The Kansas City Star recently called Truman Lake "crappie heaven." We couldn't agree more. Missouri's second-largest lake offers hiking, boating, fishing, hunting and more. Truman Lake covers 56,000 acres and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Nearby public use areas include Sparrowfoot and Bucksaw, both of which include a boat launch, campground, beach, dock and playground.

 

Cooper Creek ATV Area

Cooper Creek ATV Area is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Harry S. Truman Project and is the only area on Truman Lake where ATVs and dirt bikes are allowed. Cooper Creek Park covers approximately 400 acres of hills, trails and open riding. Use of the area is free of charge. Cooper Creek ATV area is located one mile east of Deepwater and is accessible by State Highway 13 and Henry County Road SE700.

 

Hunting

Truman Lake offers opportunities for a variety of game. White-tailed deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, quail, duck and geese are favorites among sportsmen. Most project land is open to hunting in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. For more information regarding Missouri Department of Conservation managed areas, call 660-885-6981.

 

Marinas

Several marinas are located on Truman Lake, offering a variety of boating supplies and services. The closest to Clinton are:

• Bucksaw Marina, located on the Grand River Arm of Truman Reservoir, approximately 11 miles southeast of Clinton. Bucksaw's lodging options include a 40-room lodge, 6 cabins with lake view and 100 full hook-up RV sites. Call 660-477-3900.

• Long Shoal Marina, located on the Grand River Arm, about 15 miles southeast of Clinton via Missouri Highway 7. Call 660-438-2841.

 

Camping

Campers will find a variety of campgrounds conveniently located around the shoreline of Truman Lake. To reserve a campsite at a Corps campground, visit www.recreation.gov.