Damsite

DAMSITE

Overview

Attention Campers! We are looking for volunteers to help us maintain campgrounds. For more information and volunteer applications, call 417-745-6411 and ask for park ranger Heard.

Visitors head to Damsite on Pomme de Terre Lake 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 lake is named for the river that feeds it. The phrase "Pomme de Terre" is French for potato or "apple of the earth." Most likely, the river was named by early French trappers and fur traders when they discovered plants resembling potatoes on the riverbanks.

Facilities

Damsite Park has 80 sites with electric and water hookups and 7 non-electric sites. Amenities include a dump station, two shower houses, a horse shoe pits, and a playground.

Natural Features

Pomme de Terre Lake sits in the rolling Ozark hills, with 7,790-acres of sparkling surface area and 113 miles of shoreline.

Recreation

Excellent fishing is found at the lake, which boasts one of the best catch ratios in the country. Each fall the lake is stocked with muskie, but crappie, largemouth and white bass are also found in abundance.

Every year on Fourth of July holiday weekend, a fireworks display takes place over the dam.

Nearby Attractions

One of the best dirt tracks in the country is right down the road or enjoy a round of golf at the nearby golf course. There are also multiple trails located around this part of the lake.

Important Notices

There is no Limited Camping Season this Fall/Winter in Damsite Park. During the off-season, there is a limited camping season that only has electricity available. $10 per night, Dates: March 15 - April 15, October 1 - November 30.
All reservations must be made through the Recreation.gov website or app. Search for Recreation.gov on the Apple Store or Play Store to download the app for free. Reservations can also be made by calling the Recreation.gov reservation line at (877) 444-6777.
There is no first-come-first-serve window. All reservations can be made from the current day up to six months in advance. Campers are still limited to camping 14 consecutive days at a campground.
Reservation tags will no longer be posted. With current day reservations available, it is the camper’s responsibility to check if a campsite has been reserved.
Cash and checks will no longer be accepted. Recreation.gov and their reservation line will take credit and debit cards.
Additional fees will be charged for additional camping units
Lifejackets only work if you wear them
Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Available Activities

PICNICKING - Picnic Shelter
CAMPING - Camping

Directions

From Springfield, MO, take US 65 north for 60 miles to Preston, MO.. Continue on Highway 54 west to Hermitage, MO., then take Highway 254/ 64 south to Carsons Corner and follow Highway 254 west toward the dam. <br /><br /> The entrance to Damsite Park is on the south side of Highway 254.

Contact Information

Phone: 417-745-2244, OR CONTACT THE POMME DE TERRE PROJECT OFFICE AT 417-745-6411

24312 State Hwy 254 Hermitage, MO 65668
MO

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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