Watercress
Open for the 2026 season. Campground operates May 1 through October 1. All 17 sites are first-come, first-served with some sites also reservable. Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent invasive pest spread.
Heat Advisory issued September 8 at 12:44PM CDT until September 9 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Heat index values of 103 to 108 expected. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 11 AM CDT /noon EDT/ to 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible during the afternoon in the northern half of the Quad State, which could bring earlier relief from the heat.
Forest Order - Trail 119 Closure (Chadwick Motorized Trail System)
The closure of Forest Trail 119 in the Chadwick Motorized Trail System will serve to ensure the protection of people who visit the Mark Twain National Forest by preventing access to the trail during the removal of a culvert. The Closure Order and Map can be accessed in the green links below.
Forest Order 09-05-21-26-03 National Forest System Road 566 Closure
This is a temporary closure for FS Road 566 up to Coy Bald Trailhead to avoid risk of entrapment from flooding waters during the peak rain season. Access to the Coy Bald Trailhead requires crossing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land—and traversing the Cane Creek low‑water crossing, a…
About
Watercress Recreation Area occupies a scenic stretch along the Current River in the heart of Missouri's Ozark country. Located within the town of Van Buren, the campground provides direct access to one of the region's most prized float streams, where paddlers encounter limestone bluffs, caves, and cold-water springs. Big Spring, Missouri's largest natural spring, lies just seven miles away. The campground features 15 single sites and 2 double sites suitable for tent and RV camping. All sites include a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post on asphalt parking pads. Potable water is available from a pressurized system, and vault toilets serve the campground. The adjacent day-use area includes a boat ramp for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Hikers can explore the Songbird Trail, a half-mile interpretive loop that passes remnants of Civil War earthworks overlooking the river before reaching Watercress Spring. The campground sits adjacent to Ozark National Scenic Riverways, offering additional backcountry camping and paddling opportunities managed by the National Park Service.
Directions
From Van Buren: Take US 60 to James Street. Turn right onto Main Street/Business 60. Proceed 0.25 mile and turn left onto Watercress Road. The recreation area is 0.5 mile from the turn.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $10 - $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (573) 996-2153 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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