🌤 Weather at Harry S. Truman State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–76 °F | 65–90 °F | 36–82 °F | 22–47 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Truman Dam & Reservoir, 2 mi away, elevation 754 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Harry S. Truman State Park is a public state park in Missouri near Warsaw in Benton County. Spanning 1,440 acres and established in 1976, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Missouri |
| Nearest City | Warsaw |
| County | Benton |
| Park Size | 1,440 acres |
| Established | 1976 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Harry S. Truman State Park is located near Warsaw, Missouri. The park’s coordinates are 38.2791, -93.4372.
Things to Do
Missouri state parks protect an impressive variety of Ozark landscapes — spring-fed rivers with crystal-clear water, dramatic shut-ins (narrow volcanic rock gorges), extensive cave systems, forested bluffs along the Ozark Trail, and managed prairies. Activities include hiking some of the Midwest’s most scenic trails, swimming and floating in cold, clear Ozark springs and rivers, fishing for trout in spring-fed streams, camping in forested river valleys, caving on guided tours, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and exploring Civil War and frontier-era historic sites. Missouri’s springs — including Big Spring and Alley Spring — are among the largest and most beautiful in the country.
Best Time to Visit
Missouri parks are a three-season destination with winter hiking as abonus. Spring (March–May) brings dogwood and redbud blooms, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is peak season for floating, swimming, and camping — the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers are iconic summer float trips. Fall (September–November) delivers excellent Ozark foliage peaking mid-October, with comfortable hiking weather. Winter offers peaceful trail experiences and is ideal for cave tours (caves maintain 56°F year-round). All Missouri state parks are free — no entrance fees or vehicle passes required.
Visitor Tips
All Missouri state parks are free to visit — no entrance fees or vehicle permits required. Camping fees are modest and vary by facility. Reservations are made through mostateparks.com. Cave tours at parks like Onondaga Cave, Meramec Caverns, and Ozark Caverns require separate tickets and often sell out on weekends — reserve in advance. Float trip parks along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers get very busy on summer weekends. Cell service is limited in the Ozarks backcountry.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Harry S. Truman State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Missouri. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Missouri guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Truman SP — on Truman Reservoir (55,600 acres) — provides lakefront recreation on one of Missouri’s largest lakes. The park’s lake, forest, and coves support bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys are abundant. Crappie, bass, and catfish provide excellent fishing.
Nearby Attractions
Warsaw — adjacent. Truman Dam — adjacent. Pomme de Terre SP — 20 miles southwest. Lake of the Ozarks — 30 miles east.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Truman Lake State Park (a short drive away) or Osage Village State Historic Site (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Harry S. Truman State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Six separate campgrounds, each with its own site types and season: Bobcat Run (Electric*, Family*, Mar 1-Oct 31), Buck Ridge (Electric*, Family*, Apr 1-Oct 31), Devil's Backbone (Electric*, Family*, year-round), Raccoon Ridge (Electric, Family, Mar 1-Oct 31), Thorny Ridge (Basic, Family, Mar 1-Oct 31), Wild Turkey Ridge (Basic, Family, Apr 1-Oct 31). *50-amp electric available. Showers/water available April 1-Oct 31 across all six campgrounds. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Recommended no more than two dogs per campsite; pets must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times; portable fences, shock collars and other electronic devices do not meet requirements; other than service animals, pets are not allowed inside any building that is not part of the Cabins for Canines program, or in public swimming areas or waters reserved for fishing. |
| Reservations | Reserve up to 12 months in advance online or by phone, 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Campgrounds are fully reservable; reservable sites may be available to walk-up customers on a day-by-day basis if not reserved. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park. |
| Special sites | Dump station, showerhouse and water are turned off during the off-season (bring own potable water). Campers in Devil's Backbone Campground must follow carry-in, carry-out rules December through February. Parking of watercraft or ATV trailers off the campsite pad (usually in the grass) is permitted. |
| Season notes | Devil's Backbone is open year-round; the other five campgrounds are seasonal (Mar 1-Oct 31 or Apr 1-Oct 31 depending on campground). |
Camping questions about Harry S. Truman State Park
Can you camp at Harry S. Truman State Park?
Six separate campgrounds, each with its own site types and season: Bobcat Run (Electric*, Family*, Mar 1-Oct 31), Buck Ridge (Electric*, Family*, Apr 1-Oct 31), Devil's Backbone (Electric*, Family*, year-round), Raccoon Ridge (Electric, Family, Mar 1-Oct 31), Thorny Ridge (Basic, Family, Mar 1-Oct 31), Wild Turkey Ridge (Basic, Family, Apr 1-Oct 31). *50-amp electric available. Showers/water available April 1-Oct 31 across all six campgrounds.
How do you reserve a campsite at Harry S. Truman State Park?
Reserve up to 12 months in advance online or by phone, 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Campgrounds are fully reservable; reservable sites may be available to walk-up customers on a day-by-day basis if not reserved. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.
Are pets allowed at the Harry S. Truman State Park campground?
Recommended no more than two dogs per campsite; pets must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times; portable fences, shock collars and other electronic devices do not meet requirements; other than service animals, pets are not allowed inside any building that is not part of the Cabins for Canines program, or in public swimming areas or waters reserved for fishing.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Harry S. Truman State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.
Are dogs allowed at Harry S. Truman State Park?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Harry S. Truman State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
