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Recreation.gov has posted a notice for Watercress Campground

CURRENTLY ONLY THE BOAT RAMP AT WATERCRESS IS OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE DUE TO DAMAGE FROM 2017 FLOOD

We read this on September 29, 2026. See every notice for Watercress Campground

Hard to BookNational Forest

Watercress Campground

Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

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As of September 2026, Watercress Campground is a campground in Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri with 1 campsite. Watercress Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Watercress Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Watercress Campground is located at 37.0019° N, 91.0186° W.

people allowed on each site: 75

Watercress Campground reservations and next available dates

September 2026

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Watercress Campground

Group 1
Hookups 1

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest.

Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Watercress Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the WATERCRESS loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Hookups
Old Hickory Pavilion	Group	75	Electric

About Watercress Campground

Overview

***Watercress sustained substantial damage to the pavilions during the 2017 flood, they are not reservable at this time, however the boat ramp is still open for public use.***

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.

Recreation

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, walleye, sunfish and the occasional catfish.

Big Spring, Missouri's largest spring, is just five 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.

Facilities

The campground offers 17 campsites for tent or RV camping and the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Two group picnic shelters which can accommodate up to 75 people each are located alongside the river. Each is equipped with tables and grills. A seasonal trash collection dumpster is also available between April 1 and October 1 at the campground entrance.

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

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. More information about the National Park Service sites can be found here.

Rules and notices at Watercress Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Watercress Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

CURRENTLY ONLY THE BOAT RAMP AT WATERCRESS IS OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE DUE TO DAMAGE FROM 2017 FLOOD

Overnight camping in campsites in the campground only. Campground open May 1-October 1.

Day Use Area open year-round

Boat Ramp open year-round

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

Accessible vault toilets are available year-round in Day Use Area

Picnic Shelters are available year-round for reservations

Click here for more information on the Mark Twain National Forest

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.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Watercress Campground FAQ

Is Watercress Campground open?

Recreation.gov publishes this notice for Watercress Campground: "CURRENTLY ONLY THE BOAT RAMP AT WATERCRESS IS OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE DUE TO DAMAGE FROM 2017 FLOOD" Recreation.gov does not date its notices; we last read this one on September 29, 2026. Check Recreation.gov before you travel.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Watercress Campground?

Watercress Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Watercress Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Watercress Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Watercress Campground have?

Watercress Campground has 1 campsites.