The staff at Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir work together to manage the project in accordance with the authorized purposes: primarily flood control; and secondarily hydroelectric power generation, fish and wildlife management, and recreation.

Truman Reservoir is the largest flood control reservoir in Missouri, with a storage capacity of more than 5 million acre-feet (an acre-foot = 325,000 gal.). At normal pool (706 ft. above mean sea level) the reservoir has a surface area of about 55,600 acres – this surface area can grow to over 200,000 acres at the top of the flood control pool. During periods of flooding, Truman Reservoir, operating in conjunction with other reservoirs, helps protect the lower Osage, Missouri and Mississippi River floodplains.

The Truman Power Plant has six turbine generators and a rated capacity of 160,000 kilowatts. This electrical energy is used to meet peak electrical demands when conventional power plants cannot fulfill the public’s demand for electricity. Power plant operators are on duty around the clock to control the flow of water through Truman Dam. Additionally, the power plants located at Stockton and Mark Twain lakes are remotely controlled from Truman Dam.

The reservoir and more than 100,000 acres of land surrounding it is managed for fish and wildlife. Agricultural leases, prescribed burning, wetland development, food plot establishment, and native grass re-introduction are a few of the land management techniques used at Truman Reservoir. Over 55,000 acres are licensed to the Missouri Department of Conservation for fish and wildlife management, and approximately 8,800 acres of timber was left standing in the reservoir to improve fisheries habitat.

Recreational development is extensive. Twenty parks and access areas, managed by or leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are conveniently located around the reservoir. Parks at Truman Reservoir offer a wide variety of recreation facilities including boat launching ramps, campgrounds, full-service marinas, picnic areas, sand swimming beaches, and a regional visitor center. Many routine maintenance items are contracted to the private sector. Mowing, refuse collection, and facility cleanup are just a few of the activities that are performed by private contractors for USACE. 

USACE Pass Information

USACE Annual Pass = $40. Pass holders receive free entrance to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-operated sites nationwide that charge day use fees. The pass may not be used at areas operated by other agencies even if those areas may be located on USACE-owned property. Camping fees are not included. Pass valid for one year. Valid through month and year shown on the pass. Sold only at USACE projects, please call ahead to ensure the office is open to the public.

Federal Interagency Pass Information

Approximately 240 USACE recreation projects nationwide began issuing America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Interagency Passes on Jan. 1, 2016. These include:

1) Interagency Senior Pass, $80, valid for lifetime of the pass owner and available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 or older. 

2) Interagency Senior Annual Pass $20, valid one year from month of purchase, available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 or older, the Senior Annual Pass can be upgraded to the Lifetime Senior Pass by exchanging four previously purchased Senior Annual Passes or paying the difference between the purchase of one to three Senior Annual Passes to equal the value of the Senior Lifetime Pass, $80. 

3) Access Pass, free for lifetime with documentation of permanent disability for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. *Documentation required.

4) Interagency Annual Pass, $80, anyone can purchase this pass.

5) Interagency Military Pass, free to current U.S. military members and their dependents. *Documentation required.

6)  Interagency Every Kid in a Park 4th Grade Pass, free to current 4th grade students with valid Every Kid in a Park voucher (visit: https://everykidoutdoors.gov/ for details).

7) Interagency Volunteer Pass, earned with 250-plus hours of volunteer service on public lands. 

8) Interagency Military Lifetime Pass, free to gold star families and veterans. *Documentation required. 

These passes allow their holders free access to boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE. Senior and Access America the Beautiful passes also provide holders a 50 percent discount on campsites at USACE-managed campgrounds. Additionally, USACE will continue to sell its own annual day use pass for $40, which allows visitors free access to boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE. 

All America the Beautiful passes can be purchased online at http://store.usgs.gov/. There is an additional $10 processing fee for online purchases. They can also be obtained in person at many locations which can be found at https://www.nps.gov/ Please call ahead to ensure the office is open to the public and to ensure pass availability.

2023 Duck Blind Map (Google Earth required)

Berry Bend South B Loop Campground Map

Brry Bend Campground - C Loop

Bucksaw A Loop Campground Map

Bucksaw Campground - B Loop

Harry S. Truman Interactive Hunting Map

Longshoal Campground

Osage Bluff Campground Map

Sparrowfoot Campground

Thibaut Point Campground Map

Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir Official Brochure

Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir Official Map

Our recreation season is April 15 - September 30. The visitor center hours are 9:00am–4:00pm Friday through Sunday, as well as federal holiday Mondays. For more information, please call the visitor center at (816) 389-3952 or the project office at (660) 438-2836 extension 1.

