Watercress Recreation Area
Watercress Recreation Area is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a few hours, or a few days. 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.
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.
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, sunfish and the occasional catfish.
Big Spring, Missouri's largest spring, is just seven 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.
The campground offers 17 campsites for tent or RV camping and the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
At a Glance
Operational Hours: |
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Reservations: | All campsites are first come, first served |
Rentals & Guides: | There are no outfitters authorized to operate at this location. Check with the http://www.missouricanoe.org/ for information on rentals. |
Area Amenities: | Accessible, Boat ramp, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking |
Fees: | Campsites:
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Open Season: | May 1 - October 1 |
Usage: | Heavy |
Restrictions: |
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Closest Towns: | Van Buren, MO |
Water: | Drinking Water |
Restroom: | Vault |
Passes: | Pass information can be found on the Passes and Permits page of the website. |
Operated By: | USDA Forest Service |
Information Center: | Eleven Point Ranger District Email | Phone and Address |
General Information
Directions:From Van Buren:
- Take US 60 to James St
- From James St. turn right onto Main St./Business 60
- Proceed .25 mile and turn left onto Watercress Rd.
- It is .5 mile from the turn to the recreation area.
Accessibility:
The tables, grills and fire rings are accessible.
Activities
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:Amenities include: pressurized water system (no individual hookups), flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts.
No. of Sites |
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Reservation Info | Pavilion only |
Fire Information | Yes |
No. of Accessible sites | 6 |
Sleeping Shelter | No |
Status: | Closed |
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Difficulty Level: | Easy |
RV Camping
Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:No hookups available at this location.
No. of Sites |
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Vehicle Clearence | No restrictions |
Size Restrictions | Can accommodate up to 40' RVs. |
Pavement Type of Parking | Asphalt |
Status: | Closed |
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River and Stream Fishing
Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:Smallmouth bass, sunfish and catfish may all be caught in the Lower Current River.
Fishing Mode | bank, boat |
Fish Species | bass, panfish |
Water Temperature | 45 - 70 degrees |
Fishing Method | Rod & Reel |
Water/Flow Level | 1 - 8 feeet |
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Songbird Trail, a ½ mile trail, begins in an open, grassy area between campsites #11 and #12, Watercress Spring is just at the start of the trail near the campsites. From the spring the trail climbs up a hillside, from there you go south to the Watercress entry road. You follow the road back to the campground to make a loop.
A range of habitats along the trail, from wooded uplands to riparian area. The remains of Civil War earthworks can still be seen high on a hill that overlooks Current River.
Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:Amenities available are: Picnic tables, pedestal grills, trash receptacles, drinking water, flush toilets
No. of Sites | 5 individual picnic sites throughout the recreation area. |
Reservation Info | www.recreation.gov |
Fire Information | None |
No. of Accessible Sites | tables and small pedestal grills at each site are accessible |
Sleeping Shelter | None |
Status: | Closed |
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Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Boating - Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:The Watercress Boat Launch is situated on the west bank of the Current River and provides a double-lane, concrete boat launch for motorized and non-motorized boats. This access is less remote than some other sites on the Current River.
This is a very busy site for launching, year-round.
Motor Type | There is a 40 HP limit on some sections of the Current River, please be aware of any size limits as you travel up or down the river. |
Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:Floating and tubing on the Current River is very popular, and the river may be crowded, especially on hot summer weekends. Motorboats are also common on this portion of the river.
The Watercress Boat Launch is situated on the west bank of the Current River and provides a double-lane, concrete boat launch for motorized and non-motorized boats. This access is less remote than some other sites on the Current River.
This is a very busy site for launching, year-round.
Swimming
Recreation areas with activity Swimming:There is a beach access to the south/left side of the boat ramp. Throughout the day use area there are two concrete river access areas that have stairs, with railings, leading to the beach. The sidewalk to the stairs is made from pavers.
The river is immediately deep at the concrete at the access to the right. This access may not be suitable for wading.
The river is very popular with boaters, so be aware of other traffic on the river if/when you are wading.
Tubing
Recreation areas with activity Tubing:Floating and tubing on the Current River is very popular, and the river may be crowded, especially on hot summer weekends. Motorboats are also common on this portion of the river.
The Watercress Boat Launch is situated on the west bank of the Current River and provides a double-lane, concrete boat launch for motorized and non-motorized boats. This access is less remote than some other sites on the Current River.
This is a very busy site for launching, year-round.
Amenities
Camping trailer: | |
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Picnic tables: | |
Tent camping: | |
Parking: | Day Use: 4 parking lots, one is designated boat and trailer parking only. |
Toilets: | |
Fee charged for some activities: | |
Accessible: | |
Boat ramp: | |
Drinking water: |