Wheatland, Missouri serves as a gateway to numerous lake-oriented camping destinations, with Pomme de Terre State Park being the centerpiece of outdoor recreation in the area. The region encompasses both the Pittsburgh and Hermitage areas of Pomme de Terre State Park, each offering distinct camping experiences on opposite sides of the lake. Sidetrack RV Park provides dedicated RV camping within Wheatland itself, while Wheatland Park and nearby Lightfoot Landing offer additional options for tent and RV campers. Most campgrounds in this area cater to water enthusiasts with boat ramps, swimming beaches, and fishing access, making water activities the primary draw for visitors to this part of central Missouri.
Seasonal water levels significantly impact the camping experience around Wheatland. Spring flooding can occasionally close lakeside sites, while winter and early spring typically feature lower lake levels that transform waterfront sites into "water view" locations. As one camper noted, "If you come in winter or spring, the lake will be low and your lakeside campsite will be lake view instead." Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with several Corps of Engineers sites open only from April through September. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with insects being a consideration. According to one visitor, "Be cautious of red ticks that are very tiny—you'll want plenty of DEET! Flies were biting like crazy, some mosquitoes and lots of May flies."
Lakefront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly those with direct water access. "Most spots are lakefront on an uncommercialized lake. I fish from a kayak and was never overwhelmed by boats and the fishing is fantastic," reported one camper at Pittsburgh Area Campground. Site terrain varies considerably throughout the region, with some campgrounds featuring level concrete pads while others present challenges for tent campers. "The site was on quite an incline and there were lots of rocks under our tent," cautioned one tent camper. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, raccoons, bald eagles, and various waterfowl commonly spotted. Cell service is generally available but can be spotty in more remote areas, with T-Mobile users reporting 2-3 bars of service at some locations.
$12 - $36 / night
"This loop has been chosen due to its proximity to the bathrooms and the playground, these are key when having a 4-year-old. This loop is located in the woods with nice spacing between sites."
"Scenic Views overlooking the beautiful lake. Each site in the electric loop has a private path to the waters edge. Sites viewable by map next to water. There were a few bugs but nothing too bad."
$14 - $30 / night
"Originally built for park volunteers, we enjoyed 50/30 amp service, water and sewer with amazing views of the lake. The rest of the sites have water and electric."
"Sites near the dump station can be very aromatic. No swim beach but you can access the water straight from the rocky shore. A lot of people tie their boats to shore below their campsite."
$12 - $36 / night
"Behind us was the old road which was perfect for the kids to play on and ride bikes. The lake was just past that, and the view was wonderful. The bathrooms were clean (but hot) and not too far."
"Beautiful views form the campsite— tent camping on a peninsula in surrounded by Pomme de Terre lake. Check in was a little confusing, and we later found out the shop is closed for the season."
"everyone is very pleasant and I felt comfortable letting the kids ride their bikes around, a great presence from the park rangers !"
"Lots of fishing activities here on the lake. Would stay longer if we had the time."
"This park is park of Pomme De Terre lake and 1 of 2 state parks on the lake, Pittsburgh and Hermitage."
"The sites are all gorgeous, especially if you can get one right by the lake. The vault toilets are the cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen."
$14 - $200 / night
"Clean, well kept, campsites are semi private but close to the water. Not a long distance from bathrooms or the swimming beach."
"We where located at spot 29 on the campsite. It was amazing only reason for not getting a 5 star was, we had a group that was not camping show up to do some night swimming at the beach (9:00-9:30)."
$40 / night
"The location is as good as it gets and the community building is great entertainment when not at the track or watching boat races. "
$16 - $50 / night
"There is a well maintained running/walking trail that is accessible from the campground and provides an easy way to walk through the adjacent woods. Very good ATT cell service."
$14 - $30 / night
"Most sites have view of lake and well shaded. Very nice boat ramp and courtesy dock, but no place to keep boat in over night and no dedicated swim area. Good facilities, including a shower house."
ScoutMy brother and I stayed here for a guys getaway, it’s a remote area with a restroom and fire pits. Accessible via most vehicles as all roads are rocked. You will not need 4x4 to get out here.
GuideUnfortunately we did not get to stay as our batteries were dead and we had to abort. However, this is an excellent spot and we would happily go back!
ScoutLove this campground. Very clean bathrooms and shower house. Owners were super nice.
RangerWe stayed here several times in our 42’ 5th wheel. Full hookups. Nice pond. Walking trails.
ScoutWe are definitely the traditional campers , ( tents, kiaks, volleyball, bbq, s’mores and more.) Bucksaw is a family friendly way to spend those summer vacations with the kids. Times were very different as a child for me growing up and Bucksaw gave some nostalgia to this old man makes me feel like a kid again. Walking trails, play grounds, sites with or without water, power. Short distance to the marina with its amenities restraint if you don’t feel like cooking, small shop, cabins on and off the water , fishing tournaments if that’s your thing. They pretty much have it all. So if you haven’t been here I suggest you add it to your list, we will be back 2026!!!!!!!
