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Camping near Harry S. Truman Lake

316 Reviews

Campers will find several camping choices around Harry S Truman Lake, from basic to more developed sites. The City Park Campground sits close to the water, which works well if you're planning to fish or take a boat out. Harry S Truman Lake Area State Park has better facilities with electric hookups and good bathrooms that many campers appreciate. If you prefer simpler camping, the National Forest Sites around the lake have fewer amenities but more natural settings. The Recreation Area makes another good option, and you can hike on trails not far from your campsite. Most campgrounds connect to paved roads, though you might need a truck or SUV with decent clearance for some of the forest camping areas. Besides camping, people come here to hike, fish, and watch birds. Warsaw isn't far away when you need groceries or want to grab a meal. During summer and holidays, you should probably reserve your spot ahead of time. Many campers mention how nice the sunsets look across the lake in the evening. The lake has camping that works whether you bring a tent or drive an RV.

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Best Camping Sites Near Harry S. Truman Lake (149)

    1. Raccoon Ridge — Harry S Truman State Park

    13 Reviews
    Harry S. Truman Lake, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (877) 422-6766

    "Less amenities than other near by State Parks, no playgrounds mainly and the sites aren't too close to the lake. Power only, so be prepared for that if you are looking for hook-ups."

    "Plenty of dead kindling and wood around to burn. Asphalt drive with concrete pad. Picnic table, fire/grill ring, hook post w/ recycle bag attached."

    2. COE Harry S Truman Reservoir Long Shoal Park

    11 Reviews
    Warsaw, MO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 438-2342

    $15 - $30 / night

    "I had a nice bike ride from the campgrounds to a nearby campsite area near Racoon Ridge on some well paved roads, capped off with some different lakeside views."

    "Flat level gravel site with plenty of space to spread out with an amazing view of Truman Lake and Long Shoal Marina. Lakeside site with view of the open sky."

    3. Buck Ridge — Harry S Truman State Park

    4 Reviews
    Harry S. Truman Lake, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (660) 438-7711

    $19 - $25 / night

    "We camped on top of a hill from the lake in an RV site and with being completely surrounded by neighbors, we had enough space not to feel crowded."

    4. Thibaut Point - Harry S. Truman Lake

    4 Reviews
    Warsaw, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 428-2470

    $15 - $200 / night

    5. Sparrowfoot

    10 Reviews
    Clinton, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 885-7546

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Our sie, B46, was close to a clean vault toilet (which has tp). Short walk to clean restroom/shower house; this building also has a laundry room."

    "Truman Lake was flooded three years ago, since then Sparrowfoot has been completely updated with new water and 110V/30A/50A hook-ups."

    6. Long Shoal

    3 Reviews
    Harry S. Truman Lake, MO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 438-7317

    "Steps from the lake. Staff was friendly."

    "Enjoyable stay at this COE campground with plenty of lake views and access.  Sites are level, electric only with easy access to fresh water and dump station as you enter the facility.  "

    7. Berry Bend

    4 Reviews
    Warsaw, MO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 438-3872

    $15 - $40 / night

    "Nice spacious spots, lake views, friendly campers. Great Hosts! Clean and well maintained. Our favorite spot for camping at Truman Lake. Close to boat launch."

    "It’s not nearly as busy as the state park which is awesome!!"

    8. Thorny Ridge — Harry S Truman State Park

    3 Reviews
    Harry S. Truman Lake, MO
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 438-7711

    $15 / night

    "The bassholes start trying to prove they have the fastest boat around 5:30 am though, so no sleeping in."

    9. Bucksaw

    4 Reviews
    Harry S. Truman Lake, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 438-7317

    "Most sites are shaded and offer electric... most in the B loop have water and there are some full hook ups around.

    Campsites are very spacious and everyone was very nice."

    "This is a nice park on the lake. The shower house was huge. Don’t stay to close to the bathrooms because the lights are very bright."

    10. Berry Bend - Harry S. Truman Lake

    2 Reviews
    Warsaw, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 438-7317

    $30 / night

    "Old flood debris in some site next to water. There trying to fix it up but at the time of this review I would recommend long shoal or truman state park."

