Watercress

Star4.48
145 reviews
1420 Maud St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, USA
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

492 ft

Price

$10 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Mark Twain National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Watercress
$10.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees range from $10 to $25 depending on the site type. Group picnic shelters cost $25 per day. Additional fees may apply for reservation...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 145 reviews

134 Google reviews

Most mentioned

showers

"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."

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Campground Map

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

Watercress

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

Driving directionsFrom Highway 60, drive north on Main Street to the National Park Service sign on Watercress Road. Turn north and drive just past the Park Service building complex, then make a left to Watercress Recreation Area. The picnic shelters are on the left toward the north end of the day use area.
The campground is within one mile of Highway 60, making it easily accessible. The terrain is described as heavily wooded, providing some seclusion from traffic noise.
Nearby places
Van Buren (adjacent), Poplar Bluff (~40 miles, ~45 minutes), Doniphan (~25 miles, ~30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Van Buren provides access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Poplar Bluff offers larger stores and advanced shopping facilities.

Best Time to Camp at Watercress

From May through October, Watercress Campground comes alive under Missouri's most inviting skies. Summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for river activities, while cool evenings invite campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. Spring and fall paint the forest in vibrant colors, offering moderate temperatures ideal for hiking and exploration. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, though most visitors prefer the comfort of warmer months when the Current River sparkles its brightest.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and camping; warm river days but can be crowded.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in MO

Fall praised as pleasant with fewer crowds; scenic foliage and river activities remain good.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Late spring (after May 1) is recommended for pleasant weather and river activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 1–Oct 1; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground open from May 1 to October 1. Day use areas and boat ramp available year-round.
  • Current Alerts: The campground sustained damage during the 2017 flood; some areas remain closed, including pavilions.

About Watercress

Nestled along the crystal-clear waters of the Current River, Watercress Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover one of Mark Twain National Forest's hidden gems. This riverside retreat features 17 thoughtfully spaced campsites that welcome both tent campers and RV travelers, each offering a perfect basecamp for adventures on the water. Whether you're paddling through morning mist, casting a line into the river's gentle currents, or simply listening to the water's melody from your campsite, Watercress provides an authentic Ozark experience where the river sets the rhythm of your days.
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."
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Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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."
HikingThe Songbird Trail is a 1.2-mile loop leading to Watercress Spring and passing Civil War-era earthwork overlooking the Current River. The trail is described as a quick nature hike with easy access to local features.
FishingFishing opportunities include bass, walleye, sunfish, and occasional catfish. Anglers can fish in the Current River and other nearby rivers.
SwimmingSwimming is a common activity at multiple swim areas near the river. User review: "The river access is perfect and there is multiple swim areas."
BoatingA boat ramp is available for both motorized and non-motorized boats on the east bank of the Current River. Canoeing and floating on the river are popular activities.
Wildlife viewingBirds and wildlife are abundant in the area, offering opportunities for observation along the river and trails.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, river currents, and seasonal flooding risks.
Active AlertsThe campground sustained damage during the 2017 flood; some areas remain closed, including pavilions.

Weather at Watercress

Reviews

4.5
145 reviews
Recommended
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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