The Harry S. Truman Regional Visitor Center, one of only a handful of Class A visitor centers in the United States, sits atop Kaysinger Bluff and provides a spectacular view of Truman Dam and Reservoir. Exhibits within the visitor center provide information about the rich history of the Osage River Valley from pre-civilization to modern day. Waterfowl, bald eagles, and turkey vultures can routinely be observed from the observation deck.

The architectural firm of Linscott, Haylett and Associates, AIA, of Kansas City, Missouri, designed the visitor center. Construction on the building began in 1975, and was completed in 1977 by Miller-Stauch Construction Company of Kansas City, Kansas. Kaysinger Bluff provides a natural setting for the structure's contemporary design, with the exterior and interior surface treatment developed to blend with the surroundings both in texture and color.

Upon entering the building, a large map greets the visitor, showing the location of all park areas at Truman Reservoir. Visitor Attendants are on duty at the reception desk to answer questions about the project and surrounding area. Brochures and other informational pamphlets are available to visitors. Directly behind the information desk is an orientation and welcome video. The paintings on display in the building are by the late E.M "Ike" Parker. Exhibits on the main floor provide information on the area, Harry S. Truman, Partnerships, Living History and westward expansion. Wildlife, history, and water safety videos are available by request for viewing in a 67-seat theater.

The rotunda area contains reproductions of archeological fossils and artifacts found in an area now covered by the waters of Truman Reservoir. On the south wall is a life-sized painting of the Missouri Leviathan, a creature once thought by scientist Albert E. Koch to have roamed the area. Actually, the bones of this extinct "creature" were that of many Mastodons and other creatures that Koch discovered in the area in 1840. Ramps on each side of the rotunda lead to the observation deck. A social history timeline depicting the exploration and settlement of the Osage River Valley is displayed on the north wall for viewing as visitors walk up the north ramp.

Exhibits on the upper deck provide information on cultural history, wildlife, and environmental management, the operation of the powerhouse, Corps of Engineers Missions, and Construction of the Harry S. Truman Project. Views from the upper deck allow visitors to see both Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir and the Lake of the Ozarks. Visitors get a sense of the construction and operation of Harry S. Truman Dam, which separates the two bodies of water.

Other items of interest within the Harry S. Truman Visitor Center Complex include a nature trail along Kaysinger Bluff (approximately 1.2 miles total), the Hooper House and Barn, the Log Cabin complex, the Kaysinger General Store and the Concord Schoolhouse located just off the Hooper House Trail.

Campers will find a variety of campgrounds conveniently located around the shoreline of Truman Lake.  Most campgrounds have paved roads, shower buildings, laundry facilities, and level campsites. Flush toilets and shower buildings are seasonal.  Many sites have electricity, fire rings, picnic tables, frost-free hydrants nearby, and lantern posts.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campground Rules:

1. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This includes turning off radios and generators at 10:00 p.m. Visitors are not permitted during this time.
2. All pets must be kept on a 6 foot leash at all times.
3. You may have 3 tents OR a wheeled camping unit and 2 tents on a site.
4. All vehicles must remain on paved or graveled surfaces. Parking of vehicles on the grass (or what should be grass) is not allowed. Extra parking is available at restroom facilities. Boat trailers may be parked on the grass adjacent to the campsite.
5. At the end of your stay please place trash in the dumpsters located at the park entrance.
6. Campground roads are for ingress and egress only and are only open to licensed vehicles.
7. Dispose of all wastewater and sewage at the sanitary dump station.
8. Dead and down wood may be used for firewood. Cutting of standing trees or brush is prohibited.
9. Fires must be confined to the fire rings.
10. Checkout is at 6:00 p.m. Please check out at the park attendant booth upon departure.
11. Campers, after the expiration of 14 days camping at one campsite, you must move to another campground. 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds

To reserve a campsite at a USACE campground, visit www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777 (877-833-6777 for TDD devices). Reservations with online payment are REQUIRED during the peak camping season, April 15 - September 30.

Shoulder season (October 1-November 30 and March 1-April 14) requires self-payment of winter rates at the fee vault, and campsites are walk in only. Waterborne facilities are closed, with the exception of dispersed frost free hydrants.

Campgrounds are closed December, January, and February.

Berry Bend Park is located on the Osage Arm, approximately 10 miles west of Warsaw, Missouri. Facilities include 91 electric sites, showers and laundry, dump station, children’s playground, boat ramp, two group picnic shelters (electric) and an equestrian riding area. The park and surrounding area have interesting topography and natural beauty.  The park is also popular with fishermen. Electric campsite options include 30 amp electric, 50 amp/water or 50 amp/water/sewer. 

Bucksaw Park is located on the Grand River Arm, approximately 16 miles southeast of Clinton, Missouri. Facilities include 131 electric sites, 17 nonelectric sites, showers and laundry, dump station, two children’s playgrounds, swimming beach and a marina concessionaire. Electric campsite options include 30 amp electric, 50 amp/water or 50 amp/water/sewer. 