    "The lake was great, the sites were level and not too close together, shaded and beautiful. I saw my first armadillo too!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Harry S. Truman Lake

110 Photos of 149 Harry S. Truman Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Harry S. Truman Lake

316 Reviews of 149 Harry S. Truman Lake Campgrounds

  • Rebecca L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Crabtree Cove, Stockton Lake, MO

    Another beautiful USACE campground

    An absolutely wonderful campground with great low rates in the shoulder season($10 for electric during shoulder season ) Plus if you have the America the beautiful pass its 50% off. Regular season rates $14-$20 Warm showers with very little water pressure... but other than that a wonderful campground. Most of the campsites have shade but some of the non electric ones by the lake do not despite what Recreation.gov says.

  • Hayley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Stockton State Park Campground

    Nicely maintained campground, great hiking trails, no privacy.

    This was a nice campground that was well maintained. The sites are quite close together with little privacy and minimal shade from the trees. We stayed in the East Loop which looked less popular than the West Loop. There was a short walk less than 5 minutes down a trail to the lake that was gorgeous. And a longer hike that went along the edge of the lake that was absolutely lovely and easy enough for the young kids in our group to do. If you don't mind being close to your neighbors it's a nice spot!

    We did check out the walk in sites here, but were not able to stay in them. They looked awesome and were a short 5 minute walk from the parking. A great beginner site for walk in camping and there were carts at the start of the trail for your gear. Both loops had decent playgrounds for the kids.

  • Hayley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Orleans Trail

    Private, wooded campground near the lake!

    We stayed in the D loop at site D37. All of the sites in the D loop are more spaced out and wooded than in the other loops. They also don't have electric and the bathroom is a vault toilet. 

    Site D37 was able to fit our two tents comfortably but I don't think there was a flat space to fit a third. It was also pretty overgrown and unkept. So bring lots of bug spray. Site D39 is pretty close and it would work well for a group needing multiple spots. We had a view of the lake across the road. The bathroom was a several minute walk. 

    Site D37 across from us had water access and looked really nice. Other nearby spots D40 was also quite heavily wooded and didn't look like it had much more than one semi-flat spot for a tent. But it was definitely very private! 

    We used the shower houses(which we had to drive to get to) and they were okay. The water wouldn't get hot, but we didn't take ice cold showers. The swim beach was the highlight of this location and very nice!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Osage Beach RV Park

    Great place, friendly people and beautiful grounds

    We stayed overnight here because our dog was sick and this was close to the animal hospital we visited. We wish would have stayed here originally (we stayed the. first night at the state park). While the State Park was nice this campground offered so much more and was closer to town so we could walk to restaurants. 

    I would definitely stay here again.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Damsite

    Another great COE Campground

    Sites were nice and level. Most sites had water and electric. Five showers and five flushing toilets that were nicely kept. Beautiful view on the lake. Sites 25 through 45 have a little or no shade. FYI. Sites are fairly close together, but they are staggered so you’re not right next-door to your neighbor.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Knob Noster State Park Campground

    Fine Tenting

    8/11/2025

    Fine tenting at this site (60). Easy enough to get stakes in, and a pretty reasonable price ($15) especially since there are plenty of shower/bath houses to make use of.

  • The Better H.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Osceola RV Park & Campground

    Quick stop for night

    We were passing through and decided to check this place out since it was getting late and they offered full hookups. It was only $22.00 for the night and the host was very nice and helpful . The park was clean and we felt safe. It was not noisy. There are large trees that make nice shade. I didn’t use the restrooms so I can’t say anything on that.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Crabtree Cove, Stockton Lake, MO

    Many beautiful campsites

    This campground has a wide variety of sites, from fully shaded to partially shaded, some a stone's throw from the water

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Poague Campsite #5

    Great spot

    This is great secluded spot, right off the highway. Perfect for what I was looking for to car camp.

