Current River State Park

Tucked into the Ozark highlands of Shannon County, Current River State Park spans 780 acres along one of Missouri’s most celebrated waterways. The Current River earned designation as part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways — the first national park to protect a river system — and this state park puts you right on its banks.

The river is the main draw. Fed by some of the largest springs in North America, the Current runs remarkably clear and cool even in the heat of a Missouri summer. Canoeing and kayaking are the signature experiences here, with stretches ranging from gentle floats to mild Class I-II riffles that keep things interesting without intimidating beginners. Fishing for smallmouth bass, goggle-eye, and sunfish is productive year-round, though spring and fall tend to reward patience most.

On land, the park’s forested hills offer hiking through stands of oak, hickory, and shortleaf pine. Birders will find pileated woodpeckers, warblers, and the occasional bald eagle along the river corridor. The surrounding Ozark landscape — bluffs, caves, and gravel bars — gives the area a rugged character that feels genuinely remote despite being accessible from US-60.

The best window to visit runs from late April through October, with May and September offering warm days, manageable humidity, and thinner crowds. Summer weekends draw float-trip traffic, so midweek visits reward you with quieter water and open campsites.

Shannon County doesn’t rush. Neither should you.

Explore Nearby

• Mark Twain National Forest — National Forest in Missouri
• Union Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Sandy Creek Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Thousand Hills State Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri
• Stacy Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri