How much does camping cost at Watercress?

Camping fees at Watercress are $10 - $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Watercress first-come first-served or reservation?

Watercress accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Watercress before I book?

Yes! Watercress has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Watercress?

Watercress is open May 01 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Watercress?

Watercress does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Watercress have?

Watercress has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Watercress?

Pets are not allowed at Watercress. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Watercress?

Watercress offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Watercress?

Popular activities at Watercress include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Watercress

Q: Can I have a campfire at Watercress?

Fire policies at Watercress: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.41

145 reviews

1420 Maud St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, USA

Top 24% in MOFall

CReport Card

Scenic Views

Featured in:Primitive Camping Missouri#2 Swimming Camping Missouri RV Camping Missouri

Quick Facts

492 ft

Price

$10 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Mark Twain National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

492 ft

Price

$10 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Mark Twain National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Watercress

$10.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Site: $20.00; Pavilion: $25.00; Single Site: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$25.00

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Campground Map

1420 Maud St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, USA

Watercress

1420 Maud St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, USA

Nearby places

Van Buren (adjacent), Poplar Bluff (~40 miles, ~45 minutes), Doniphan (~25 miles, ~30 minutes).

Weather at Watercress

Current alerts(8)

Accessible vault toilets are available year-round in Day Use Area
Boat Ramp open year-round
CURRENTLY ONLY THE BOAT RAMP AT WATERCRESS IS OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE DUE TO DAMAGE FROM 2017 FLOOD
Click here for more information on the Mark Twain National Forest

Best Time to Camp at Watercress

Best season: fall. Early fall (primarily September at Watercress) brings cooler, more comfortable daytime temperatures (typically mid-50s to upper-70s°F) and crisp mornings around 45–55°F, making paddling, fishing, and bluff-side hikes especially enjoyable. River levels are often moderate after summer, bugs taper off, and wildlife activity increases, so you get quieter campsites and better chances for sightings. Note that peak leaf color in the Ozarks generally occurs later in October, so you’ll get early color in Peak months: September, May, June, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in MO

Fall called the best season: cooler temps, comfortable days and crisp mornings ideal for paddling/hikes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Watercress

Watercress sits along the Current River in Mark Twain National Forest near Van Buren, Missouri. This small, low-elevation campground operated by the Forest Service offers primitive tent and RV sites plus group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and direct river access. Visitors come for paddling, fishing, swimming, and hiking among the Ozark bluffs, with helpful camp hosts and a quiet riverside setting.

Watercress Campground supports tent and RV camping, as well as group picnic shelters. User review: "It's primitive camping, which is not for everyone, of course."

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall (primarily September at Watercress) brings cooler, more comfortable daytime temperatures (typically mid-50s to upper-70s°F) and crisp mornings around 45–55°F, making paddling, fishing, and bluff-side hikes especially enjoyable. River levels are often moderate after summer, bugs taper off, and wildlife activity increases, so you get quieter campsites and better chances for sightings. Note that peak leaf color in the Ozarks generally occurs later in October, so you’ll get early color in Peak months: September, May, June, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation492 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLimestone bluffs tower above the Current River, their faces carved over millennia into the distinctive karst landscape of the Ozark Plateau. Springs emerge from underground passages, feeding the river with clear water that has sculpted caves into the rock. The elevation here is 492 feet. Wildlife includes herons along the shallows and songbirds in the canopy. Each bend in the river reveals different rock formations and water features.

Lodging & AccommodationsCabins, hotels, or similar accommodations are not mentioned in the official sources or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

Two group picnic shelters are available, each accommodating up to 75 people, equipped with tables and grills.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and its associated mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are provided year-round in the day-use area. Additional accessibility features are not mentioned.

Site SizeUser reviews suggest fairly large campsites: "The campground is back open and each plot is fairly large and cleaned of debris.

PrivacyPrivacy level is unclear from official sources and user reviews.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for riverside sites for better views and easier water access.

Need help booking Watercress?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Drinking water and flush toilets are not available during winter months; flush toilets are available May 1- October 1.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Watercress

Watercress Campground offers a range of activities including fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, and picnicking. "Boating and canoeing on the Current River, as well as on other nearby rivers, are popular activities. Anglers enjoy fishing for bass, walleye, sunfish, and the occasional catfish." "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."

Fishing4.0/5

Anglers fish the Current River for bass, walleye, sunfish and catfish; direct river access noted in overview.

Swimming4.0/5

Swimming is common at multiple swim areas; springs feed clear river water ideal for swimming.

Boating4.0/5

Boat ramp for motorized and non-motorized craft; paddling and canoeing are highlighted activities.

Water Sports4.0/5

Canoeing/kayaking on the Current River is a popular draw; direct river access and boat ramp noted.

Hiking3.5/5

Songbird Trail 1.2-mile loop to Watercress Spring and Civil War earthwork; bluff scenery present.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Clear river, limestone bluffs, springs and wooded shoreline offer strong photo opportunities.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5Birds and wildlife are described as abundant along the river and in the Ozark bluffs.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Trash & RecyclingA seasonal trash collection dumpster is available between April 1 and October 1 at the campground entrance.

Cell CoverageThere is no data about the cell phone service quality or providers. User reviews also do not address this.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Watercress

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From Booking Sources

4.4

145 reviews

Recommended

Watercress is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's proximity to the river, its scenic views, and recreational opportunities. There are conflicting opinions about maintenance and amenities post-2017 flood.

Review Summaries

Based on 145 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's beauty, river access, affordable fees, and helpful camp hosts. "The river access is perfect... plenty of picnic tables... showers and bathrooms." "It's primitive...

Based on 145 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include post-flood damage, lack of amenities like showers and electricity, and trash left by visitors: "The place is a shell of what it used to be." "Unfortunately, I was compelled to pick...

Based on 145 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some users note specific issues with certain areas, such as trash in the back loop. User review: "Drunk people walked into my camp belligerent..."

Based on 145 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood as external firewood is prohibited. Consider visiting in peak season for full amenities, but avoid winter closures. Group sites can be reserved for larger gatherings.

Based on 145 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter closures limit usability, though day-use areas remain accessible. Summer offers full amenities but may experience trash issues due to high traffic. Spring and fall are recommended for pleasant...

Based on 145 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely love love love this campground." "Since the flood, the Forest Service has let this park go." "Homeless living in the back loop, trash everywhere..." "The camp hosts were phenomenal and...

Based on 145 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are accessible year-round. No further accessibility features are mentioned.

Based on 145 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews or official sources.

Based on 145 reviews

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Watercress

$10.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Site: $20.00; Pavilion: $25.00; Single Site: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$25.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

Go if

You want river access for paddling and fishing in a quiet Forest Service campground without hookups.

Skip if

You need electric hookups or prefer campgrounds with flush toilets and developed facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

PO BOX 490, VAN BUREN, MO 63965, USA

Big Spring sits along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Van Buren, operated by the National Park Service. This large campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station, serving as a base for exploring one of Missouri's most prolific springs and the surrounding Current River corridor. Visitors hike, bike, fish for smallmouth bass, and enjoy wildlife viewing in a landscape of forested bluffs and clear Ozark streams.

Watercress

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Watercress

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Watercress

Planning Tips

About Watercress

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Amenities available

RV details

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Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Watercress

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews