Pomme de Terre Lake is located in the rugged, tree covered hills of the west central Missouri Ozarks on the Pomme de Terre River. The Pomme de Terre Project was authorized by Congress in 1938 as part of a comprehensive flood control plan for the Missouri River Basin. Project Planning was initiated in 1947 and actual construction began in 1957. The lake was completed in 1961 at a cost of $14,946,784.

 At multipurpose pool Pomme de Terre Lake covers 7,820 acres and can expand to as much as 16,100 acres during periods of heavy rain as excess runoff is impounded to prevent downstream flooding. Pomme de Terre Lake works in conjunction with several other Corps of Engineers operated lakes to provide flood protection for the Osage River Basin and the lower Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Other benefits of the lake include recreation, fish and wildlife management and water quality improvement.

The Pomme de Terre Dam is an earth and rockfill embankment, is 7,240 feet long and stands 155 feet above the streambed. The dam's impervious core was made of heavily compacted clay and is virtually watertight. The outlet works, consisting of the control tower, tunnel and stilling basin. The control tower is equipped with two hydraulically operated gates which controlled release of water through the dam and reduces the force of the water flowing downstream. 

The phrase "Pomme de Terre" is French for "Apple of the Earth" or "potato". The Pomme de Terre River was probably named after plants that resembled potatoes that grew on this banks. This plant was probably an Apios Americana or Potato Bean and was used for food by the Indians.

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.

Nemo Brochure

Nemo Park

Pomme de Terre Lake Map (pdf)

Pomme de Terre Interactive Hunting Map

Damsite Brochure

Damsite Park Map

Lightfoot Brochure

Lightfoot Park

Outlet Brochure

Outlet Park Map

Wheatland Brochure

Wheatland Park Map

Pomme de Terre River Access Map

Pomme de Terre Multipurpose Trail

The objective of natural resource management at Pomme de Terre Lake is to fully consider the recreation and resource potential that may be afforded on project property and to capitalize on that potential for the benefit of the wildlife and the enjoyment of the public on a sustained basis. The following are the primary goals of our natural resource management program at Pomme de Terre Lake:

• Develop and maintain wildlife food plots to increase carrying capacity where winter food sources are low or not available.
• Provide access for fishing, hunting and non-comsumptive recreation activities.
• Maintain the areas carry capacity at optimum levels to insure successful natural propagation of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail and other game and non-game species of mammals and birds.
• Sustain mast producing woody species to provide habitat and food for wildlife.
• Develop and maintain native warm season grass fields in suitable areas.
• Maintain the projects natural resources and public lands for future generations.
• Provide nesting, loafing and escape cover for fish species through underwater structure development.
• Control various invasive species such as; Serecia Lespedeza, Johnson Grass, Musk Thistle, Autumn Olive, Eastern Red Cedar, Honey Locust, Zebra Mussel, and Fescue, through various methods including; Mechanical, Chemical, Prescribed burning and other management practices as may be applicable to the situation.

Shoreline Management at Pomme de Terre Lake

The purpose of the Shoreline Management Plan is to establish policy; provide guidance for the management and protection of the shoreline; establish and maintain acceptable fish and wildlife habitats; maintain aesthetic quality and natural environment conditions; promote the safe, healthful use of the shoreline for recreational purposes; and achieve a balance between permitted private use and resource protection for general public use.

Shoreline Management Plans are to be reviewed periodically, but at least every five years to determine the need for an update. When changes to the Shoreline Management Plan are needed, the plan will be formally updated through the public involvement process. Maximum public participation should be encouraged throughout the revision process and can be accomplished through focus groups, public workshops, public meetings, comment periods, open houses, and/or other public involvement techniques.

 Factors used in formulating the Shoreline Management Plan included:

• Accommodating the increasing demand for water oriented recreational facilities while limiting the amount of shoreline designated for that purpose.
• Efficiency in administration of all components of the Shoreline Management Plan.
• Limiting the proliferation of individually owned private boat docks by providing for the expansion of marina boat storage through satellite concession operations. Community docks may also be a viable alternative in those instances or at those locations where satellite concession docks are not practical.
• The ownership of property adjoining Pomme de Terre Project land does not convey any special rights or privileges to use government property.
• The Shoreline Management Plan should not create an undue hardship on individual or private industries dependent upon private recreation facilities.
• Private floating facilities should be designed, constructed, and maintained so that they are structurally sound and do not pose a threat to the recreating public, project resources, or esthetics.
• Vegetative modification of project land should be closely controlled to limit infringement upon natural resources and wildlife habitat management programs.

