Are you searching for a great campground close to the hills of the Ozarks? Look no further than Pomme de Terre lake, just south of the busy lake of the Ozarks tourist trap. So, come visit for a weekend and you will see how peaceful the Ozarks were meant to be.
What is Pomme de Terre Lake?
Pomme de Terre is government land that is cooperatively managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Located in southwest Missouri at the confluence of Lindley Creek and the Pomme de Terre River. The lake is located in southern Hickory and northern Polk counties, about 50 miles north of Springfield and 75 miles south of the lake of the Ozarks. Its name is the French language word for potato.
This manmade lake boasts 113 miles of shoreline for everyone to enjoy.
Check out our growing list of campgrounds from around the country
Campgrounds on the lake
Pomme de Terre lake offers a number of campgrounds positioned at different points on the lake. One of the best parts about this lake is the building restrictions, the shoreline is not packed full of housing and boat docks. Actually, it is a struggle to find any permanent construction from the water at all.
If you have ever been to the little lake north of Pomme de Terre you know exactly what I am talking about.
5 campgrounds strategically placed around the lake
There are a few smaller private campgrounds in the area if you are wanting to see everything else that is available.
1. DamSite campground
This was the campground we chose for our first visit to Pomme de Terre lake and it did not disappoint. Ease to find, wide roads to navigate, large campsite, and most spots were right on the lake.
My family and friends went as a group, a little family reunion it turned out. So, this visit was extra special for me.
Damsite Park has 80 sites with electric hookups and 22 non-electric sites.
The daily site fee was $22 which included Electric and Water, which is hard to beat these days.
All campsites have a provided:
- picnic table
- lantern pole
- a path down to the shoreline
- a firepit/grill
- Electricity and water
- Large gravel pads
- Space to move
Campground amenities included:
- a complimentary dump station
- 2 restrooms/shower houses
- 2 coin-operated laundry machines
- a playground for the kids
- Lake swimming and playing
2. Hermitage campground
The Hermitage area amenities include a large beach, a picnic area, trails, and park stores. 245 campsites and most provide electricity and water, some 50 amp service available.
Same amenities as the other Pomme de Terre campgrounds.
3. Pittsburg campground
The Pittsburg area features a full-service marina, beach, shelter house, picnic area, park store, and trails.
Approximately 240 campsites, three yurts, four camper cabins, one full-service marina cabin, and a lake house provide lodging options and make the park ideal for multiday getaways.
Same amenities as the other Pomme de Terre campgrounds.
4. Harbor campground
Their camping sites are available for both short-term and long-term stays. They offer different camping options depending on what you’re searching for. Some campsites with electricity and water services, as well as tent sites for those who prefer a more rugged camping experience. Either way, you’ll enjoy the peace and beauty of nature when you camp at the Harbor campground and marina.
5. Nemo landing campground
Nemo Landing is a smaller campground with, 29 electric and water hookups and another 25 have solely electric hookups. Other perks at the campground are hot showers, a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a playground, and an amphitheater.
To learn more or make reservations at any of these campgrounds visit the recreation.gov website
History of the lake
The lake is part of a series of lakes in the Osage River Basin designed and constructed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for flood control. Construction began in 1957 and was completed in 1961 at a cost of $14,946,784. Storage of water began on October 29, 1961, and the multipurpose pool was reached on June 15, 1963.
The dam is adjacent to Pomme de Terre State Park and is crossed by Route 254. It consists of a 14-foot (4 m) circular tunnel with two 6.5 X 14-foot (4 m) hydraulic slide service gates and a single 24-inch (610 mm) circular low flow gate. The dam is 7,230 feet (2,204 m) long, 30 feet (9 m) wide at the top, and 950 feet (290 m) wide at the base (maximum).
There are two arms of the lake that extend from the dam site. The Pomme de Terre arm follows the Pomme de Terre River and extends for 17 miles (27 km). The Lindley’s arm follows Lindley Creek for 12 miles (19 km).
Conclusion
Overall it was a pleasant stay over the weekend. We spent our mornings having some coffee and looking out over the lake. In the afternoon we played in the water and took the kayaks around the lake to see the area.
When the sun went down we spent time around the campfire telling stories from years gone by and catching up on how everyone was doing.
This was a great group that means a lot to me and we just don’t get together enough. Life is short, so get busy living or get busy dying.
Dianna, we are going to a concert next year for sure.
