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.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 21 at 5:01PM CDT until July 21 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 508 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ILLINOIS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 3 COUNTIES IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ALEXANDER MASSAC PULASKI IN KENTUCKY THIS WATCH INCLUDES 20 COUNTIES IN WESTERN KENTUCKY BALLARD CALDWELL CALLOWAY CARLISLE CHRISTIAN CRITTENDEN DAVIESS FULTON GRAVES HICKMAN HOPKINS LIVINGSTON LYON MARSHALL MCCRACKEN MCLEAN MUHLENBERG TODD TRIGG WEBSTER IN MISSOURI THIS WATCH INCLUDES 8 COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI BUTLER CARTER MISSISSIPPI NEW MADRID RIPLEY SCOTT STODDARD WAYNE THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BARDWELL, BENTON, BLOOMFIELD, CADIZ, CAIRO, CALHOUN, CHARLESTON, CLINTON, DIXON, DONIPHAN, EDDYVILLE, ELKTON, GREENVILLE, HICKMAN, HOPKINSVILLE, MADISONVILLE, MARION, MAYFIELD, METROPOLIS, MOUND CITY, MURRAY, NEW MADRID, OWENSBORO, PADUCAH, PIEDMONT, POPLAR BLUFF, PRINCETON, SIKESTON, SMITHLAND, VAN BUREN, AND WICKLIFFE.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 21 at 11:11AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 110 to 116. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 11:11AM CDT until July 21 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 110 to 116. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
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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