Missouri / Carter County / Van Buren / Mark Twain National Forest

Watercress

Closed — Closed for the season. Camping available May 1 through October 1. Day use area and boat ramp remain open year-round. Due to 2017 flood damage, only the boat ramp is currently open for public use.

About

Watercress Campground occupies a prime location on the banks of the Current River within the town of Van Buren, providing easy access to one of Mark Twain National Forest's premier waterways. The campground offers 17 sites available first-come, first-served, including 15 single sites and 2 double sites, accommodating both tent campers and RVs up to 40 feet on asphalt pads. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. The recreation area features a double-lane concrete boat ramp on the west bank of the Current River, serving both motorized and non-motorized craft year-round. The river is popular for floating, tubing, canoeing, and fishing for smallmouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. Swimming and beach access are available near the boat ramp. The half-mile Songbird Trail begins between campsites 11 and 12, leading hikers through diverse habitats to Watercress Spring and past remnants of Civil War-era earthworks overlooking the river. Adjacent to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways managed by the National Park Service, Watercress provides a convenient base for exploring the region. Big Spring, Missouri's largest spring, lies just seven miles away. The day use area with picnic sites remains open year-round.

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.

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