Pomme de Terre Lake spans over 7,800 acres near Pittsburg, Missouri with 113 miles of shoreline offering multiple camping options. The region experiences mild springs and falls with summer temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s, making May through October the primary camping season. Several dog friendly campgrounds near Pittsburg provide accommodations for pets with varying levels of amenities and lake access.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Lake fishing accessible directly from many sites at Lightfoot Landing where campers can fish from shore. "Good facilities, including a shower house. Small playground. Nice little campground on Pomme. All sites are of good size, long enough to accommodate RV, car and boat," notes Deana F.
**Swimming areas: Designated beaches provide safe swimming at Nemo Park with facilities for families. Jeremy C. mentions, "We where located at spot 29 on the campsite. It was amazing... campsite was extremely clean, bathrooms well maintained." Rachel adds that sites are "not a long distance from bathrooms or the swimming beach."
**Hiking trails: Explore wooded paths around Damsite Campground where several trails offer lake views. Natalie C. describes, "There is a gas station/trading post right outside the entrance. And a tasty little restaurant with all kinds of sandwiches and ice cream treats. Beautiful sunrises and the sun sets over the dam."
What campers like
**Level campsites: Many sites at Outlet Park feature level areas suitable for both tents and RVs. Jeremy C. reports, "This small park is a real hidden gem... All the sites are on one side of a tree lined lane and all of them are waterfront. The bathrooms and shower house are well maintained... most of the sites are level and easy to get into."
**Water proximity: Sites with direct lake access at Damsite Campground allow for easier pet access and water activities. Jon L. shares, "My family and I stayed on the very tip of the campground (site 59). The views were great and we even had a private staircase right down to the water. The site was big & level but it was all gravel."
**Shaded sites: Several loops at Hermitage Area Campground provide tree cover during hot summer months. MCB notes, "Well maintained Campground. Lots of trees on outer loop 3. Very nice family site. Breeze off the lake kept the 90 degree days bearable."
What you should know
**Site selection considerations: Research campsite locations at Hermitage Area Campground before booking as amenities and views vary significantly. Ricci F. recommends, "We stayed in spot 223 and had a nice tree on the left. We didn't even have to use the awning. It was very level. Behind us was the old road which was perfect for the kids to play on and ride bikes."
**Seasonal facilities: Many campgrounds reduce services during off-season months. Nathan P. explains, "We visited in mid-march before spring really started. It is an honor system for your campground. Stop by the front office and grab an envelope. Drive around and pick your campsites and then fill out the envelope."
**Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary between campgrounds with some needing updates. Cate S. reports about Hermitage, "Our only complaint was the vault bathrooms and the showers. It could have just been the end of the month, but the vault bathrooms were unbelievably smelly."
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds offer play areas for children, including Bennett Spring State Park. Amanda R. shares, "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."
**Water safety: Shorelines vary from rocky to sandy; check specific areas before planning water activities. Josh S. notes at Pittsburg Park, "Campsites right at lake. Good swimming area for kids."
**Multi-activity options: Bennett Spring offers diverse recreation beyond just camping. Nancy W. describes, "We came to camp, fish, and hike but there is also canoeing, floating, a nature center and museum, trout hatchery, dining facilities, a church, Olympic-size swimming pool, and much more."
Tips from RVers
**Hookup availability: Full-service sites with sewer connections are limited but available at specific campgrounds. Dan & Penny F. mention at Damsite, "Had the fortune to pick the only site available with full hookups. Originally built for park volunteers, we enjoyed 50/30 amp service, water and sewer with amazing views of the lake."
**Site spacing: Campground layouts vary significantly with some offering more privacy between RVs. Josh S. cautions about Nemo Park, "All sites are REALLY CLOSE to each other. Not a huge issue for me. We were walking distance to the shower house and it was absolutely a disaster."
**Local supplies: Plan accordingly as some campgrounds are distant from stores. Bryan C. notes about Nemo Park, "It's within 5 miles of a dollar general and gas station and a bowling alley that has great pizza, in case you don't feel like cooking."
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