The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at Pomme de Terre Lake announced that camping at Pittsburg Park, located at the end of RA Highway, will permanently close beginning in December.
While camping facilities will no longer be available, other amenities, including the boat ramp, shelter, vault toilets, and playground, will remain accessible for day-use visitors.
According to a press release, Shannon Henry, natural resource manager at Pomme de Terre Lake, stated, “This closure will enable us to maintain other facilities that are in higher demand and more cost-effective for meeting visitor needs now and into the future.”
The decision to close the campground was driven by rising operation and maintenance expenses. The press release noted that the cost of capital investments required to maintain and improve aging systems contributed significantly to the decision
Changing visitor preferences over the past five decades also influenced the closure. Pittsburg Park’s closure aligns with broader efforts to optimize resources and maintain high-quality camping experiences within the region.
Camping also remains available at USACE-managed campgrounds across Pomme de Terre Lake, including Nemo, Damsite, Outlet, Wheatland, and Lightfoot, ensuring visitors have access to established recreational facilities in the area.
Pomme de Terre State Park, spanning both the Hermitage and Pittsburg sides of the lake, offers diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing for bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, or muskie, facilitated by a marina and boat ramps, while two public beaches provide perfect spots for swimming or relaxation.
Adventure seekers can also explore two hiking trails, and lodging options include approximately 240 campsites, three yurts, four camper cabins, a lake house, and a full-service marina cabin, making the park ideal for extended stays.
