The Basics
Pomme de Terre State Park
HC 77, Box 890
Pittsburg, MO 65724
Phone: (417) 852-4291
Email: moparks@dnr.mo.gov
Directions: Pittsburg Area: From Springfield, travel north on Hwy 65 to Louisburg, then take a left, traveling west on Hwy 64. Continue approx. 9 miles in Hwy 64, keeping right towards Pittsburg. Turn left onto Hwy 64B, which leads to the park.
Hermitage Area: From Springfield, travel north on Hwy 65 through Louisburg, and through Urbana. Turn left, heading west, onto Route NN, and travel approx. 9 miles towards Nemo. About two miles past Nemo, turn left at County Road 246. The park entrance is on the left after one mile.
About Pomme de Terre
French for "potato," Pomme de Terre can be translated as "apple of the Earth." Early French trappers and traders named the river for for the potato-like vegetation that grew along the banks. During those days, the area was a savanna, where the tall grasses of the prarie met with the Ozarks forests. Today, however, the area is covered in rich oak-hickory forests, typical of much of the rest of the Ozarks.
In 1938, Congress approved a plan to build a dam along the Pomme de Terre River, creating Pomme de Terre Lake. Planning for the project began in 1947, but actual construction did not begin untill 10 years later. Completed in 1961, the 7,800 acre lake offers over 113 miles of forested shoreline, surrounded by clear blue waters.
Consisting of two sites, both right across the lake from each other, the 734-acre park offers camping, hiking trails, fishing, boating, a marina, and picnicking. The Pittsburg side offers 127 campsites, hiking trail, marina, boat ramp, swimming beach, picnic areas, pavilion, shower house, and playground. The Hermatige side offers visitors 128 campsites, hiking trail, boat ramp, swimming beach, change house, picnic areas, and playground. The park office is also located on the Hermatige side.
Numerous small, narrow coves along the lake are perfect for fishing. Try your hand at bass, crappie, walleye, or catfish. Since 1966, the lake has also been stocked with muskellunge, or muskie, for which the lake is known. Many 36-inch muskies have been taken from the lake; 48-inch are rare. 36 inches, one per day, is the limit. Fishing supplies, live bait, and licenses can be purchased at the marina, which is on the Pittsburg side.
Features & Facilities
Park Office | Pavilion | Picnic Area/Tables | Playground | Campground | Restrooms | Showers | Laundry | Dump Station | Marina | Boat Rentals | Boat Ramp
Activities Available
Camping | Hiking Trails | Swimming | Fishing
What's Nearby
Parks & Nature
Bennett Spring State Park
Lead Mine Conservation Area
Trails
Bennett Spring State Park
Camping
Bennett Spring State Park
Lodging
Bennett Spring State Park
Local Eateries
Gear & Supplies
Other Attractions
Towns & Cities