Long Shoal Campground

For many Missourians, the call of the wild, the serene beauty of a lakeside sunrise, or the simple joy of a campfire under the stars defines the perfect getaway. Our state is blessed with incredible natural landscapes, and among its treasures is Harry S. Truman Lake, a vast expanse of water offering endless recreational opportunities. If you're a local in Missouri looking for an exceptional camping experience that combines natural beauty with modern conveniences, Long Shoal Campground, nestled on the shores of Truman Lake near Warsaw, is a destination you'll want to explore. This article is crafted specifically for you, a local user, to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Long Shoal Campground, highlighting its facilities, location, and why it consistently earns rave reviews from fellow campers.

Long Shoal Campground is more than just a place to set up your tent or park your RV; it's a meticulously maintained park that offers a true escape into the heart of Missouri's outdoor splendor. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it consistently upholds high standards of cleanliness and functionality. From its prime location for fishing and boating to its well-appointed amenities like hot showers and laundry facilities, Long Shoal is designed to enhance your camping adventure, whether it's your first time visiting or your fifth. Let's delve into what makes this campground a standout choice for Missouri residents seeking an unforgettable lakeside retreat.

Long Shoal Campground is ideally situated at 12733 Long Shoal Park Rd, Warsaw, MO 65355, USA. This prime location places it directly on the Grand River Arm of Harry S. Truman Lake, approximately 7 miles west of the charming town of Warsaw, Missouri. Warsaw, located in Benton County, is known as the "Gateway to Truman Lake" and serves as a vital hub for visitors to the area, offering a blend of small-town charm and essential services.

The campground's direct access to Truman Lake is one of its most significant advantages, making it an excellent spot for water enthusiasts. Its position provides beautiful views of the lake and convenient proximity to the water for fishing, boating, and swimming. The main roads leading to the campground are well-maintained, ensuring easy access for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and those towing boats.

For supplies and amenities, the town of Warsaw is just a short drive away. Here, campers can find grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and other retail services, including a Walmart, making it easy to restock or grab a meal. This convenient access to local towns ensures that visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the campground without being far from necessary conveniences. Furthermore, the broader Harry S. Truman Lake area offers additional attractions like the Harry S. Truman Visitor Center, providing educational exhibits and spectacular views of the dam and reservoir. The easy accessibility combined with the stunning natural setting makes Long Shoal Campground a highly convenient and desirable location for Missouri locals.

Long Shoal Campground provides a comprehensive array of services designed to ensure a comfortable, clean, and convenient camping experience for all visitors. As a well-maintained facility, particularly as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers system, it offers the following:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground boasts a total of 84 electric sites and 12 non-electric (primitive) sites. The electric sites offer a range of hookup options:
  • 60 sites with 30-amp electric hookups.
  • 22 sites with 30-amp electric hookups (some sources mention 22 30-amp sites, others 44 50-amp with water, and 38 30-amp. It's safe to say there's a good mix).
  • Some sites even offer 50-amp electric with water and sewer hookups (full hookups), though these are typically fewer in number.
  Many sites are pull-through, accommodating larger rigs without the need to unhook. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring, with nearby frost-free hydrants for drinking water.
• Clean Bathhouses with Hot Showers: Several "bath houses" are located throughout the campground, consistently praised in reviews for being "clean" and offering "hot showers." These facilities are generally seasonal, typically available from April 1st to October 31st.
• Laundry Facilities: For added convenience, especially for longer stays, on-site laundry facilities are available.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is provided for RVs, ensuring proper waste disposal.
• Potable Water: Drinking water faucets are scattered throughout the park, making potable water easily accessible.
• Boat Ramp: A dedicated boat ramp allows for easy launching and retrieval of boats, kayaks, and other watercraft onto Harry S. Truman Lake.
• Long Shoal Marina Concessionaire: Located within the park, the marina offers convenient boat services, and may also include a restaurant or convenience store for snacks and supplies.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: Pets are welcome at Long Shoal Campground, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.

These comprehensive services highlight Long Shoal Campground's commitment to providing a comfortable, well-equipped, and enjoyable experience for all types of campers visiting Harry S. Truman Lake.

Long Shoal Campground is celebrated for a multitude of features and highlights that consistently make it a favorite among Missouri campers and visitors to Harry S. Truman Lake:

• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: The campground is set directly on the shores of Harry S. Truman Lake, offering "beautiful pull-through lots at the lake" and "pretty views of Truman lake." This provides stunning scenery and direct access to water activities.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Reviews consistently laud the campground as "clean and well maintained." The bathhouses with hot showers are noted for their cleanliness, contributing significantly to a comfortable stay.
• Versatile Campsite Options: With a mix of 30-amp, 50-amp, and full hookup sites, plus primitive options, the campground caters to all types of camping units, from large RVs to tents. The "pull through lots" are especially convenient for big rigs, allowing easy parking without unhooking.
• Excellent Fishing Access: Sites are often described as "close to the water for fishing," making it a prime spot for anglers. Truman Lake is renowned for crappie, bass, catfish, and other species, attracting many tournament fishermen.
• On-Site Marina Concessionaire: The presence of Long Shoal Marina within the park offers convenient boat services, and potentially a restaurant or store, enhancing the overall experience by providing easy access to boat rentals, fuel, and supplies.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The campground includes a children's playground and a swimming beach, making it an excellent destination for families with kids looking for fun and safe recreational areas.
• Abundant Wildlife and Natural Beauty: The surrounding area is characterized by rolling hills, rocky bluffs, and mature oak-hickory forests, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing, including whitetail deer, turkey, hawks, ospreys, and even bald eagles.
• Easy Accessibility: Its "great location" near Warsaw and convenient access to the lake make it a fantastic choice for return visitors, as evidenced by a camper's "5th time staying here."
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground welcomes pets, allowing Missourians to bring their furry companions along for the outdoor adventure, provided they adhere to leash rules.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of a well-rounded and appealing campground that perfectly blends natural recreation with essential modern comforts, making it a beloved spot for many Missouri outdoor enthusiasts.

