Big Bear River Resort Introduce
Welcome to Big Bear River Resort, an authentic Ozark gem nestled along the scenic Niangua River in Lebanon, Missouri. This isn't just a place to stay; it's a destination designed for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a genuine escape into nature. Big Bear River Resort offers a comprehensive outdoor experience, combining comfortable accommodations with thrilling river adventures and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. From the moment you arrive, the staff makes you feel right at home, a sentiment consistently echoed by returning guests who praise the hospitality of the owners, Michelle and her team. This resort strikes a perfect balance between a rustic camping experience and the convenience of modern amenities, making it a fantastic choice for both seasoned campers and first-time adventurers.
The core of the Big Bear River Resort experience is the Niangua River itself. The resort is a hub for float trips, offering a variety of vessels including rafts, tubes, kayaks, and canoes. Guests can choose from several float trip options, ranging from short, leisurely trips to longer, more adventurous journeys. The resort provides shuttle services to the drop-off points, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. After a day on the water, you can return to the resort's gravel bar, where the staff assists with everything from unloading gear to disposing of trash. This commitment to guest service truly sets the resort apart and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the fun and beauty of the river. Beyond the floats, the resort is a place for quiet relaxation, with plenty of spots for a picnic, a campfire, or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of the Missouri countryside.
Big Bear River Resort is conveniently located at 372 Corkery Rd, Lebanon, MO 65536, USA. Its position makes it easily accessible for anyone traveling from across Missouri and beyond, while still providing a secluded, natural feel. The resort's proximity to the Niangua River is a key feature, as it allows for direct and easy access to float trips and other water-based activities. For those with mobility needs, the resort has made a concerted effort to be welcoming and accessible, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking lots. This focus on inclusivity ensures that more people can enjoy the beauty and activities the resort has to offer. The on-site parking is a great convenience for all guests, from those in RVs to those arriving by car for a day trip or a cabin stay.
The accessibility extends to more than just the physical location; the resort’s services and payment options are designed for guest convenience. You can pay with credit cards, debit cards, and even NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and easy. This blend of remote, natural beauty with accessible, modern amenities is a major reason why Big Bear River Resort is a favorite destination for many local Missourians. It provides a true getaway without the stress of complicated logistics, allowing you to focus on the adventure that awaits you.
Services Offered:
- Onsite services
- On-site parking
- RV camping with electric hookups
- Public restrooms and showers with running water
- Tent sites
- NFC mobile payments, credit card, and debit card acceptance
- On-site store with snacks, drinks, and camping essentials
- Rental services for rafts, tubes, kayaks, and canoes
- Shuttle services for float trips
Big Bear River Resort offers a rich array of features and highlights that cater to a wide range of interests, from thrill-seekers to families looking for a relaxing break. The primary highlight is, of course, the river access and floating opportunities. With a variety of floating vessels available for rent and a professional shuttle service to get you to the drop-off points, it's an effortless way to experience the Niangua River. For campers, the resort provides options for both RV camping with electric hookups and primitive tent sites, allowing you to choose your preferred style of outdoor living. The amenities, such as public restrooms and showers with running water, ensure a comfortable stay.
The resort is particularly good for families with children. The playground provides a safe and fun area for kids to play, and the kid-friendly hikes allow families to explore the beautiful surroundings together. For those who enjoy cooking outdoors, barbecue grills and picnic tables are available, perfect for a classic campground meal. Pet owners will be happy to know that dogs are allowed, so you can bring your furry friends along on your adventure. The welcoming and friendly nature of the staff, as highlighted in numerous customer reviews, is a major highlight, as it creates a truly welcoming and communal atmosphere. The availability of cabins with full amenities, including kitchens, bathrooms, and even laundry facilities in some cases, provides a comfortable lodging option for those who prefer not to rough it.
Features / Highlights:
- Access to the Niangua River for floating and other water activities
- Playground and kid-friendly hikes
- Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot
- Picnic areas and barbecue grills
- Clean and well-maintained restrooms and public showers
- Tent sites and RV camping with electric hookups
- Dogs allowed
- On-site parking
- Friendly and accommodating staff
Contact Information:
Address: 372 Corkery Rd, Lebanon, MO 65536, USA
Phone: (417) 993-2628
Mobile Phone: +1 417-993-2628
When planning your next outdoor adventure in Missouri, Big Bear River Resort is an excellent choice for several compelling reasons. The main draw is the combination of an authentic Ozark setting with a comprehensive set of services. The resort’s dedicated focus on providing a seamless float trip experience—from a variety of rental options to hassle-free shuttle service—is a major reason for its popularity. This makes it a go-to destination for anyone looking to spend a day or a weekend on the water. Beyond the river, the resort’s commitment to a family-friendly atmosphere is a key selling point. The presence of a playground, kid-friendly hiking trails, and a general welcoming environment ensures that everyone, from young children to adults, will have a good time.
