Established Camping
Watercress
Watercress is located near Poplar Bluff in the Mark Twain National Forest. The terrain consists of forested areas with access to the Black River. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s during winter to highs in the 90s in summer, and nearby attractions include the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Current River.
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.
Location
Watercress 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-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Detours Nearby
Current River Recreation Area
54 min away
Turner's mill
1 hr 5 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 43 min from Cape Girardeau
- 1 hr 57 min from Jonesboro
- 2 hrs 39 min from St. Louis
- 2 hrs 57 min from Jefferson City
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
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
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
