Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks in southeastern Missouri, Clearwater Lake, MO, sparkles as a gem of recreation spanning over 1,600 acres of aquatic adventures. Originally crafted for flood control, this lake has become a premier boating, skiing, swimming, and angling hub. Embraced by the City of Piedmont and bordered by three enchanting state parks, Clearwater Lake embodies the essence of Ozark charm. Clearwater Lake, MO, born from the embrace of the Black River in 1948 through the creation of the Clearwater Dam, stands as a testament to resilience and nature’s beauty. Overseeing its water levels, the US Army Corps of Engineers orchestrates a delicate dance of conservation and leisure. Maintaining a full pool level of 498 feet above the sea from June onwards, the lake gradually reveals its serene depths, settling at 496.5 feet by mid-September; despite lacking lakefront accommodations, nearby vacation spots, and real estate beckon to those eager to partake in Clearwater Lake’s allure. The tree-fringed shores of Clearwater Lake, MO, exude a back-to-nature ambiance without sacrificing accessibility. The guardians of nature, the US Army Corps of Engineers, have woven five parklands along the pristine shoreline, inviting enthusiasts to relish boating, water sports, and the thrill of angling. Open arms welcome seasonal hunters to traverse the public lands surrounding the lake. Bluff View Park, Piedmont Park, Webb Creek Park, and Highway K Park present campgrounds embellished with picnic spots and sandy beaches for leisure dips. Marinas and public boat ramps await visitors, promising seamless aquatic adventures. River Road Park, nestled by Clearwater Dam, stands proudly with a visitor center and campsite, a gateway to a world of exploration along the Black River. Adjacent to the Black River Wildlife Viewing Area, this sanctuary fascinates with its avian and terrestrial residents. Fishing enthusiasts find solace in all seasons at Clearwater Lake, MO, where crappie thrives in late winter and walleye beckon fishermen below the dam’s embrace. White bass splashes during turkey season, while largemouth bass and catfish reign supreme from summer’s warmth to fall’s hues. A mere stone’s throw from the City of Piedmont, Clearwater Lake, MO mirrors a sanctuary of modern convenience amid natural splendor. A short tour unveils a trove of treasures within reach – from the legacy of Governor Sam A. Baker enshrined in the eponymous state park to the rugged expanses of Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park, where nature weaves tales of ancient canyons and breathtaking vistas. Elephant Rocks State Park chimes in with its crimson granite sentinels, a testament to the raw power of nature sculpting art from stone. Lush oak veils and the crystal clarity of waters paint a mesmerizing tableau at Clearwater Lake, MO, a sanctuary where state parks converge, and the City of Piedmont stands as a beacon of comfort. This retreat is destined to capture the hearts of families seeking an Ozarks adventure.