Pomme de Terre Water Control Manual Update

Bolivar Landing Boat Ramp

This boat ramp is located within Bolivar Landing and offers access to the upper end of the Pomme de Terre River Arm of the Lake. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee to launch your boat from this ramp. Day-Use permits are available in the yellow vault near the boat ramp with instructions on how to fill it out. Please display Day-Use permits in your vehicles. Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must also be displayed.

Lightfoot Boat Ramp

This boat ramp is located within Lightfoot Park and offers access to the middle portion of the Pomme de Terre River Arm of the Lake. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee to launch your boat from this ramp. Day-Use permits are available at the Automated Pay Station near the boat ramp.  Instruction on use are on the machines.  The receipt must be displayed in your vehicle.  Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must also be displayed.

Nemo Boat Ramp

This boat ramp is located within Nemo Park and offers access to the middle portion of the Lindley Creek Arm of the Lake. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee to launch your boat from this ramp. Day-Use permits are available at the Automated Pay Station near the boat ramp.  Instruction on use are on the machines.  The receipt must be displayed in your vehicle.  Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must also be displayed.

Outlet Boat Ramp

This boat ramp is located within Outlet Park and offers access to the Pomme de Terre River below the dam. Boaters do not  pay a fee to launch your boat from this ramp and there are bathrooms within walking distance from the ramp.

Pittsburg Boat Ramp

This boat ramp is located within Pittsburg Park and offers access to the upper end of the Lindley Creek Arm of the Lake. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters do not  pay a fee to launch your boat from this ramp.

Wheatland Boat Ramp

This boat ramp is located within Wheatland Park and offers access to the lower end of the Pomme de Terre River Arm of the Lake. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee to launch your boat from this ramp. Day-Use permits are available at the Automated Pay Station near the boat ramp.  Instruction on use are on the machines.  The receipt must be displayed in your vehicle.  Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must also be displayed.

The clear water of Pomme de Terre Lake and the rolling Ozark hills provide an excellent setting for camping. The lake offers ten campgrounds conveniently located around Pomme de Terre Lake. The Corps of Engineers operates six of these campgrounds; Nemo Park, Damsite Park, Outlet Park, Wheatland Park and Lightfoot Park. Two are operated by marina concessionaires. They are the Harbor Campground and Marina and Hickory Ridge Highway 83 Campground. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks also operates two campgrounds. The following information pertains only to campgrounds managed by the Corps of Engineers, user fees are charged for camping in all parks at Pomme de Terre. The amount of the fee is based on the type of facilities provided. Reservations are accepted for campsites and group camps. While reservations are not required for any of our campgrounds, they are advisable during peak use (holidays) or if you desire a specific site. 

USACE Campgrounds

Camping Fees

• Group camp site -
  • Nemo Park $200/day
  • Outlet Park $50/day
• Electric with water site - $26/day
• Premium Electric site - $26/day
• Basic Electric site - $24/day
• Premium Non-electric site - $18/day
• Basic Non-electric site - $16/day
• Shoulder Season  - $10/day (All Sites)
  • (Oct.1 - Nov. 30 and Mar. 15 - Apr. 15)
• Off-season camping (Nov. 1 - Mar. 15) - free

Damsite Park

Visitors head to Damsite Park for days of enjoyable boating, fishing and swimming. Just as the name implies, Damsite Park is just above the dam, at the confluence of Lindley Creek and the Pomme de Terre River. The Park has 80 sites with electric hookups and 8 non-electric sites. Amenities include a dump station, two shower houses and a playground. There are also fishing docks and boat ramps nearby.

Campground Map

Make a Reservation

Lightfoot Park

Lightfoot Landing is a smaller campground compared to neighboring park areas, making it a more quiet and peaceful location for boating and fishing on Pomme de Terre Lake. The park has 35 sites with electric and water hookups, including one that is accessible. Additional amenities include a shower house, boat ramp with courtesy dock, dump station, playground and picnic shelter. 

