Are you looking for a campsite where there might be a serene water body where you can fish and relax with your family on the shore on the lap of nature? We recommend you Pomme De Terre Lake and Pomme De Terre State Park!

Pomme De Terre Lake is located in the beautiful state of Missouri on its southwest side, at the confluence of Pomme De Terre River (after which it is named) and Lindley Creek. The 7,800-acre lake is spread across northern Polk and southern Hickory counties and is around 80 km north of Springfield.

History of Pomme De Terre Lake

The United States Army Corps of Engineers spent $14,946,784 and designed and built a series of lakes in the Osage River Basin for flood control starting from 1957 and completing in 1961. Pomme De Terre Lake is one of these lakes. Its name is French and means “Apple of the earth” or potato.

The dam of Pomme De Terre Lake is close to Pomme De Terre State Park and Route 254 crosses it. The lake has two arms stretched out from the dam site – the Pomme De Terre arm extends for 27 km following the Pomme De Terre River and the Lindley arm extends for 19 km following Lindley Creek.

Camping at Pomme De Terre Lake

Pomme De Terre Lake offers wonderful camping opportunities in the form of its over 650 campsites year around. These are basic, electric and electric/water sites. There are two public swimming beaches too. Plus, there is a full-service marina, shelter house, laundry, trails and picnic area. The lake is especially praiseworthy because it’s not usually over-crowded and campers can enjoy its beauty without excessive boat traffic. Camping reservations can be done online and on phone: 877-422-6766.

Some prominent campsites at Pomme De Terre Lake are:

Pittsburg Campground

This is a serene, well set up campground with cool breezes, nice shade and campsites just along the water where you can take your own tents, RVs, trailers or vans. You can boat, ski or take a pontoon ride. Ample drinks, ice, snacks, showers, kids’ playground and laundry are available.

Hermitage Campground

This is a hidden gem providing ample shade from the huge trees and accesses a newly built nature trail through the forest which is adventurous and pleasant at the same time. Or if you want, you can just laze away on the swimming beach. 

Berryland RV Park and Storage

(Missouri 64, Pittsburg MO 65724 Ph.:(417) 852-4253)

Are you planning to go camping in a travel trailer? Pomme De Terre Lake area has plenty of RV parks one of which is Berryland RV Park where you can enjoy the quiet away from the crowds. It’s located a couple of minutes away from the 4 boat ramps and two swimming beaches, to let you enjoy the action on the water.

Harbor Campground and Marina

(Rt 2, Box 2178, Hermitage MO 65668 Ph.: 417-745-6865)

Located at the west end of the dam, Harbor Campground has everything you want to enjoy and make your camping trip a wonderful experience. Overnight and long term camping are available here.

Whiteside Hidden Acres RV Park

(HC 77, Box 899C, Highway 64B, Pittsburg MO 65724 Ph.:(417) 852-4939)

This is another amazing RV park with all its sites equipped with park mowing, water, sewer, electric service and trash service. Catch muskies, sunfish, crappie and bass on the lovely Pomme De Terre Lake or enjoy swimming at the beaches. There are marinas, picnic areas and trails available.

Camp Pomme De Terre

(HC 77, Box 3350, Pittsburg MO 65724 Ph.: 417-852-4455)

Located in Ozarks, one mile east of Pittsburg, Camp Pomme De Terre is a lovely campsite across secluded 91 acres accommodating so many venues and activities, like a boat dock into one of the lake’s coves, canoes, and so much more.

Fishing

As such, Pomme De Terre Lake is full of various fish species. But it’s especially famous for catching Muskie. The lake has pretty clear water, rocky bottom and vast vegetation (although the original vegetation is reduced now) – ideal conditions for muskies to thrive.That’s why this lake was chosen to stock muskies since 1966.

Catching muskies in Pomme De Terre Lake is a great fun because this long, slender, green/yellow-green fish is renowned for its strength and aggressiveness.

Other fish in the lake are crappie, catfish, walleye, largemouth bass and white bass.

Marina and Boat Ramps

The marina at Pomme De Terre Lake offers daily, monthly and annual slip rentals. Their website is http://www.mofunparks.com/ and phone number is 417-852-1031.

Plus, there are four paved boat launch ramps in the Pomme De Terre Lake. Daily and yearly slip rentals and fuel are available.

Refreshments and Recreation

Pomme De Terre Lake has so many amazing restaurants such as Mr. Ed’s Drive In (one of the most famous), Jack & Virginia’s, Crappie Hole Bar & Grill, Lake Side BBQ, L.J’s Café and more.

Plus, there are so many trails, yurts, picnicking, a lake house and many such amenities.

So, when are you planning a camping trip to Pomme De Terre Lake?