Best Campgrounds near Warsaw, MO
Camping near Warsaw, Missouri centers around Harry S. Truman Lake, with multiple established campgrounds managed by Missouri State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The area features several lakeside camping options including Raccoon Ridge, Long Shoal, Thibaut Point, and Berry Bend campgrounds. These sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many offering electric hookups and basic amenities. The lake-oriented setting provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, with bald eagles frequently spotted in the area.
Most campgrounds around Warsaw are open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder weather for camping. Cell service varies throughout the area, with T-Mobile generally providing better coverage than Verizon according to visitor reports. Insect activity is significant during warmer months, particularly ticks and flies, requiring appropriate repellent. Water levels on Truman Lake can fluctuate seasonally, occasionally affecting lakeside campsites during periods of heavy rainfall.
The camping experience varies between the different areas around Truman Lake. State park campgrounds like those in Harry S. Truman State Park typically offer more amenities including showers and maintained trails, while COE sites often feature more spacious layouts with excellent lake views. According to reviews, Long Shoal provides "ample space between sites" with most accommodating "the largest rigs," though only electrical service is available. Raccoon Ridge campers note the "heavily wooded" setting with "shared paths to lake or cove." Downtown Warsaw is approximately 15 minutes from most campgrounds, providing access to supplies, restaurants, and the historic Joe Dice Suspension Bridge. Truman Dam is also nearby and worth visiting while in the area.