Guideverry clean showers ok your right nexted to the hwy. so alittle loud but other than that verry nice place
GuideQuiet, secluded Missouri Department of Conservation Area with free, designated camping near the road. The Little Niangua River is part of the conservation area with fishing and hunting allowed during appropriate seasons.
GuideA gravel parking lot at a conservation area. The parking lot is large enough for 3-4 vans. Not very level. I had two bars of Verizon signal.
GuideOne shower and one bathroom working at the back of the campground. There's more up at the house but I didn't use those facilities. I was less than impressed with this campground. Especially for the price. It looks as though most campers actually live there and they got the shaded spots with plenty of trees. I was directed towards the back which is all gravel and not much else. Good for a quick stay over but there's nicer places close by for half the price.
Pomme de Terre Lake forms the centerpiece of camping opportunities near Wheatland, Missouri, with multiple access points around its 7,820-acre surface. The area sits at approximately 840 feet elevation with typical summer temperatures reaching the mid-90s and winter lows in the 20s. Water levels can vary by 20-30 feet throughout the year, dramatically altering shoreline camping conditions.
Hiking opportunities: The trail at Pittsburg Park Campground offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. "There is only 1 trail for hiking and at 3 miles is worth the trip. It goes out to a point overlooking all of the park and most of Pomme De Terre Lake," notes one visitor who experienced the trail during flooding conditions.
Fishing access: Many campsites near Wheatland, Missouri provide direct water entry points for anglers. At Damsite, "lots of people tie their boats to shore below their campsite" according to one camper. Another visitor shared, "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."
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas with varying amenities. "The swimming beach was amazing and the bathrooms well-kept," reports a camper at Pittsburg campground. At Nemo Park, one visitor noted their site was "not a long distance from bathrooms or the swimming beach."
Affordable lakefront camping: The Corps of Engineers campgrounds offer exceptional value. At COE Pomme de Terre Lake Nemo Park, visitors appreciate the combination of price and location. "We camped here about 2 weeks ago in a pop up. We were in site 54. It had a beautiful lake view and plenty of shade," shared one camper.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. "The bathrooms were close and mostly clean. The playground was amazing! And the swim beach was great too," mentioned one visitor to Nemo Park. At Outlet Park, a camper noted, "The bathrooms and shower house are well maintained, the campground hosts are friendly and available."
Privacy levels: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. "We chose the 400 loop of Pittsburgh for its secluded spots. Spaces are not stacked on top of each other," reported one camper. Another visitor to Pittsburg Area Campground shared, "Site 323 was simply amazing. A level concrete pad with enough wooded area around to fully eliminate view of neighbors on either side."
Terrain challenges: Many sites feature significant elevation changes. At Hermitage Area Campground, a tent camper noted practical concerns: "Well maintained Campground. Lots of trees on outer loop 3. Very nice family site. Breeze off the lake kept the 90 degree days bearable."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The vault bathrooms were unbelievably smelly. I have a hard stomach, but that was a little much. The showers had mold on the walls, not ideal," reported one camper at Hermitage campground.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have navigation challenges. One camper at Nemo Park pointed out, "Most of the pads were wide enough for 2 campers yet due to layout you could barely get a truck in the sites let alone a camper. Low power lines, support lines for giant power towers across driveways and the last issue was no room to back in a camper."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "It has a playground and a great swim beach and lots of shoreline in case the beach is full," notes a visitor to Nemo Park. Another camper added, "The playground was amazing!"
Site selection strategy: Families should consider specific loops for optimal experiences. "We stayed in the Hermitage campground at Pomme de Terre last weekend. Easy check in and easy to navigate around the campground," shared one visitor. A camper at Lightfoot Landing mentioned, "This is a small and quiet campground. The host is the nicest most accommodating lady."
Activity options: Beyond water sports, some campgrounds offer additional recreation. At Outlet Park, one visitor noted, "There are showers, bathrooms, trails, and even some courts available for tennis, basketball, and volleyball."
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer partial hookups only. At Sidetrack RV Park, one RVer appreciated, "Best of all is the sites are full hook ups, so no full sewer tanks when you get home!" This contrasts with most Corps of Engineers sites that typically offer only water and electric.
Pad conditions: Site surfaces range from concrete to gravel. "All sites have good picnic tables and fire rings. Sites near the dump station can be very aromatic," warned one camper about Damsite Park. Another mentioned, "Most sites are level and easy to get into" at Outlet Park.
Community amenities: Some RV parks offer additional facilities. At Sidetrack RV Park, a visitor noted, "The location is as good as it gets and the community building is great entertainment when not at the track or watching boat races."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wheatland, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wheatland, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 169 campgrounds and RV parks near Wheatland, MO and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wheatland, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wheatland, MO is Pittsburg Area Campground — Pomme de Terre State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wheatland, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Wheatland, MO.
What parks are near Wheatland, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Wheatland, MO that allow camping, notably Harry S. Truman Lake and Stockton Lake.
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