Pomme de Terre State Park sits on the shores of Pomme de Terre Lake in Hickory County, Missouri, where 734 acres of Ozark woodland meet one of the state’s best fishing lakes. The park occupies two separate areas — the Pittsburg arm and the Hermitage arm — each offering distinct experiences on opposite sides of the reservoir.

The lake itself is the main draw. Pomme de Terre is widely regarded as Missouri’s premier muskie fishery, attracting anglers chasing muskellunge, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Two swimming beaches provide relief during Missouri’s humid summers, and boat launches on both sides of the park make water access easy.

On land, hikers can explore trails winding through second-growth oak-hickory forest typical of the western Ozarks. The Indian Point Trail on the Pittsburg side follows a ridge above the lake with views across the water. Spring wildflowers and fall foliage make shoulder seasons particularly rewarding. Wildlife watchers may spot white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and great blue herons along the shoreline.

The park offers both basic and electric campsites, and the Pittsburg area includes a marina with boat rentals for visitors without their own watercraft.

Late spring through early fall is the best window for visiting — warm enough for swimming and fishing, with May and October offering cooler temperatures and thinner crowds. Winter visits are quieter but still worthwhile for eagle watching along the lake’s bluffs and coves.

Explore Nearby

• Mark Twain National Forest — National Forest in Missouri
• Union Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Sandy Creek Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Thousand Hills State Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri
• Stacy Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri