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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
