The US Forest Service manages Watercress campground within Mark Twain National Forest along the Current River near Van Buren. This 17-site campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis, with sites accommodating RVs up to 40 feet and offering full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections.
Campers access the campground via rough roads that can confuse first-time visitors, requiring navigation through Van Buren on Business Route 60 before turning onto Watercress Road. Sites feature paved pads with picnic tables and fire rings, positioned along both forested and open terrain. The Current River provides direct water access for fishing, swimming, and floating, with emerald-green water clear enough to see the bottom. Weekend crowds fill parking areas during peak floating season, so early arrival helps secure preferred sites.
Description
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 forests 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWatercress is located in Missouri
Directions
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.
Address
1420 Maud St.
Poplar bluff, MO 63901
Coordinates
37.0019444 N
91.0186111 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/2/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/2/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/2/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/2/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 43 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 57 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 2 hrs 39 min from St. Louis, MO
- 2 hrs 57 min from Jefferson City, MO
