Pittsburg Park USACE

For residents of Missouri's Ozark region and travelers exploring the heart of the state, Pittsburg Park USACE—managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)—is a well-known access point to the beautiful Pomme de Terre Lake. Located in Pittsburg, Missouri, this scenic area provides crucial day-use facilities for enjoying fishing, boating, and general relaxation near the water. It has long been a destination for family-friendly outdoor activities, offering a classic slice of Missouri nature.

It is crucial for local users to note a significant change in the park’s offerings. While Pittsburg Park was historically a popular campground with RV and tent sites, the USACE permanently closed all camping activities within the park, effective December 1, 2024. This change was implemented to focus resources on maintaining other, higher-demand facilities across Pomme de Terre Lake. Therefore, while this article describes the overall park site, it is important to understand that the focus of this location is now entirely on day-use and lake access, rather than overnight stays.

Despite the closure of the campground, Pittsburg Park remains a valuable resource, offering amenities that support a great day on the water or a simple afternoon outing. It continues to be an excellent spot for local families to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, providing public amenities like the boat ramp, playground, and public restrooms that are essential for a successful day trip to Pomme de Terre Lake. The park’s commitment to maintaining these services ensures that the lake remains easily accessible to all Missourians.

Pittsburg Park USACE is located in the town of Pittsburg, Missouri, situated in Hickory County. Its specific coordinates place it directly on the shores of Pomme de Terre Lake, a vital recreational and fishing lake in the Ozarks. The park is accessed via a paved road a couple of miles off the highway, providing a sense of seclusion while still being relatively easy to reach.

The official address for the park is:
26693 Pittsburg Park, Pittsburg, MO 65724, USA
This location places it at the end of RA Highway, making it a distinct landmark for lake access on the Pittsburg side of Pomme de Terre.

The park remains committed to accessibility for all visitors:

• Paved Interior Roads: The park features paved interior roads, which simplify navigation and access, regardless of vehicle type.
• On-site Parking: Ample on-site parking is available for day-use visitors, including those launching boats.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The park includes a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that the day-use facilities are available to everyone in the community.
• Nature Sightings: The drive into the park often features views of local Missouri wildlife, such as deer and fox, adding to the natural experience.

This park is conveniently located near other key recreation spots. For those still seeking overnight camping, the nearby Pomme de Terre State Park (specifically the Pittsburg Area Campground) offers an array of reservable electric, water, and family sites, as do other USACE-managed parks around the lake, including Nemo, Damsite, Outlet, Wheatland, and Lightfoot parks.

While overnight camping services are no longer available at Pittsburg Park USACE, the park is dedicated to providing high-quality facilities for day-use activities. These services are crucial for visitors planning a few hours of fun by the lake.

• Boat Launch Ramp: A primary service is the functional boat launch, which provides direct and easy access to Pomme de Terre Lake for fishing, wakeboarding, and general boating.
• Shelter House: The park maintains a shelter house, which can be used for gatherings, picnics, or simply seeking shade during the warm Missouri summer months.
• Vault Toilets/Public Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available for public use throughout the day-use area.
• Playground: A dedicated playground area remains open, making the park an excellent choice for families with young children.
• Picnic Areas: Various picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, offering tables for lunch or relaxing by the shore.
• Running Water: Running water is available via frost-free spigots in certain areas, ensuring clean water is available during the operating season.
• On-site Staff/Host: A park host or staff member is often on site to provide assistance, offer local information, and help maintain the facilities.

Pittsburg Park’s main highlights center around its natural setting on Pomme de Terre Lake and its value as a simple, accessible family destination in the Ozarks.

• Pomme de Terre Lake Access: The most significant feature is the direct and easy access to the lake, which is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities for species like bass, walleye, crappie, and muskie.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The combination of a playground and picnic shelter makes this a designated location that is good for kids and suitable for family gatherings.
• Scenic Setting: The park is nestled within the rolling hills and wooded landscape of the Ozarks, offering beautiful natural views and a peaceful environment.
• Maintained Grounds: The grounds feature mowed grass areas and paved interior roads, indicating good maintenance by the USACE, which contributes to a clean and welcoming appearance.
• Central Location for Lake Activities: As a USACE-managed site, the park represents a reliable and consistent point of access for various water sports, including swimming (in designated nearby areas or from boats) and water-skiing on the lake.

For current information regarding park hours, lake conditions, or questions about the nearby USACE campgrounds that remain open, visitors should contact the Pomme de Terre Lake Project Office.

Address (Park Location):
26693 Pittsburg Park
Pittsburg, MO 65724, USA

Phone (Pomme de Terre Lake Project Office):
(417) 745-6411

Mobile Phone:
+1 417-745-6411

Online Resources:
Information on all USACE campgrounds and park status around the lake (including the remaining campgrounds like Nemo and Damsite) is available on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District website or the national recreation reservation system.

Pittsburg Park USACE is worth choosing for Missouri users primarily looking for a convenient, reliably maintained day-use area to enjoy Pomme de Terre Lake. This park is the ideal destination if your itinerary involves launching a boat, spending an afternoon picnicking by the water, or simply allowing children to use a playground in a beautiful, natural setting. The fact that the USACE manages the facility ensures a high standard of maintenance, particularly for the boat ramp and public restrooms.

It is also a good choice for those who were once loyal campers but need a new option, as the location serves as a perfect stepping stone to the nearby, fully operational campgrounds at Pomme de Terre State Park and the other USACE-managed sites. In short, Pittsburg Park remains a cornerstone of the lake community, providing essential access and facilities that enable Missourians to enjoy the clear waters and rolling landscape of the Ozarks for a perfect day out.

Pittsburg Park USACE

26693 Pittsburg Park, Pittsburg, MO 65724, USA