Campground Map

Make a Reservation

Limited Camping Season

Limited Camping Season

The limited season will be from October 1 – November 30 and March 15 – April 15.

Limited amenities will be available. Drinking water and RV dump station will only be available in the Outlet Park.  Nemo, Damsite, Wheatland, Outlet and Lightfoot Park will only have electricity available. All other amenities (showers, flush toilets, RV Dump Station, dumpster, etc.) will not be available. Campers will be responsible for removing their own refuse, and using the dump station in Outlet Park.

Fee will be $10 per night (50% Senior/Access Discount available) and paid utilizing a self-deposit box that will be located at the Entrance Booth.

Nemo Park

Nemo Landing is located on the Lindley Creek arm of the lake. Among the many campsites at the park, 38 have electric and water hookups and another 25 have solely electric hookups. The other 16 sites are non-electric. New in 2020 there has been a Group Camp built featuring 11 water and electric sites and a shelter. Other perks at the campground are hot showers, a swimming beach, boat ramp, picnic shelter, playground and a small basketball court.

Campground Map

Make a Reservation

Outlet Park

Outlet Park, situated below the Pomme de Terre dam, provides a picturesque setting for fishing, canoeing, hiking and wildlife viewing on the Pomme de Terre River. The park has 20 campsites, 19 have water and electric hookups and the other 1 is non-electric. The park also provides hot showers, a boat ramp, two picnic shelters, a ball field, the Running River Trail and a multipurpose playing court. There is also a group campsite. It can hold up to 50 guests, has bathrooms and a picnic shelter with electricity located right in the camping area.

Campground Map

Make a Reservation

Wheatland Park

Wheatland Park sits along the sparkling shores of the Pomme de Terre River Arm of the Lake. The Park has 39 campsites with electric and water hookups, 26 sites with electric hookups only and an additional 3 non-electric sites. Additional amenities include two shower houses, large picnic shelter, laundry facilities, a boat ramp with courtesy dock, playground and a swim beach.

Campground Map

Make a Reservation

Other Campgrounds

State Park Campgrounds

The Harbor Campground

Hickory Ridge Highway 83 Campground: For more information please call 417-282-6341

How to become a park attendant or custodian

We have five campgrounds that require a Park Attendant and Park Custodian contracts. Three parks have individual Park Attendant and Custodian contracts while two smaller parks have a combination Park Attendant/Custodian contract. If you are interested in becoming a Park Attendant/Custodian please contact our Project Office at 417-745-6411. Also please view the general information for each of these positions.

Park Attendant

Park Custodian

Also we have a volunteer Park Host position at Pittsburg Park. Please view the job duties below. If this interests you or any other volunteer opportunities here at Pomme de Terre Lake please call our Project Office at 417-745-6411. 

 Volunteer Opportunities

Fishing at Pomme de Terre Lake

Hunters will find a variety of game, including rabbit, dove, squirrel, turkey, deer, and waterfowl at Pomme de Terre Lake. Most of our hunting areas have small parking lots and behind the gates have access roads leading into the hunting areas. Hunters and Outdoor Enthusiasts should always be respectful of crops planted and others who might be using the area. Motorized vehicles are prohibited from operating on any government land surrounding Pomme de Terre Lake. Hunting is permitted in most of the areas around the lake with the exception of the park areas and administration areas. To view hunting areas click on the following link.

Pomme de Terre Lake Map (pdf)

Pomme de Terre Lake Interactive Hunting Map

Hunting on the waters and land of Pomme de Terre Lake is regulated by the Missouri Wildlife Code and enforced by the Missouri Department of Conservation. It is the responsibility of the hunter to ensue that they are in compliance with all federal and state regulations pertaining to hunting methods, limits, and seasons when they are on government land.

Hunting Rules and Regulations

Nemo Marina

Harbor Campground and Marina

Pittsburg State Park Marina

Hickory Ridge Highway 83 Marina: For more information please call Hickory Ridge Highway 83 Marina at 417-282-6341

We have 14 picnic shelters spread around the lake in our parks and day-use areas. Many of the shelters are reservable for $20-$30 per day depending on the location.. If you are interested in reserving a Picnic Shelter please call the Pomme de Terre Project Office - 417-745-6411.

