Harry S. Truman Lake covers over 55,000 acres in west-central Missouri, offering camping opportunities at elevations between 706 and 739 feet. The lake features over 950 miles of shoreline with multiple campgrounds operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. During summer months, water temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with high humidity levels.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Long Shoal offers direct lake access where anglers can catch bass, catfish, and crappie. "Very clean and nice campground. Steps from the lake. Staff was friendly," notes Brandon C. about Long Shoal.
Hiking trails: Berry Bend provides access to several hiking paths connecting to the lake shore. "Nice spacious spots, lake views, friendly campers. Great Hosts! Clean and well maintained," shares Carol R. from Berry Bend, adding "lake is accessible from many sites."
Beach swimming: Orleans Trail maintains a swimming beach that remains accessible even during off-season periods. "The sandy swim beach is clean and fun, even off-season. Lots of places to hike and fish," according to Kenna P., who has camped there for decades.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Montrose Conservation Area provides opportunities to spot diverse wildlife including birds and mammals. "There is loads of wildlife to see an arent much scared of humans, racoons, beavers, crane, squirrels, dear, owls an much more," writes Sarah about Montrose Missouri Conservation Area.
Quiet atmosphere: Berry Bend Campground offers a more peaceful environment compared to busier locations. "This is a great family campground!!! It's not nearly as busy as the state park which is awesome!!" explains Kendall K.
Amenities: Knob Noster State Park Campground provides well-maintained facilities with recent upgrades. "Bath houses (there are at least 2) have 4 unisex shower pods that are clean and have good pressure," notes Maggie C., while Nicole B. adds, "Bathhouse was very clean."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Conservation areas like Montrose have hunting season restrictions. "There is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes," warns Leni K.
Water levels: The lake can experience shallow conditions in certain areas and seasons. "The water is very shallow most the time its only chest deep out in the middle," explains Sarah about Montrose Conservation Area.
Campsite spacing: Orleans Trail offers more secluded camping options in certain loops. "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," explains Hayley G.
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly areas: Knob Noster provides paved roads suitable for children learning to ride. "Knob Noster State Park is a great park for the grandkids to ride their new bikes on the level smooth campground road in safety," shares John J.
Adventure activities: Look for campgrounds offering water equipment rentals. "There are a couple of small lakes, one of which has kayak rentals. Several hiking trails," notes JoAnn P. about Knob Noster State Park.
Wildlife education: Long Shoal - Harry S. Truman Lake provides opportunities to introduce children to local wildlife. "We enjoyed a weekend there and can't wait to go back. Hopefully for longer than a weekend. The lake was great, the sites were level and not too close together, shaded and beautiful. I saw my first armadillo too!" shares Leslie H.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: Most equestrian campgrounds near Harry S. Truman Lake offer basic electrical connections but may not have full hookups. "Sites are level, electric only with easy access to fresh water and dump station as you enter the facility," explains Dan F. about his stay at Long Shoal.
Site selection: Choose sites based on size requirements and utility needs. "We didn't reserve a spot and had to take one of the last 5 'non-electric back in sites as all the many electric sites were already reserved and filled up fast," advises John J. about his experience at Knob Noster.
Seasonal considerations: Consider off-season camping for more solitude. "My family has been camping here in October- after winterization, thus no water- for decades," shares Kenna P. about Orleans Trail, adding that despite the lack of water, it's "a quiet place to camp off-season."
