The best camping near Pomme de Terre State Park

If you’re seeking a serene lake experience instead of a bustling one, Pomme de Terre is the place for you. Notable for its clean waters, this lake is a gem for boating, swimming, fishing, and paddling. The onsite marina and camp stores offer everything you need to hit the waters. While on shore, hike through woodlands and glades and watch for lake views from atop the towering bluffs. This sprawling state park offers 240 campsites spread across two large camping areas, each offering a unique experience. Cabin, glamping yurt, lakehouse rentals are also available. 

• Best for big rigs: The Hermitage Campground is open, flat, and more manicured. 
• Best for a rustic camping experience: The Pittsburg Campground has large trees, with hilly, curvy roads.
• Best for water views: Check the campground maps to see which sites are close to the waters—around half of the sites directly overlook the lake.
• Best for boaters: The Pittsburg Campground is closer to the park’s marina.

1. Decide whether you want to stay at the Hermitage or Pittsburg Campground. The parks offer different experiences and are several miles apart. 
2. Reservations are available at both campgrounds April 1 through October 31. Reservations may be made up to 12 months in advance via the Missouri State Parks website.
3. Reservations are recommended for the peak summer season and holidays, but walk-up sites are likely to be found at other times.
4. This park offers basic, electric, water/electric sites.
5. The Pittsburg Campground is open year-round. The Hermitage Campground is open March 1 through November 30.

Summer is when this park is popping, as the waters warm up enough for swimming and watersports. The weather may be humid and hot. In spring, you are likely to find fewer campers, as the chilly spring days are better for hiking. In fall, the woodlands begin to pop with color, reaching their peak in October. While weekends in spring and fall may be a little busier, you’ll still be likely to find a relaxed experience.

• Make sure to note which campground you’ve booked a site in, and then put that campground name into your GPS. This park is spread out over several locations.
• A full-service marina is located onsite, offering boat rentals, watersport supplies, and a camp store. 
• The Hermitage camp store has canoe and kayak rentals.
• Two well-developed swim beaches are located near the campgrounds, with onsite restrooms and changing facilities.
• The dump station, showerhouses, and campsite water spigots are not available November through March.