Gravel roads lead through this Army Corps of Engineers campground on Pomme De Terre Lake, where sites spread across two distinct areas with different character. The bluff loop positions RVs up to 45 feet on elevated ground with lake views, while the peninsula section extends closer to the water with direct shoreline access.
Most sites include water and electric hookups, with one full-hookup site originally built for park volunteers. Campers consistently note the level gravel pads and spacious layout, though Jon L. mentions "make sure you have an extra long sewer hose for the dump station." Sites 25 through 45 offer little shade, while the wooded bluff area provides more tree cover. The peninsula's backside remains exposed to sun throughout the day.
Rocky shoreline allows direct water access for fishing and boat tie-ups, though no designated swimming beach exists. The campground sits in view of the dam, making it a prime spot for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display. A boat ramp serves anglers targeting crappie from shore or water. Clean restrooms with five showers and five flush toilets serve the campground, along with a playground for children.
Seasonal pricing varies significantly, with sites dropping to $10 during shoulder seasons and free camping available January through mid-March without utilities. For more options in the region, consider camping near Pittsburg. Book ahead for summer weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly.
Description
Overview
Attention Campers! We are looking for volunteers to help us maintain campgrounds. For more information and volunteer applications, call 417-745-6411 and ask for park ranger Heard.Visitors head to Damsite on Pomme de Terre Lake for days of enjoyable boating, fishing and swimming. Just as the name implies, Damsite Park is just above the dam, at the confluence of Lindley Creek and the Pomme de Terre River. The lake is named for the river that feeds it. The phrase "Pomme de Terre" is French for potato or "apple of the earth." Most likely, the river was named by early French trappers and fur traders when they discovered plants resembling potatoes on the riverbanks.
Recreation
Excellent fishing is found at the lake, which boasts one of the best catch ratios in the country. Each fall the lake is stocked with muskie, but crappie, largemouth and white bass are also found in abundance. Every year on Fourth of July holiday weekend, a fireworks display takes place over the dam.
Facilities
Damsite Park has 80 sites with electric and water hookups and 7 non-electric sites. Amenities include a dump station, two shower houses, a horse shoe pits, and a playground.
Natural Features
Pomme de Terre Lake sits in the rolling Ozark hills, with 7,790-acres of sparkling surface area and 113 miles of shoreline.
Nearby Attractions
One of the best dirt tracks in the country is right down the road or enjoy a round of golf at the nearby golf course. There are also multiple trails located around this part of the lake.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundDamsite is located in Missouri
Directions
From Springfield, MO, take US 65 north for 60 miles to Preston, MO.. Continue on Highway 54 west to Hermitage, MO., then take Highway 254/ 64 south to Carsons Corner and follow Highway 254 west toward the dam. The entrance to Damsite Park is on the south side of Highway 254.
Coordinates
37.9047222 N
93.3077778 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/19/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/19/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 6 min from Springfield, MO
- 1 hr 30 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 1 hr 56 min from Columbia, MO
- 2 hrs 2 min from Joplin, MO
