Mark Twain National Forest Watercress Recreation Area Camping

Mark Twain National Forest's Watercress Recreation Area sits along the Current River in Van Buren, Missouri, accessible by boat or on foot rather than by vehicle. The campground has 17 first-come, first-served sites with picnic tables and fire rings; vault toilets and drinking water are on-site, though sites have no electrical hookups. Weekends draw crowds, and parking fills quickly. The Current River runs alongside the campground and is well-suited to kayaks, tubes, and casual floats, with fishing for catfish, bass, sunfish, and walleye. A 1.2-mile Songbird Trail leads to Watercress Spring and passes Civil War earthworks. Campers interested in dog-friendly camping near Mark Twain National Forest will find this site fits, as pets are permitted. The season runs April through October; plan to arrive early on summer weekends.

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Map & DirectionsMark Twain National Forest Watercress Recreation Area is located in Missouri near Van Buren

Public Campground

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.