Watercress Campground has been re-opened. Water is still unavailable and pavilions are still closed.
Watercress Recreation Area is located on the Current River in Van Buren MO. Recently renovated, Watercress Recreation Area is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a few hours, or a few days.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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
Current Conditions:
Watercress Campground has been re-opened. Water is still unavailable, but there are 16 first come-first serve sites available.
The pavilions are still closed.
Operational Hours:
Campground is open late April through October; day use area is open year-round, 6AM to 10 PM.
Reservations:
Reservations for this site can be made on Recreation.gov. All reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance of arrival. Group picnic site can be reserved up to 12 months in advance. No reservations for camping sites, first coming first served only.
Group Picnic Area: $25/day. If not reserved in advance, the pavilions may be used on a first come, first served basis for $25.00. Parking is free. Reservations are posted at each pavilion. Campsites $10-20 depending on site. 50% discount for anyone with a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport, Senior Pass, or an Access Pass.
Usage:
Heavy
Restrictions:
Activities must end by 9:00 p.m. and start no earlier than 7:00 a.m. No more than 8 people are permitted at any one site (16 for double sites). When fishing at Watercress Recreation Area, all limits apply and necessary permits are required. Drinking water and flush toilets are not available from 10/1 through 4/30. Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14. Power boats are limited to 40 HP.
Closest Towns:
Van Buren, MO
Water:
Drinking Water; May 1 through October 1 only.
Restroom:
Vault
Operated By:
U.S. Forest Service
Information Center:
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
General Information
Directions: Take Highway 60 to Van Buren. In Van Buren, proceed along US60/Main Street to the National Park Service Office on Watercress Road; follow the black-topped road past the Office; making a left turn to the bottom of the hill, approximately 1/3 mile. Directions to the Pavilions: Sycamore Pavilion is located closest to the boat launch (on the approach into the area). Old Hickory is located more towards the north or up river nearer the camping areas.
There are 15 single and 2 double sites. Amenities include: pressurized water system (no individual hookups), flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts.
Fire Information
Yes
No. of Sites
17
Reservation Info
Pavilion only
Sleeping Shelter
No
No. of Accessible sites
6
Status:
Closed
Difficulty Level:
Easy
RV Camping
Can accommodate up to 40' RVs. No hookups available at this location.
Status:
Closed
Fishing
SHOW
River and Stream Fishing
Walleye, smallmouth bass, sunfish and catfish may all be caught in the Lower Current River.
Hiking
SHOW
Day Hiking
Songbird Trail, a 1.2-mile loop leads to Watercress Spring
Fire Information
None
Elevation desc
Varies with area
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate
Nature Viewing
SHOW
Viewing Scenery
Picnicking
SHOW
Picnicking
Picnic tables, pedestal grills, trash receptacles, drinking water, flush toilets are available. Two pavilions for picnicking are available for large groups on a reservation basis by calling 877-444-6777 or by website, www.recreation.gov Several individual picnic sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fire Information
None
No. of Accessible Sites
2 group picnic shelters plus individual sites
No. of Sites
2 group picnic shelters plus individual sites
Reservation Info
www.recreation.gov
Sleeping Shelter
None
Status:
Closed
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Group Picnicking
Two pavilions for picnicking are available for large groups on a reservation basis by calling 877-444-6777 or by website, www.recreation.gov Sycamore pavilion is located closest to the boat launch (on the approach into the area). Old Hickory is located more towards the North or up river nearer the camping areas.
Status:
Closed
Water Activities
SHOW
Boating - Motorized
The Watercress Boat Launch is situated on the west bank of the Current River and provides a concrete boat launch for motorized and non-motorized boats. This access is less remote than some other sites on the Current River.
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.
Swimming
There is no managed swimming in this area. However, this part of the St. Francis River is popular for water play and cooling off during the summer. The water is not monitored or tested, rocks and drop-offs are not marked, and the current can be strong, especially during periods of high water. Enter the stream at your own risk.
Tubing
Tubing is popular along the Current River. Several outfitters offer a variety of float tubes for rent, and also provide transportation of private float tubes within their permitted areas.
HIDE
SHOW
