Harry S. Truman Reservoir and Pomme de Terre Lake form the backbone of camping destinations near Warsaw, Missouri. These water bodies sit in the rolling terrain of the western Ozarks, where summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with moderate humidity. Most campgrounds around Warsaw sit at elevations between 700-950 feet above sea level and feature a mix of wooded sites and lakefront camping with variable cell service depending on location.
What to do
Fishing hotspots: At COE Harry S Truman Reservoir Long Shoal Park, you can access prime fishing areas directly from lakeside campsites. "We picked site 47 right on the water great for kayaking and swimming. Water in the lake is high this time of year but fun is still to be had via fishing," notes a visitor who frequently camps at Long Shoal.
Biking routes: Paved park roads create family-friendly cycling opportunities throughout the region. At Knob Noster State Park Campground, campers appreciate the terrain for bike riding. One visitor commented, "Knob Noster State Park is a great park for the grandkids to ride their new bikes on the level smooth campground road in safety."
Swimming beaches: Many campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with varying amenities. The Pittsburgh Area Campground at Pomme de Terre State Park offers good swimming options. A camper mentioned, "The swimming beach was amazing and the bathrooms well-kept."
Marina dining: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to marina restaurants. At Truman Lake's Long Shoal, one visitor noted, "Enjoyed lunch and breakfast at the restaurant in the marina."
What campers like
Lakeside site selection: Many campers prioritize waterfront views when booking sites. At Sparrowfoot, sites offer varying proximity to water. "Loop B is much quieter with fewer guests. Loop A is a little more busy. Loop A: 2 smaller loops of campsites. A17,18,19 are very close to a little walkway that goes down to the lake," explains one visitor who carefully documented the campground layout.
Shade coverage: Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and loops. One camper at Long Shoal noted, "This site is narrow, so much so that we can't use our awning, but man, do we have shade!"
Spacious sites: Berry Bend - Harry S. Truman Lake receives praise for its well-designed campsites. "The sites were level and not too close together, shaded and beautiful," notes a visitor who particularly enjoyed seeing their first armadillo during their stay.
Modern restrooms: Campground bathroom facilities range from basic to recently renovated. At Sparrowfoot, a visitor observed, "Showers were clean and water was hot. Showers had good water pressure."
What you should know
Reservation windows: Most campgrounds around Warsaw open reservations six months ahead, with holiday weekends filling quickly.
Site grading challenges: Some tent sites have rocky terrain that can make setup difficult. At Pittsburg Area Campground — Pomme de Terre State Park, one visitor noted: "The site was on quite an incline & there were lots of rocks under our tent. I would not recommend this site."
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are common throughout the area, particularly at waterfront sites. One camper at Knob Noster State Park warned, "We did have a problem with Raccoons, but with our site being on the very edge of the sites I think that may be inevitable."
Varying cell coverage: Mobile service is inconsistent throughout the region. At Sparrowfoot Campground, a visitor reported, "I had excellent T-Mobile 5G service," while at other campgrounds service is limited.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When booking sites with children, consider proximity to play areas. At Hermitage State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "Great place for camping with the family and dogs! everyone is very pleasant and I felt comfortable letting the kids ride their bikes around."
Glamping options: Glamping in Warsaw, Missouri offers families alternatives to traditional tent camping. Beyond the standard yurts mentioned elsewhere, some campgrounds feature safari-style accommodations with modern amenities.
Swimming safety: Lake conditions vary throughout the season. At Sparrowfoot, a camper advised, "Further past Loop B the road turns to gravel and there is a parking lot with a walkway to the lake. This offers some small bluffs with deep water for jumping off."
Seasonal programming: Many Warsaw-area parks offer naturalist programs during peak months. Knob Noster State Park provides educational activities, with one visitor mentioning, "Nature programs were fun and informative."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variability: Deer Rest CampPark offers one of the area's more comprehensive hookup options for luxury camping and glamping near Warsaw, Missouri. "New owners, very nice. Nice sites, clean showers, easy access to highway. They are currently expanding with many more new sites," reports a recent visitor.
RV site dimensions: Site sizes vary significantly between campgrounds and loops. At Long Shoal Campground, a visitor commented, "Sites very from 100% sun to 100% shade so you have a lot to choose from."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for disposal needs. At Osage Bluff, a visitor noted, "Dump station and fresh water fill station at camp ground entrance."
Electric-only considerations: Many sites offer electric-only connections. At Long Shoal, a reviewer pointed out, "Electric only sites and primitive. Shower house is always clean and well maintained."