Long Shoal Park is located on the Grand River Arm, approximately 8 miles west of Warsaw, Missouri. Facilities include 84 electric sites, 12 nonelectric sites, showers and laundry, dump station, children’s playground, boat ramp, swimming beach, group picnic shelter (nonelectric) and a marina concessionaire. Long Shoal is one of the more popular campgrounds on the reservoir. Electric campsite options include 30 amp electric, 50 amp/water or 50 amp/water/sewer.

Osage Bluff is located near the confluence of the Osage and Pomme De Terre Rivers, approximately 7 miles south of Warsaw, Missouri. Facilities include 56 electric sites, 4 nonelectric sites, showers and laundry, dump station, children’s playground, boat ramp and a marina concessionaire. Electric campsite options include 30 amp electric or 50 amp/water.

Sparrowfoot is located on the Grand River Arm, approximately 6 miles south of Clinton, Missouri. Facilities include 83 electric sites, showers and laundry, dump station, children’s playground, boat ramp and two group picnic shelters (nonelectric). Sparrowfoot is a popular campground for fishermen. Electric campsite options include 30 amp electric or 50 amp/water.

NOTICE: Sparrowfoot campground will not have a park attendant that operates the booth. Making reservations will be the responsibility of the customer, either by calling the reservation system or booking online. Reservations can be made in advance or at the time of arrival. There will be a volunteer on site who will post advance reservations, check customers in and out, and provide hangtags upon your arrival. If you have an advance reservation, you will proceed to your site and set up. If you wish to wait until you get to the park, please call or go online to make your reservation prior to setting up in order to make sure your stay doesn't interfere with another reservation.

Thibaut Point Park is located at the confluence of Little Tebo Creek and Sterett Creek, approximately 9 miles north of Warsaw, Missouri. Facilities include 39 electric sites, 5 nonelectric sites, two group camping areas (one electric and one nonelectric), showers and laundry, dump station, children’s playground, boat ramp, swimming beach and two group picnic shelters (electric). Electric campsite options include 30 amp electric or 50 amp/water.

NOTICE: Thibaut Point campground will not have a park attendant that operates the booth. Making reservations will be the responsibility of the customer, either by calling the reservation system or booking online. Reservations can be made in advance or at the time of arrival. There will be a volunteer on site who will post advance reservations, check customers in and out, and provide hangtags upon your arrival. If you have an advance reservation, you will proceed to your site and set up. If you wish to wait until you get to the park, please call or go online to make your reservation prior to setting up in order to make sure your stay doesn't interfere with another reservation.

Concessionaire Campgrounds on Truman Lake

• Bucksaw Resort
• Harry S Truman State Park
• Sterett Creek Resort
• City of Osceola

Fishing at Harry S. Truman Lake

Interactive Map

Waterfowl Hunting Blind Policy

Deer Stands, Blinds, Game Cameras and Hunting Policy 

Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir offer many opportunities for a variety of game. White-tailed deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, quail, duck and geese are favorites among sportsmen. Most project land is open to hunting in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, with the exception of public use and park areas, the corporate limits of municipalities, administrative areas, land leased to the Boy Scouts of America, the Lindon Q. Skidmore Wetland Management Area and other designated refuge areas, as well as other areas where hunting activities are incompatible or unsafe. Lake levels are subject to rapid fluctuations, which could result in blinds being inundated, damaged or destroyed.

Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir is located in an ecological transition area with oak-hickory forest to the east and prairie/farmland to the west. This diversity of land types creates a variety of wildlife habitat.

Waterfowl hunters can take advantage of several marshes located on the project. The Corps of Engineers manages approximately 50,000 acres for hunting and other outdoor recreation. Missouri Department of Conservation also manages an additional 55,000 acres . For more information regarding Missouri Department of Conservation managed areas, contact them at 660-885-6981.

The marshes on lands managed by the Corps of Engineers are:

Deepwater Marsh – located in Henry County, immediately adjoining 13 Highway south of Clinton, Missouri or east of Deepwater, Missouri.

Avery Bottoms – located in northwest Hickory County off B Highway.

AA Marsh – located in Henry County off AA Hwy.

Muddy Creek Marsh – located in St. Clair County on C Highway

Lindon Q. Skidmore Wetland Management Area – This area is a wildlife refuge and cannot be hunted. Visitors to the wetland have an excellent opportunity to view a variety of wildlife. The refuge is located near the southwest corner of the city of Clinton MO.

Most hunting accidents occur because of improper gun handling. Hunters swinging on game and hunters mistaken for game are two common accidents. Wearing blaze orange and completing hunter education training can reduce the chances of a hunting accident. Missouri law requires that any hunter born after January 1, 1967 complete a hunter safety education course before they can obtain a Missouri hunting license. 

