Watercress
Mark Twain National Forest
***Watercress sustained substantial damage to the pavilions during the 2017 flood, they are not reservable at this time, however the boat ramp is still open for public use.***
Watercress Campground lies on the banks one of the forest’s greatest treasures; the Current River. Floats on the river provide views of southeastern Missouri that otherwise can't be seen. The area is home to a variety of birds and wildlife and recreation opportunities are plentiful in the surrounding area.
The campground offers 17 campsites for tent or RV camping and the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
Two group picnic shelters which can accommodate up to 75 people each are located alongside the river. Each is equipped with tables and grills. A seasonal trash collection dumpster is also available between April 1 and October 1 at the campground entrance.
Need to Know
- Overnight camping in campsites in the campground only. Campground open May 1-October 1.
- Day Use Area open year-round
- Boat Ramp open year-round
- Drinking water and flush toilets are not available during winter months; flush toilets are available May 1- October 1.
- Accessible vault toilets are available year-round in Day Use Area
- Picnic Shelters are available year-round for reservations
- Click here for more information on the Mark Twain National Forest
- Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
- CURRENTLY ONLY THE BOAT RAMP AT WATERCRESS IS OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE DUE TO DAMAGE FROM 2017 FLOOD
Natural Features
Located within the town of Van Buren, the campground and day use area are adjacent to the Current River, which flows past scenic bluffs, springs, caves as it meanders through the Mark Twain National Forest toward Doniphan, MO.
Nearby Attractions
The campground is adjacent to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which is a series of protected rivers in the area managed by the National Park Service. More information about the National Park Service sites can be found here.
Recreation
Boating and canoeing on the Current River, as well as on other nearby rivers, are popular activities. A boat ramp for both motorized and non-motorized boats is available on the east bank of the Current River. Anglers enjoy fishing for bass, walleye, sunfish and the occasional catfish.
Big Spring, Missouri's largest spring, is just five miles from the campground. Hikers at Watercress area enjoy the Songbird Trail, a 1.2-mile loop that leads to Watercress Spring, passing remnants of Civil War-era earthwork that overlook the Current River.
Contact Information
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1420 Maud St. Poplar Bluff MO 63901
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Highway 60, drive north on Main Street to the National Park Service sign on Watercress Road. Turn north and drive just past the Park Service building complex, then make a left to Watercress Recreation Area. The picnic shelters are on the left toward the north end of the day use area.
Available Campsites
- Site 002, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Go1-Old hickory, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Group Picnic Area
- Site 007, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Go2-Sycamore, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Group Picnic Area
- Site 015, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop WATERCRESS , Type Standard Nonelectric
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