Beach Piedmont Park

For those of us in Missouri seeking a versatile and exceptionally peaceful outdoor destination, Beach Piedmont Park near Piedmont is a true find. Situated on the picturesque shores of Clearwater Lake, this park offers a unique blend of day-use amenities and camping opportunities, making it ideal for everything from a quick picnic with the family to a relaxing multi-night stay. It's the kind of place where you can truly escape the everyday hustle and simply enjoy the beauty of our state's natural landscape.

Beach Piedmont Park is celebrated for its quiet, serene atmosphere and well-maintained facilities. Visitors consistently praise its cleanliness and the welcoming nature of the staff, including the helpful camp hosts. Whether you're pulling in for a day of lakeside fun or setting up camp for a longer retreat, the park is designed to make your experience as comfortable as possible. It's a place where children can safely play on the jungle gym, boats can easily launch onto the lake, and everyone can simply relax and soak in the tranquil views.

What truly sets Beach Piedmont Park apart is its dual appeal. It’s not just for camping; it’s a fully functional park where you can spend the day enjoying various activities without needing a camping reservation. This flexibility, combined with its stunning lakefront setting and a range of convenient amenities, makes Beach Piedmont Park an outstanding choice for Missourians looking for a clean, quiet, and family-friendly outdoor adventure. Whether it's to view a rare celestial event or just to unwind by the water, this park promises a memorable experience.

Beach Piedmont Park is located in the beautiful Ozark foothills of southeastern Missouri, at 821 Co Rd 418, Piedmont, MO 63957, USA. This address places it directly on the shores of Clearwater Lake, a popular and scenic body of water.

To reach the park from Piedmont, you would typically follow US 34 to Piedmont, then go North on Highway HH for about 5 miles to the top of the dam. From there, you turn right and follow the signs directly into the campground. The drive is scenic, taking you through the rolling terrain typical of the Ozarks. While the main roads leading to the park are generally well-maintained, always be mindful of local conditions, especially during or after inclement weather.

It's important to note that while the park itself is easily accessible, cell phone service can be poor or non-existent in this area of the Ozarks. This is a common characteristic of many remote recreational areas in Missouri and contributes to the park's peaceful, disconnected atmosphere. Visitors are advised to download any necessary maps or information before arriving and to complete any online reservations prior to entering areas with limited signal. Despite potential connectivity challenges, the straightforward driving directions and the park's desirable lakeside location make it a highly accessible and convenient destination for those looking to enjoy the beauty of Clearwater Lake.

Beach Piedmont Park offers a wide range of services and amenities, catering to both day visitors and overnight campers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

• Campsites: The campground offers 97 sites, including many with electric and water hookups, suitable for both RVs and tents. There are also three group sites available, accommodating larger parties (up to 8-11 vehicles and 40-50 people).
• Basic Site Amenities: All campsites typically include a picnic table, lantern post, and a fire ring with a grate for cooking.
• Clean Bathrooms and Showers: Reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness and good maintenance of the bathrooms and hot showers, which are a significant comfort amenity.
• Dump Station: An RV dump station is available for convenient waste disposal.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is accessible throughout the park.
• Boat Launch/Ramp: The park features a boat launch, providing easy access to Clearwater Lake for various water activities.
• Swimming Area/Beach: A designated swim beach is available, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.
• Playgrounds: There is a jungle gym or playground area for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
• Picnic Shelters: Picnic shelters are provided, offering shaded areas for day use and group gatherings.
• Public Phones: Available as a backup due to potential limited cell service.
• Guest Wi-Fi/Internet Access: While cell service is poor, guest Wi-Fi/internet access is available at the marina, offering a point of connection if needed.
• Horseshoe Pits: For recreation, there are horseshoe pits available for some friendly competition.

These amenities contribute to a well-rounded and comfortable experience, whether you're staying for a few hours or a few nights.

Beach Piedmont Park distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for campers and day visitors alike in Missouri.

