Camping near Pittsburg, Missouri centers around the 7,820-acre Pomme de Terre Lake in the rolling Ozark hills. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures averaging 85-95°F from June to August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures between 60-75°F. Many campgrounds in this region feature lakeside sites with water access via private paths from campsites to shorelines.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Pittsburg Area Campground offers excellent fishing access with private paths to water edges. According to a camper, "This has become our favorite family campground. The sites on the lake are awesome and large. The showers are clean and private. Fishing is great! My kids love it too!"
Water recreation: At Stockton State Park Campground, kayaking enthusiasts can explore marked water trails. A visitor noted, "They have some pretty cool kayak marked trails on the lake. Beautiful sail boats to see as well!" Campers can also enjoy the swimming areas located throughout the park.
Hiking trails: Most campgrounds offer walking paths, but Cedar Ridge Campground provides access to scenic nature walks with unique features. A reviewer commented, "Nice little campground with good facilities. The swim beach is a little far from the camp, but if you walk down the trails there are great places to swim near camp including 'Chicken Rock' a large island out in the lake the kids love to swim to and jump off."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the room between sites at Long Shoal Park. One reviewer mentioned, "Sites are spaced a good distance apart, nice clean lots with fire ring, picnic table and 30 amp. The flush restrooms are cleaned everyday and very nice."
Scenic views: The glamping locations around Pittsburg provide excellent vantage points. At Pittsburg Area Campground, a visitor shared, "Two parks in one. The Hermitage and The Pittsburgh. We chose the 400 loop of Pittsburgh for its secluded spots. Spaces are not stacked on top of each other. You're in the woods so take bug spray. Level paved lots to choose from."
Clean facilities: Travelers consistently praise the maintenance standards at Hermitage State Park Campground. A recent visitor wrote, "We picked a standard non electric site as it was level and not crowded. $8 for seniors so not bad. Lots of fishing activities here on the lake."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The area experiences seasonal changes that affect camping conditions. At Pittsburg Area Campground, one camper noted, "This parks main focus is Lake Pomme de Terra, so if you're not into being on the water - this campground may not be for you. We had a vault toilet near our site which was nice for middle of the night trips."
Train noise: Some locations have nearby train tracks that may disrupt light sleepers. At Springfield Route 66 KOA, a visitor mentioned, "If it wasn't for the trains coming by blowing their horns, this would easily be a favorite spot."
Site terrain: Some tent sites can be challenging. At Cedar Ridge Campground, a camper observed, "I noticed several of the tent sites do not have level areas for your tent. T01 site does not have close parking unless you are able to park in the handcap parking."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Long Shoal Park provides options for young visitors with "both loops had decent playgrounds for the kids."
Swimming beaches: Bennett Spring State Park Campground offers water activities suitable for various ages. A visitor noted, "Great place to take the family. The roads are all paved so it made biking for our kids easy and enjoyable. The campsite was spacious and shaded. The kids loved playing in the creek and hiking the trails."
Family-friendly amenities: Some locations cater specifically to groups with children. At Springfield Route 66 KOA, a visitor shared, "This KOA is clean with wonderful parks and a nice pool. It was a great place to stay while driving to our destination."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many luxury glamping options in Pittsburg feature level sites. A visitor to Osage Bluff mentioned, "Booked online, pictures were a little deceiving for double campsite. Unless you are a family camping together I would avoid. Park attendant very helpful moved us to site 61."
Hookup availability: RV sites at Pittsburg Area Campground offer various utility connections. One camper explained, "The setup between restrooms and water with the sites are appropriate for accessibility. Good room and nice level areas where we stayed in the 400 loop."
Navigational considerations: Some glamping areas can be challenging to access with larger vehicles. At Long Shoal Park, a visitor noted, "Most will accommodate the largest rigs. The only service is electrical. A dump is provided, along with trash bins at the entrance. Potable water facets are scattered around."