Guide to Harry S. Truman Lake

Camping near Harry S. Truman Lake, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The lake is a popular spot for fishing. One camper at Damsite mentioned, "The views were great and we even had a private staircase right down to the water." This makes it easy to cast a line and enjoy a peaceful day by the lake.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. A visitor at Knob Noster State Park Campground noted, "Great trail network and very nice stock mo state park campground." Just be sure to grab a map, as some trails don’t connect.
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to swimming areas. A review for COE Pomme de Terre Lake Nemo Park highlighted, "Clean, well-kept, campsites are semi-private but close to the water," making it a great spot for a refreshing dip.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. One reviewer at Sparrowfoot said, "The sites have a level gravel driveway; most sites are back-in," and noted the cleanliness of the facilities.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites. A visitor at Raccoon Ridge mentioned, "The campground has its own beach and its own boat launch that are only for campground guests," which adds to the spacious feel.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A camper at Pittsburg Area Campground shared, "The park staff are nice as well," highlighting the welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for Fiery Fork Conservation Area pointed out, "There is no dumpster so be prepared to take your trash with you," which is something to keep in mind.
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area noted, "We were able to see some wildlife while staying there as well," which can be a fun experience but also requires caution.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at COE Harry S Truman Reservoir Long Shoal Park mentioned, "It did get a little rowdy on the weekend but folks respected the quiet hours," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. A review for Sparrowfoot mentioned, "Loop B also has the playground which is right behind site B47," making it a family-friendly option.
  • Shady Spots: Choose sites with shade to keep cool. A camper at Raccoon Ridge noted, "Heavy wooded with shared paths to lake or cove," which can provide a nice break from the sun.
  • Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities. A visitor at Pittsburg Park Campground shared, "The vault toilets are the cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen," indicating a family-friendly environment.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site before booking. A camper at COE Pomme de Terre Lake Nemo Park advised, "Most of the pads were wide enough for 2 campers yet due to layout you could barely get a truck in the sites."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A review for Damsite mentioned, "The rest of the sites have water and electric," which is essential for many RVers.
  • Dump Stations: Ensure there are dump stations available. A visitor at COE Harry S Truman Reservoir Long Shoal Park noted, "Dump Station has 4 Waste Holes," which is a helpful feature for RV campers.

Camping near Harry S. Truman Lake, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just relaxing, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Truman Lake?

Yes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages several excellent campgrounds at Harry S. Truman Lake. COE Harry S Truman Reservoir Long Shoal Park is a prime example, offering extensive facilities including electrical hookups at each site, communal shower and laundry areas, picnic tables, and fire pits. Other Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Truman Lake include Bucksaw near Clinton, which features boat-in and drive-in access, reservable sites with water and toilet facilities, and is suitable for big rigs. These COE campgrounds typically maintain high standards for cleanliness and offer well-maintained facilities, making them popular choices for campers visiting the lake.

What are the best campgrounds at Harry S. Truman Lake?

Harry S. Truman Lake offers several outstanding campgrounds for different camping styles. Long Shoal is highly regarded for its spacious sites with electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire pits, and convenient shower and laundry facilities. This large campground accommodates tents, car campers, and RVs easily. Another excellent option is Berry Bend, which features drive-in access, reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Both campgrounds provide convenient lake access, making them perfect for water activities. Other notable campgrounds include Bucksaw near Clinton and Thibaut Point, each offering their own unique advantages depending on your preferred camping style and desired amenities.

How does Harry S. Truman State Park compare to other camping areas at Truman Lake?

Harry S. Truman State Park offers a distinct camping experience compared to other Truman Lake options. Raccoon Ridge within the state park provides electrical-only sites (no full hookups) and features fewer amenities than some nearby alternatives, with limited playgrounds and sites not directly adjacent to the lake. However, the park compensates with exceptional natural beauty, affordable rates, and excellent hiking trails. Buck Ridge, another state park campground, offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities that accommodate big rigs. While Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Long Shoal may offer more extensive facilities, the state park excels in environmental preservation, wildlife opportunities, and a more natural camping experience with well-maintained grounds and dedicated staff.

Do I need reservations for camping at Truman Lake?

Reservations are highly recommended for camping at Truman Lake, especially during peak season (late spring through early fall) and on weekends. Most campgrounds at Truman Lake, including Thibaut Point and Thorny Ridge at Harry S. Truman State Park, offer reservation systems. Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Berry Bend also accept advance bookings. Reservations can typically be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov for COE campgrounds and through the Missouri State Parks reservation system for state park sites. While some first-come, first-served sites may be available, particularly during off-peak seasons, securing a reservation ensures you won't be disappointed upon arrival, especially for prime lakefront spots.

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