Facility Details - WATERCRESS, MO

Overview

Watercress Campground lies on the banks of the Current River, which gives visitors access to some of the forest's greatest treasures. Tours 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.

Natural Features:

Located within the town of Van Buren, the campground is adjacent to the Current River, which flows past scenic bluffs, springs, caves as it meanders through the Mark Twain National Forest.

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 west 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 enjoy the Songbird Trail, a 1.2-mile loop that leads to Watercress Spring, passing remnants of Civil War-era earthworks that overlook the Current River.

Facilities:

The campground offers single-family sites for tent or RV camping. Additional sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Two group picnic shelters can accommodate up to 75 people each, and are located alongside the river. Each is equipped with tables and grills. Trash collection facilities are also available at or near each site.

Nearby Attractions:

The campground is adjacent to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which is a series of protected rivers in the area. More information about the park can be found here.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Accessible Flush Toilets Accessible Vault Toilets Boat Ramp Boating Campfire Rings Canoeing Drinking Water Fishing	Grills Hiking Parking Area Picnic Shelters River Access Swimming Tubing
Within 10 Miles
Boat Rentals

Know Before You Go

This is a day-use area; overnight camping is prohibited
Drinking water is not available during winter months
Click here for more information on the Mark Twain National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
37.00194, -91.01861
37°0'7"N, 91°1'7"W

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 Park. The picnic shelters are on the left at the bottom of the hill.