• Stunning Lake Views: The park is set on ridge tops just above Clearwater Lake, with many sites offering excellent, peaceful views of the water. This provides a serene backdrop for relaxation and photography.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently praised by visitors for its tranquility, Beach Piedmont Park offers a quiet and relaxing environment, ideal for disconnecting from busy life and reconnecting with nature.
• Versatile for Day Use & Camping: Unlike some campgrounds that are strictly for overnight stays, Beach Piedmont Park is also perfect for day trips, with readily available facilities like bathrooms, a playground, and picnic areas, often without a day-use charge, making it accessible for casual visits.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviewers frequently commend the cleanliness of the bathrooms, showers, and overall park grounds, which significantly enhances the visitor experience. The helpfulness and pleasant demeanor of the camp host, Sandy, were also highlighted as a positive.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a jungle gym/playground for kids and the large beach area cater well to families, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors.
• Excellent Water Access: With a boat launch, swimming beach, and access to Clearwater Lake, the park is a hub for water sports enthusiasts. Clearwater Lake is known for boating, fishing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The park and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. Reviewers have noted seeing deer, and the general area is known for wetland waterfowl, fox, and geese, making it a great spot for nature observation.
• Paved Roads: The internal paved roads are excellent for bike riding, offering a safe and smooth surface for cycling within the park.
• Seasonal Flexibility: While the main camping season runs from April 1 to October 31, some sources indicate it's open year-round with sites available first-come, first-served in the off-season.

These features collectively make Beach Piedmont Park a well-rounded and appealing choice for a variety of outdoor activities and relaxation.

As a park managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and part of the Recreation.gov system, Beach Piedmont Park typically doesn't offer traditional commercial "promotions" in the same way a private business might. However, it provides several inherent values and "offers" that are highly beneficial to visitors:

• Affordable Camping Rates: The nightly fees for campsites are generally very reasonable, especially considering the range of amenities available, such as electric and water hookups, hot showers, and a dump station. This makes it a cost-effective option for outdoor getaways.
• Federal Recreational Pass Discounts: Holders of valid federal recreational passes, including the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (and its Senior and Access versions), are often eligible for discounts on camping fees, typically 50% off the standard rate at federally managed campgrounds. This can lead to significant savings for eligible individuals.
• Free Day Use: A key "special offer" highlighted by a recent visitor is the ability to use the park's day-use facilities (like the playground, picnic areas, and boat launch) without a charge. This makes it an incredibly accessible option for quick visits, picnics, or simply enjoying the lake for a few hours without the commitment of camping fees.
• Year-Round Accessibility: While the main season for reservable sites and full services runs from April 1 to October 31, the park is open year-round for camping (with sites available first-come, first-served during the off-season). This offers flexibility for those who prefer cooler weather camping or spontaneous trips.
• Online Reservation Convenience: The ability to reserve campsites through Recreation.gov allows campers to secure their preferred spot in advance, which, while not a discount, provides peace of mind and ensures availability, especially during peak seasons.

For the most accurate and current information on fees, availability, and any specific policies, it is always recommended to check the official Recreation.gov website for Piedmont Park, Clearwater Lake, or contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office for Clearwater Lake directly.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Beach Piedmont Park, you can utilize the following contact details:

Address: 821 Co Rd 418, Piedmont, MO 63957, USA (This specific address helps with precise navigation to the park).

Park Gatehouse Phone: (573) 223-4432 (This is the direct number for the Piedmont Park gatehouse. It is an excellent resource for real-time information about current conditions, site availability, and answers to specific questions about the park).

Mobile Phone: +1 573-223-4432 (Same as above, a mobile-friendly version of the park gatehouse line).

For making reservations, the most reliable method is through the national reservation system:

Recreation.gov: Beach Piedmont Park is part of the Recreation.gov system. You can visit their website or call their toll-free number at (877) 444-6777 to check availability and make reservations. It is highly recommended to book your campsite in advance, especially for weekends and during the peak season (April through October), as it is a popular destination.

Given the potential for limited cell service in the area, it's always a good idea to confirm your reservation and download any necessary maps or campground information before you arrive to ensure a smooth check-in process.

Beach Piedmont Park is an exceptional choice for us Missourians seeking a delightful and versatile outdoor experience right here in our home state. Its blend of stunning lakeside scenery, well-maintained amenities, and flexible day-use options makes it incredibly suitable for a wide range of local preferences.

For families across Missouri, the park's clean bathrooms, hot showers, and a dedicated playground simplify camping and enhance the overall experience, ensuring comfort for all ages. The option of choosing between shaded or lake-view sites allows us to tailor our visit to our liking, whether we're looking for cool relief or picturesque sunrises. The presence of a helpful camp host, as highlighted by visitors, adds a personal touch that makes a difference in creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Crucially, for Missourians who love our lakes, Beach Piedmont Park provides direct and easy access to Clearwater Lake. This means endless opportunities for popular activities like fishing, boating, swimming at the designated beach, or simply lounging by the water. The flexibility to visit for just a day—perhaps for a picnic and some playtime—without incurring a fee, is a huge benefit for locals looking for spontaneous outings. This dual functionality, combined with the park's peaceful ambiance and the chance to observe local wildlife, makes Beach Piedmont Park an ideal and highly recommended destination for creating cherished outdoor memories in the heart of Missouri.