-full day.
Round Spring to Two Rivers Day / overnight
Through the middle river to the Jacks Fork confluence at Two Rivers - bluffs, springs and gravel bars. Round Spring has a campground and summer cave tours.
Van Buren to Big Spring Day float
A lower-river run to Big Spring - one of the largest springs in America, pouring into the Current south of Van Buren. Bigger, faster water and a spectacular finish.
NPS-authorized Current River outfitters (from the official NPS list, verified 2026): Akers Ferry Canoe Rental, Carr’s Canoe Rental, Jadwin/Round Spring Canoe Rental, Running River Canoe Rental and Silver Arrow Canoe Rental (upper river); Two Rivers Canoe Rental and Windy’s Canoe Rental (middle, near Eminence); and The Landing and Float Current River (lower river, Van Buren/Big Spring). Always confirm seasonal hours by phone.
Where to camp.
A chain of National Park Service campgrounds right on the river - Akers, Pulltite, Round Spring, Two Rivers and Big Spring. Reservation-only via Recreation.gov (877-444-6777). Round Spring has summer cave tours; Big Spring is one of the largest springs in America.
Free, no-reservation gravel-bar camping is allowed for floaters under NPS rules - the quintessential Current River overnight. Pack everything out and follow the Superintendent’s Compendium.
Many outfitters run private campgrounds and RV camps (Akers Ferry, Jadwin, Windy’s, The Landing and others) - confirm amenities directly.
Cabins, lodges and rooms nearby.
The central hub has cabins, motels and rentals, plus outfitter-run lodging.
Motels and cabins near NPS headquarters and Big Spring on the lower river.
Several NPS-authorized outfitters offer cabins and lodging packaged with floats and shuttles.
The larger town north of the upper accesses, with more motels and services.
Where to base from, where to eat.
Eminence Hub
The central Riverways town - cafes, stores and outfitters; the natural base for food and supplies.
Van Buren Lower river
NPS headquarters town with restaurants and services near Big Spring.
Salem North
The larger town north of the upper accesses for a fuller grocery and meal run.
Other things to do
- Big Spring. One of the largest springs in America, pouring ~286 million gallons a day into the Current south of Van Buren - a must-see.
- Round Spring Cave. Ranger-led summer cave tours (one of the few caves still open in the Riverways).
- Rocky Falls & the springs. Welch, Blue and Cave Springs and the Rocky Falls shut-in are scenic stops along the Riverways.
Plan a safe trip.
Seasons
- Spring. High, fast, cold water and fewer crowds - exhilarating floating for the prepared.
- Summer. Peak season - warm, busy, and the prime time for family floats and gravel-bar camping.
- Fall. Crisp, colorful and quieter - many paddlers’ favorite season on the Current.
- Winter. Cold but floatable thanks to the springs; solitude for well-equipped paddlers.
Hazards & safety
- Cold spring water & fast current. The Current is spring-fed and genuinely fast in places - cold water means hypothermia risk after a spill. Everyone should wear a PFD (required for kids 7 and under).
- Flooding closes the river. The NPS closes the river to non-motorized boats when levels run high, and flash floods are possible - check NPS river levels and never drive flooded roads.
- NPS rules are enforced. No tying vessels or tubes together, no glass or styrofoam, no jumping from trees/rope swings, and this is federal land (marijuana is illegal here despite Missouri law).
- Limited cell coverage. Signal is unreliable on the river - arrange shuttles in advance and tell someone your plan.
- Caves closed. Most caves are closed to protect bats; Round Spring Cave has ranger-led tours.
Frequently asked.
Can I navigate the Current River with no cell signal?
Yes. Most of the Current River corridor has little or no cell service, so set up before you launch. While you still have wifi or signal, open Float Mode and it saves the Current River map to your phone. On the water it runs fully offline, using your phone's GPS to show your live position on the river, the distance to your next take-out, and how far along your float you are. It is free, runs in your browser, and needs no app-store download or account.
Why is the Current River so famous?
It is the centerpiece of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, established in 1964 as the first national park area created to protect a wild river system. Fed by huge springs, it runs cold, fast and crystal clear past bluffs and caves, and is floatable nearly year-round - the most popular float in Missouri.
Where should I float for the first time?
Great starter segments include Akers to Pulltite (intimate upper river), Round Spring to Two Rivers (bluffs and springs), and Van Buren to Big Spring (bigger lower-river water). Match the segment to your time and have an outfitter shuttle you.
Can I camp on gravel bars?
Yes - free, no-reservation gravel-bar camping is allowed for floaters under NPS rules, and it is the classic Current River overnight. There are also reservation-only NPS campgrounds at Akers, Pulltite, Round Spring, Two Rivers and Big Spring. Pack everything out.
Who are the outfitters?
The NPS authorizes many liveries - Akers Ferry, Carr’s, Jadwin/Round Spring, Running River and Silver Arrow on the upper river; Two Rivers and Windy’s near Eminence; and The Landing and Float Current River on the lower river. Confirm seasonal hours by phone.
How far is the Current River from NWA?
About 3.5 hours from Fayetteville/Bentonville to the Eminence/Van Buren area. It is a destination trip - plan an overnight or multi-day, and pair it with the Jacks Fork for the full Riverways experience.
Float the Current River with live GPS, even with no signal.
Most of the Current River corridor has little or no cell service. Float Mode uses your phone's GPS to show your live position moving down the river, how far to your next take-out, and your trip progress · even with zero bars.
Before you launch (while you still have signal or wifi), save the Current River map to your phone. On the water it loads fully offline: pick your put-in and take-out for an estimated distance and a live percent-complete as you float. It is free, runs in your browser, and needs no app store download or account. Open Float Mode for the Current River →