Watercress
FSU.S. Forest Service — Poplar Bluff · Missouri · Mark Twain National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Mark Twain National Forest |
| Location | Poplar Bluff · Missouri · Mark Twain National Forest · 37.00194, -91.01861 · Map |
| Sites | 19 public sites counted from the federal listing — 17 standard nonelectric; 2 group picnic area |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 2 of 19 sites (up to 20 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 19 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 19 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 19 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 40 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 19 sites · 30 ft: 19 sites · 35 ft: 19 sites · 40 ft: 17 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 19 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-05-22.
From the official listing
Overview ***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. 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. Facilities 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. 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 .
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
3 mi straight-line · VAN BUREN MissouriFSU.S. Forest ServicePinewoods Lake Rec Area
14 mi straight-line · POPLAR BLUFF MissouriUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersWebb Creek Park
15 mi straight-line · Piedmont MissouriUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersRiver Road Park
17 mi straight-line · Piedmont MissouriUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersPiedmont Park
17 mi straight-line · PIEDMONT Missouri
Trip Card — Watercress
Poplar Bluff · Missouri · Mark Twain National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Poplar Bluff · Missouri · Mark Twain National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 2 |
| Max RV | Up to 40 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 19 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233983 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.