The variety of accommodations, including primitive tent sites, full-service RV spots, and cozy cabins, means that Big Bear River Resort can cater to a wide range of camping styles and budgets. The cleanliness of the facilities, especially the public restrooms and showers, is consistently praised by guests and contributes to a comfortable and stress-free stay. The hospitable and helpful staff, especially Michelle and her team, are often mentioned as the reason guests return year after year. Their genuine care for visitors transforms a simple camping trip into a memorable experience. The fact that the resort is dog-friendly and features amenities like picnic tables and barbecue grills makes it easy to enjoy the simple pleasures of outdoor life. For a true Missouri adventure that combines river fun, family comfort, and genuine hospitality, Big Bear River Resort is a destination well worth choosing.
Big Bear River Resort Details
Service options
- Onsite services
Highlights
- Picnics
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- RV camping
- RV electric hookup
Activities
- Hiking
Amenities
- Barbecue grill
- Picnic tables
- Public restroom
- Public shower
- Restroom
- Running water
- Tent sites
Payments
- Camping fee
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Kid-friendly hikes
- Playground
Parking
- On-site parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Big Bear River Resort Photos










Big Bear River Resort Location
Big Bear River Resort Reviews
cabincanoerentedkayakingbusrestroomsACraftingkaraokegift shop
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The river had flooded due to recent rain but came down enough for us to float. They took us to the drop-in location & got our raft in & ready for us. River was moving well but not bad, we enjoyed every minute!! Take out was good they were right there took care of everything & Michelle gave us a ride back up to our cabin ❤️ everyone was very friendly and very helpful!! Can't wait to do it again. I definitely love Big Bear River Resort!! Love how welcoming Michelle & her team are very family-friendly! We camped in the Camper last year 2024 & they made us feel like family. This year, we did a cabin it was very clean & they had everything we needed to cook with & the bathrooms have bath towels! We stayed in the Paddington, and it even has a washer & dryer!! Definitely plan on doing it again!! Saturday night karaoke for everyone!!! Thank you, Gary we had a blast!! Call Michelle & book your adventure!!
June 02 · Teri WilmesI absolutely love staying here every summer! Michelle is an amazing host and the cabins are always clean and comfortable! The river is one of my favorite places to float!
June 25 · Melissa BartlettWe had a great stay for our anniversary. Small cabin was perfect and bed waa much more comfortable than expected! Sheets were so soft we didn't even end up switching them out for our own! Staff was so kind! During our ride for float drop our driver ( Alicia?) shared that she drives for a school district during the school year and the way she talked about the kids she drives was so heart warming. She is really an incredible human!It's a quiet family friendly property.The only thing that would have been better was having our own fire pit with a grate for cooking. We made it work using the centrally shared grill just a short distance from our sleeper cabin. It was really nice to have the microwave and mini fridge in it. We didn't realize until the last day that there was a restaurant on site so we didn't check it out so maybe giving guests a map of the property and a rundown of everything would be good. Definitely recommend this place and we will be returning in the future!
June 07 · Dawn MartinWe stayed in the little cabins and it was much better than tent camping especially since it rained. You get enough room for our family of 3 to sleep comfortably, 2 beds, microwave, mini fridge, little front porch, air conditioning. The bathrooms are at the main office house not too far, decently kept, only thing is there are only curtains not doors on stalls and my husband felt awkward. We got to float on Wednesday and it was a very nice day. It was quiet there as expected on a Mon-Wed trip. Not sure how it is on weekends. Much less trash seen around than NRO last year. The owners or people we met who ran the place seemed like nice people. I would suggest maybe put a cheap broom on the little cabins porch because dirt tracks up there easy. Thanks for the good time. Hope this place continues to do well.
July 13 · Nicole ClevengerStayed in C2 07-08-25 . Great site to stay with zero drama or any conflicts . Brought my own kayak and it isn't a cheap one . They took as good of care of that boat as I would have during the loading and unloading off of their trailer. Thank you Michelle and thanks to our bus driver . Everything was as smooth as silk
July 13 · Phil Williams
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