Pomme de Terre State Park


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Pomme de Terre State Park

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


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