Reservable Shelters

Administration Shelter

The shelter is located at the northeast end of the dam adjacent to the Administrative Office.  It can be reserved from March 15th to October 31th from 9:00am to 10:00pm for $30 per day. This popular shelter provides a pictorial view of the lake has plenty of parking and can seat 150 people. A playground and horseshoe pit are located adjacent to the shelter and flush toilets are just across the road. Amenities include electrical receptacles, lights, drinking water, and two charcoal grills. To reserve this shelter call the Project Office at 417-745-6411.

Beach Shelters

These shelters are located at the beaches of Nemo and Wheatland Park. They can be reserved from March 15th to October 31th from 9:00am to 10:00pm for $30 per day and with these reservations you will receive 5 day use hang tags to allow for 5 vehicles to park in day use parking lot the day of your reservation. Each park has two small shelters that would seat a maximum of 20 people. They are within walking distance of flush toilets and showers. For more information please call the Project Office at 417-745-6411. 

Lightfoot Shelter

The shelter is located within Lightfoot Park. It can be reserved from March 15th to October 31th from 9:00am to 10:00pm for $20 per day. This shelter will seat approximately 50 people. Amenities include drinking water, lights, a charcoal grill and electrical receptacles. A playground and horseshoe pits are located nearby. To reserve this shelter call the Project Office at 417-745-6411.

Nemo Shelter

The shelter is located within Nemo Park. It can be reserved from March 15th to October 31th from 9:00am to 10:00pm for $30 per day.  It will seat approximately 50 people. Parking is often limited.  Amenities include drinking water, lights, charcoal grill, and electrical receptacles. A small basketball court, playground, and horseshoe pits are located nearby. For more information please call the Project Office at 417-745-6411.

Outlet Ball Field Shelter

The shelter is located below the dam near the ball field. It can be reserved from March 15th to October 31th from 9:00am to 10:00pm for $30 per day. There is a large parking area nearby that serves the shelter and running river trail access below Pomme de Terre Dam. A playground and walking trail are located adjacent to the shelter. Other amenities include lighting, electrical receptacles, drinking water, two large charcoal grills/smoker. A vault toilet is located nearby. Within walking distance from this shelter is another playground, vollyball area, tennis/basketball court, horse shoe pits and the Running River walking trail. This shelter will comfortably seat 40 people. To reserve this shelter call the Project Office at 417-745-6411.

Outlet Shelter

The shelter is located below the dam near the multipurpose (tennis/basketball) courts. It can be reserved from March 15th to October 31th from 9:00am to 10:00pm for $30 per day. There is a large parking area nearby that serves the shelter and river fishing access below Pomme de Terre Dam. A playground and sand volleyball court are located adjacent to the shelter. Other amenities include lighting, electrical receptacles, drinking water, one large charcoal grill and horseshoe pits. A flush toilet is located nearby. Within walking distance from this shelter is another playground, softball/baseball field and the Running River Trail. This shelter will comfortably seat 50 people. To reserve this shelter call the Project Office at 417-745-6411.

Overlook Shelter #1

This shelter is located on the east end of the dam in Overlook Picnic Area.  It can be reserved from March 15th to October 31th from 9:00am to 10:00pm for $20 per day. It is an older, smaller shelter that will seat approximately 30 people. Amenities include a charcoal grill, drinking water, lights, electrical receptacles, and a playground. A composting toilet is located nearby. To reserve this shelter call the Project Office at 417-745-6411.

Overlook Shelter #2

This shelter is located on the east end of the dam in Overlook Picnic Area. It can be reserved from March 15th to October 31th from 9:00am to 10:00pm for $30 per day. It is a large shelter and will seat 100-150 people. The shelter is located close to the water and provides a great view of the lake and Pomme de Terre Dam. Amenities include electrical receptacles, lights, food serving shelf, one large charcoal grill and one large smoker grill. A playground and 24’ x 33’ basketball court is located adjacent to the shelter. Horseshoe pits are located nearby and the composting toilet is within easy walking distance. To reserve this shelter call the Project Office at 417-745-6411.