As Long Shoal Campground is primarily managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and operates through platforms like Recreation.gov, the concept of "promotions" or "special offers" differs from a privately owned business. You typically won't find flash sales or discount codes in the traditional retail sense. However, the value provided through their pricing structure and included amenities is consistently strong.

Here’s what you can generally expect regarding pricing and potential ways to optimize your stay:

• Standardized Daily Rates: Campsite fees are typically set and publicly available on Recreation.gov. The price will vary based on the type of site (primitive, 30-amp electric, 50-amp electric with water, full hookup) and the specific amenities available at that site. One review noted a "basic site under $20," indicating competitive pricing for simpler options.
• Seasonal Pricing and Availability: Like many Corps of Engineers campgrounds, full services (like flush toilets and showers) are seasonal, typically available from around April 1st to October 31st. During the "shoulder" or off-season, sites might be available at reduced rates (sometimes self-payment at a fee vault), though facilities may be limited (e.g., only pit toilets, water hydrants turned off).
• Federal Pass Discounts: Holders of certain federal passes, such as the America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass or Access Pass, may be eligible for discounts on camping fees. It's always advisable to check the specific discount policies on Recreation.gov.
• Value-Added Amenities Included: The listed price for a site generally includes access to all the park's amenities, such as clean bathhouses with hot showers, laundry facilities, a dump station, drinking water, the playground, and the swimming beach. This comprehensive offering provides significant value for the standard rate.
• Reservations Recommended: Especially during peak season (typically April 15 - September 30), online reservations via Recreation.gov are strongly recommended, if not required, to secure your desired site.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for your specific dates and site preference, and to learn about any current operational details, the best approach is to visit the Long Shoal Campground page on Recreation.gov or contact the park directly.

To secure your reservation or to inquire further about Long Shoal Campground and its offerings on Harry S. Truman Lake, please use the following contact details:

Address: 12733 Long Shoal Park Rd, Warsaw, MO 65355, USA

Phone: (660) 438-2342

Mobile Phone: +1 660-438-2342

For direct reservations or to check real-time availability, it is highly recommended to visit the official booking platform, Recreation.gov, and search for Long Shoal Campground under Harry S. Truman Lake. The park staff can also provide valuable information regarding seasonal operations and specific site details.

For Missourians seeking an exceptional and well-rounded outdoor experience, Long Shoal Campground on Harry S. Truman Lake stands as a highly suitable and favored destination. Its appeal to local users is deeply ingrained in its blend of natural beauty, convenient facilities, and a strong reputation for cleanliness and maintenance.

Firstly, the campground’s location directly on the shores of Harry S. Truman Lake is an unparalleled asset for locals. As one of Missouri’s largest and most popular lakes, Truman Lake offers incredible opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports. Having sites "close to the water for fishing" and a dedicated boat ramp means that Missourians who love the water can maximize their recreational time without extensive travel within the park. The "pretty views of Truman lake" also provide a serene backdrop, allowing for genuine relaxation and appreciation of our state's natural landscapes.

Secondly, the consistently praised cleanliness and excellent maintenance of the entire campground are significant draws. Reviews highlight "clean and well maintained" facilities, including "clean bathhouse w hot showers and laundry." For local families or weekend warriors, knowing they have access to reliable and sanitary amenities like hot showers after a day on the lake greatly enhances the camping experience, ensuring comfort and convenience. This commitment to upkeep makes it a more enjoyable and less stressful trip.

Moreover, the diverse range of campsite options caters to the varied preferences of Missouri campers. Whether you're an RV enthusiast with a large rig benefiting from "beautiful pull through lots" with full hookups, or a traditional tent camper looking for a basic site under $20, Long Shoal accommodates all. This flexibility means that many Missourians, regardless of their camping style or budget, can find a comfortable spot to enjoy the outdoors. The presence of a playground and a swimming beach also makes it an ideal spot for local families to create lasting memories.

Finally, the consistent positive experiences, as evidenced by a reviewer stating it was their "5th time staying here," speak volumes about its suitability. It’s a place that fosters repeat visits because it delivers on its promise of a fantastic outdoor experience. For Missourians looking for a reliable, clean, accessible, and activity-rich campground on one of our state's premier lakes, Long Shoal Campground near Warsaw is undoubtedly a fantastic choice to connect with nature and enjoy all the beauty the Ozarks have to offer.