Watercress Recreation Area

The numbers that decide it

Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov

Watercress Recreation Area

Watercress Recreation Area is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a few hours, or a few days. 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. Watercress Campground lies on the banks one of the forest’s 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. 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, sunfish and the occasional catfish. Big Spring , Missouri’s largest spring, is just seven 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 . The campground offers 17 campsites for tent or RV camping and the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 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.

Before you go

Scenic drives that pass close

• Great River Road4 mi