Wheatland Shelter

The shelter is located within Wheatland Park. It can be reserved from March 15th to October 31th from 9:00am to 10:00pm for $20 per day. This shelter will seat approximately 50 people. Amenities include drinking water, lights, electrical receptacles, and a charcoal grill. A playground and horseshoe pit are located adjacent to the shelter while vault toilets, flush toilets and the swimming beach are only a short walk away. To reserve this shelter call the Project Office at 417-745-6411.

Non-Reservable Shelters

Bolivar Landing Shelter

The shelter is located within Bolivar Landing. This shelter is non-reservable and only available on a first come first serve basis. The shelter has two concrete tables and will seat a maximum of 20 people. A children’s playground is located adjacent to the shelter. A vault toilet is located nearby. For more information please call the Project Office at 417-745-6411.

Pittsburg Park

The shelter is located within Pittsburg Park. This shelter is non-reservable and only available on a first come first serve basis. The shelter is located on a hill top overlooking the Lindley Creek Arm of Pomme de Terre Lake and will seat approximately 30 people. A playground, water faucet and vault toilet are located nearby. For more information please call the Project Office at 417-745-6411.

The Corps of Engineers Beaches are OPEN April16th to September 30th. Our beaches are located in Nemo Park and Wheatland Park.

The beaches offer swimmers at Pomme de Terre Lake a relaxing area to cool off from the summer heat. Each beach has a large parking lot, two picnic shelters, bathrooms with showers and lots of sand to play on. A Day-Use fee is charged for people swimming at the beach, $5.00/per vehicle and children 12 and under are free. Day-Use permits are available at the Automated Pay Station near the boat ramp.  Instruction on use are on the machines.  The receipt must be displayed in your vehicle.  Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must also be displayed. A life jacket loaner boards can be found at the beaches which offers life jackets free of use to the public. We just ask that you please return the life jackets when you leave.

 Beach Rules

• No Alcohol
• No Glass Containers
• No Pets

Running River Trail

The Running River Trail is located in Outlet Park just below Pomme de Terre Dam. The looped trail meanders along the Pomme de Terre River and then takes you through Oak, Hickory, and Eastern Red Cedar Forest. The trail is approximately 3.1 miles long however a short cut-off is available to those who want to enjoy the outdoors but not the rolling terrain.

The trail is eight feet wide and was designed for walking, jogging, and biking. All motorized vehicles are prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation.

Trail Map

Multipurpose Trail

This trail is located on the southern portion of the lake in Bolivar Landing. This multipurpose trail provides enjoyment for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. This scenic trail is nearly 20 miles long and winds through various types of terrain making it a challenge for users. This is the only trail on the lake that allows the use of horses. Please stay on the designated trail and no motorized vehicles are allowed.

The trail is closed during the youth and regular firearms deer seasons and until 1pm during spring turkey season.

Trail Map 

State Park Trails

The Pomme de Terre Rendezvous is held in Outlet the first weekend in May. The campground will be closed to public camping from Wednesday prior to that weekend through the Tuesday after.

Please click on the following links for more information.

Facebook Page

History of the Rendezvous

Volunteer?

Partner?

Get a Job?

Lease Agricultural Land?

Fees

Camping

• Electric with water site - $26/day
• Premium Electric site - $24/day
• Basic Electric site - $24/day
• Premium Non-electric site - $18/day
• Basic Non-electric site - $16/day
• Shoulder Season - $10/day (All Site)   
  •  All Parks - (Oct. 1 - Nov. 1 and Mar. 15 - Apr. 15)
• Off-season camping (Nov. 1 - Mar 15) - free
  • Outlet Park will stay open from (Nov. 1 thru Mar. 15) - $10/day

Day-Use

• Corps boat ramps - $5.00/day
• Corps beach - $5.00/vehicle
• children 12 and under are free
• Annual Day-Use Permit - $40.00/year

Shelters

• Shelters - $20 or $30/day

Hours of Operation

The Project Office is open to the public Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 3:00pm or by appointment only.

Rules and Regulations

The Pomme de Terre Lake Project 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.

Recreation.gov

America the Beautiful Passes

Pomme de Terre State Park

Missouri Department of Conservation

Pomme de Terre Lake Master Plan

USGS Water Data

Kansas City District Dam Safety Program

Kansas City District Water Management

Kansas City District Water Quality Program