Missouri / Benton County

Shawnee Bend

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Group shelter reservations operate seasonally, typically from spring through fall.

About

Shawnee Bend Park occupies a scenic location along Harry S. Truman Lake in the rolling hills of western Missouri's Ozark Plateau. This facility operates primarily as a day-use area with two large group picnic shelters available for overnight rental. The park features a sandy swimming beach, boat ramp, and excellent fishing access to Truman Lake, which is renowned for crappie, bass, walleye, paddlefish, blue catfish, and channel catfish. Approximately 8,800 acres of standing timber were left in the lake to provide quality aquatic habitat. The park is surrounded by mature hardwoods of oak and hickory mixed with cedar trees. Wildlife viewing opportunities include whitetail deer, turkey, hawks, ospreys, bald eagles, and various water birds. Amenities include playgrounds, flush and pit toilets, and drinking water when operational. Day-use fees apply for beach and boat ramp usage. The park requires all campers to check in at the park booth upon arrival to pick up vehicle hang tags during posted booth hours. Shawnee Bend is part of the extensive Harry S. Truman Lake recreation system, which offers 950 miles of shoreline and numerous outdoor opportunities. The Harry S. Truman Visitor Center sits atop nearby Kaysinger Bluff and provides exhibits on the Osage River Valley history and spectacular views of the dam and reservoir.

Directions

From Highway 7, travel north on the Dam Access Road for 3 miles and follow signs into the park.

Nearby Campgrounds