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.
Reservations
General Information
Camping
Amenities include: pressurized water system (no individual hookups), flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts.
No. of Sites
- Single Sites: 15
- Double Sites: 2
RV Camping - No hookups available at this location.
Size Restrictions - Can accommodate up to 40' RVs.
Vehicle Clearance - No restrictions
Pavement Type of Parking - Asphalt
May 1 - October 1, 2026
Campground
- Open 24 Hours a day to campers.
- Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Day Use Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
When visiting, please remember
- No OHVs/ATVs/UTVs allowed to operate at this recreation area.
- No more than 8 people are permitted at any one site (16 for double sites).
- When fishing at Watercress Recreation Area, all limits apply and necessary permits are required.
- Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14.
- No fireworks
On the Trail
- Foot travel only
- No motorized vehicles, horses or mountain bikes are permitted.
Camping Discount
- There is a 50% discount for camping for anyone with an Interagency Access or Senior Pass.
- The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $10 per night
Double Site: $20 per night
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails. Please leash your dog, unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
There are no outfitters authorized to operate at this location. Check with the http://www.missouricanoe.org/ for information on rentals.
Address: #66 Confederate Ridge Road Doniphan, MO 63935
Phone: 573-996-2153
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.001944
Longitude: -91.018611
Directions
From Van Buren:
- Take US 60 to James St
- From James St. turn right onto Main St./Business 60
- Proceed .25 mile and turn left onto Watercress Rd.
- It is .5 mile from the turn to the recreation area.
Parking
Day Use: 4 parking lots, one is designated boat and trailer parking only.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
The tables, grills and fire rings are accessible.
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/StreamFishing - River/Stream Info
Smallmouth bass, sunfish and catfish may all be caught in the Lower Current River.
Fishing Mode
bank, boat
Fish Species
bass, panfish
Water Temperature
45 - 70 degrees
Fishing Method
Rod & Reel
Water/Flow Level
1 - 8 feeet
Picnicking - Single Info
Amenities available are: Picnic tables, pedestal grills, trash receptacles, drinking water, flush toilets
No. of Sites
5 individual picnic sites throughout the recreation area.
Day Hikes Info
Songbird Trail, a ½ mile trail, begins in an open, grassy area between campsites #11 and #12, Watercress Spring is just at the start of the trail near the campsites. From the spring the trail climbs up a hillside, from there you go south to the Watercress entry road. You follow the road back to the campground to make a loop.
A range of habitats along the trail, from wooded uplands to riparian area. The remains of Civil War earthworks can still be seen high on a hill that overlooks Current River.
Boating - Motorized Info
The Watercress Boat Launch is situated on the west bank of the Current River and provides a double-lane, concrete boat launch for motorized and non-motorized boats. This access is less remote than some other sites on the Current River.
This is a very busy site for launching, year-round.
Motor Type
There is a 40 HP limit on some sections of the Current River, please be aware of any size limits as you travel up or down the river.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Floating and tubing on the Current River is very popular, and the river may be crowded, especially on hot summer weekends. Motorboats are also common on this portion of the river.
The Watercress Boat Launch is situated on the west bank of the Current River and provides a double-lane, concrete boat launch for motorized and non-motorized boats. This access is less remote than some other sites on the Current River.
This is a very busy site for launching, year-round.
Swimming Info
There is a beach access to the south/left side of the boat ramp. Throughout the day use area there are two concrete river access areas that have stairs, with railings, leading to the beach. The sidewalk to the stairs is made from pavers.
The river is immediately deep at the concrete at the access to the right. This access may not be suitable for wading.
The river is very popular with boaters, so be aware of other traffic on the river if/when you are wading.