For more information on Missouri hunting regulations, hunting reports and other hunting related information, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov.

For questions regarding our policies or other USACE related questions, contact:

Harry S. Truman Project Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
15968 Truman Road
Warsaw, MO 65355

Phone: 660-438-2836 extension 1

Email: Harry.S.Truman@usace.army.mil

Five marinas are located on Harry S. Truman Reservoir offering a variety of boating supplies and services. Please call individual marinas for specific services offered at each.

Bucksaw Marina is located on the Grand River Arm, approximately 16 miles southeast of Clinton, Missouri.  

Harry S. Truman State Park Marina is located just west of the confluence of the Osage and Grand River Arms, approximately nine miles west of Warsaw, Missouri.

Long Shoal Marina is located on the Grand River Arm, approximately eight miles west of Warsaw, Missouri.

Osage Bluff Marina is located near the confluence of the Osage and Pomme De Terre Arms, approximately seven miles south of Warsaw, Missouri.

Sterett Creek Marina is located on the Tebo Arm, approximately six miles north of Warsaw, Missouri.

Cooper Creek ATV/Dirt Bike Area

Cooper Creek ATV Area is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Harry S. Truman Project and is the only area that ATVs and dirt bikes are allowed. The area covers approximately 400 acres of hills, trails, and open riding. Use of the area is currently free of charge.

Cooper Creek ATV/Dirt Bike Area is located one mile east of the town of Deepwater and is easily accessible by State Highway 13 and Henry County Road SE700. The riding area’s boundaries are either fenced or signed.

Rules and Regulations

• This area is open to all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and dirt bikes only. No UTVs, dune buggies, four-wheel drive vehicles, etc. are allowed.
• An ATV is a motorized vehicle having a maximum width of 50 inches, designed to be operated off-road, with handle-bars for steering, and a seat that is straddled by the operator.
• All ATV’s and dirt bikes must be equipped with functioning brakes, muffler, and a spark arrester.
• Loading and unloading of ATVs and dirt bikes is permitted in the parking lot/staging area only.
• Speed limit in the parking lot/staging area is 5 mph.
• Exhibition driving is not allowed in the parking lot/staging area.
• Department of Transportation-approved helmets are required for all operators and passengers.
• One rider per ATV/dirt bike unless otherwise designed by the manufacturer.
• Ride in designated areas only! Riding on maintained roadways/right-of-ways, in the reservoir and/or streams, and in other unauthorized areas is prohibited.
• No Alcoholic beverages and/or firearms in the riding area or parking lot/staging area.
• Operation of ATVs and dirt bikes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
• No overnight parking or camping.
• The riding area and parking lot/staging area close at dusk.
• Violation of any of the above rules may result in loss of riding privileges and/or fines.

Your cooperation and consideration of others will ensure this area stays open for future use.

Camping is not permitted anywhere in the Cooper Creek ATV/Dirt Bike Area. The nearest Corps of Engineers Campground is Sparrowfoot, just south of Clinton. Campground reservations can be made toll free at 1-877-444-6777 (877-833-6777 for TDD services) or by visiting http://www.recreation.gov.

Think! Medical help is at least 10 miles away. For emergency assistance, dial 911.

For additional information contact

Harry S. Truman Project Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
15968 Truman Road
Warsaw, MO 65355

Phone: 660-438-2836 extension 1

Email: Harry.S.Truman@usace.army.mil

Park Map

Biking and Hiking Trails

Shawnee Bend Trail 

Warsaw Biking/Hiking Park

Equestrian and Hiking Trails – Berry Bend Equestrian Park, located approximately 10 miles SW of Warsaw off Z Hwy. and Berry Bend Avenue. 

Berry Bend Equestrian Trail Map - West

Berry Bend Equestrian Trail Map - East

Hiking Trails

Bucksaw Park Trail

Visitor Center Trail - A short nature trail (up to 1.2 miles) is located adjacent to the Harry S. Truman Visitor Center, beginning just north of the employee parking lot (look for trailhead sign.) The trail runs roughly parallel to the shoreline and ends on a wooded point. There is an option to take the trail across the peninsula and/or take an alternate route back to the visitor center area, making the trail a loop. There are park benches located along the trail. Please see attendants at the Visitor Center for more information.

Partner?

Volunteer?

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Hours of Operation

Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir is regulated by Title 36 CFR 327 governing public use of Corps of Engineers water resources development projects. For a list of all rules and regulations please reference this link.

Master Plan Information (2022)

1988 Master Plan

Apply for a USACE Annual Day Use Pass

Recreation.gov

Recreation Fee Passes

Osage River Basin Operations

Kansas City District Dam Safety Program

Kansas City District Water Management

Kansas City District Water Quality Program