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Picture this: you’re nestled in the heart of Missouri, surrounded by the serene beauty of Harry Truman Lake, with the historic charm of downtown Warsaw just a short ride away. Your days are spent biking the peaceful, mostly flat trails of the Clinton section of the Katy Trail and exploring the newly opened Rockspur Trail. At night, you return to the cozy, scenic Bucksaw Campground, where the stars shine brighter, and the campfire stories are just a bit taller.
This is exactly what we bring you here today! Whether you're a seasoned biker, a casual camper, or someone who loves to laugh at life's little mishaps, this guide is here to help you make the most of your trip. So, gear up (or should we say, helmet up?), and let’s dive into the perfect blend of camping and biking in Missouri’s stunning outdoors!
Camping Guide: Bucksaw Campground
We start our adventure by driving 4.5 hours to the Bucksaw Campground at the Harry Truman Lake in Warsaw Missouri. Nestled on the shores of Harry Truman Lake, Bucksaw Campground is your gateway to nature’s tranquility and historic charm. Just a short drive from downtown Warsaw, MO, this campground offers the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the lake, with the historic streets of Warsaw just minutes away, ready to be explored.
The road zigzags so we made sure to take our time getting to the campground. Our campsite is close enough to see the lake but not at the lake. We usually prefer to just be able to pull through and avoid having to back in if we have the option. I’d rather not stress about the backing in than see the lake, which I can kind of see from where I am
There's no shortage of activities to keep you entertained at Bucksaw Campground. Fishing enthusiasts will be thrilled with the abundant opportunities to catch bass and crappie in Harry Truman Lake. Boating is another popular pastime, with the marina offering boat rentals and easy lake access for all your aquatic adventures. I
Exploring Downtown Warsaw, MO
Warsaw, Missouri, is a charming town steeped in history. Founded in 1837, it quickly became a hub for riverboat traffic along the Osage River.
Dinner options at Warsaw, MO
Our first stop was The Landings at downtown Warsaw. The food was surprisingly good but the desert options were lacking so we stopped by an ice cream shop before we walked around the town.
Historic Downtown Attractions
Stagecoach Service from St. Louis to San Francisco
Between 1858 and 1861, the Butterfield Overland Mail Company was contracted by the U.S. Postal Department to transport mail between St. Louis, Missouri, and San Francisco, California. This journey followed the "Oxbow Route," named for its distinctive loop-like shape on the map. Starting in St. Louis, the route extended southwest through Missouri, western Arkansas, and the Indian Territory, then continued west across Texas and southern New Mexico and Arizona, before curving northward in California to reach San Francisco.
The City Well (West Side of Courthouse)
In 1919, the county court constructed a well to provide water for the courthouse. Around the same time, the Business and Professional Women’s organization equipped a ladies' restroom so that women accompanying their husbands to the courthouse could have a private place to rest and tend to their babies, away from the men who often gathered on the courthouse lawn.
The City Well, originally hand-dug in the late 1890s, once served as a vital water source for downtown businesses. In the late 1980s (believed to be 1987 or 1988), a wishing well was added to transform it into a notable city landmark.
The Joe Dice Swinging Bridge (801 Kennedy Drive - Hwy 7)
The Upper Bridge, a swinging bridge, was initially constructed in 1904 by Joe A. Dice as a private toll bridge. After being destroyed by a cyclone in 1924, the owners faced legal issues and transferred ownership to Benton County in 1926. The county also encountered difficulties and rehired Dice to reconstruct the bridge. By 1930, it had become a State Highway bridge. In 1975, the bridge suffered destruction again when an overloaded 18-wheeler truck fell through it. Today, it is preserved as a pedestrian bridge.
Warsaw was historically known as "The Land of the Swinging Bridges" due to its numerous suspension bridges. The Joe Dice Swinging Bridge is the last remaining of the five swinging bridges that once spanned Benton County, necessitated by the winding path of the Osage River through the hills. For residents, traveling just a few miles to town often required crossing at least three bridges or fording the river.
Harry S. Truman Dam
Completed in 1979, this massive structure spans the Osage River in Missouri, creating the vast Harry S. Truman Lake, named after the 33rd President of the United States who hailed from nearby Independence, Missouri. Boasting over 55,000 acres of surface area and more than 1,150 miles of shoreline, Harry S. Truman Lake offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Fishing enthusiasts flock to its waters, teeming with bass, crappie, catfish, and more. The lake's diverse ecosystems provide ample opportunities for boating, kayaking, and wildlife observation.
Beyond its recreational allure, the Harry S. Truman Dam holds historical significance. It stands as a symbol of progress and cooperation, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local communities, and the federal government to harness the power of nature for the benefit of society.
Local County Fair
If you are lucky enough to go when there is a county fair. Be sure to check out the downtown area for any happening. We decided to walk around the park to check it out although we didn't really get too close to the action because I mostly wanted to walk around the lake to burn off the ice cream that we had stuffed in our face
Biking the Katy Trail
The Katy Trail spans 237 miles (386 km) across Missouri, with over half its length tracing the route of Lewis and Clark along the Missouri River. A lot of people bike this entire time but we like to do it in sections. Kevin confidently declared that we are going to do 40 miles... and I'm like... you can do 40 miles I am doing whatever miles until I am tired (in my head I am thinking there is no way I am doing 40). I told him I would just turn around and wait for him in the car if I am finished but he can do his 40 miles if he wants to. Biking is Kevin’s thing so I do not doubt his propensity to complete this endeavor.
We started at the Katy Trail Clinton trailhead looking fit and ready for the challenge
Taking my time biking, I was able to take a couple of interesting sites along the trail
When I stopped in Windsor, MO I was feeling good. I had already done 15 miles and I thought what's 5 more to the end then 5 more back? That is about 1 hour more, I already did most of the 40 so what the heck... I would do 40 miles total (future Charmaine would regret this decision)
On my way out, I saw a bunch of cool sights on the trail. That is always something nice about the KT Trail, there is always something neat to see like this abandoned barn
I did not realize that there was a significant incline in the trail. I mean… this is KT trail… there isn’t supposed to be any incline. Second, I do not have any signal, once I have exhausted all of my entertainment there is nothing to entertain me but my screaming quads. If my quads can jump out of my leg I think it would punch me.
I did it though, after 5000 stops on my way back, I made it back to the trailhead. I was so tired I didn't even have the desire to ring the bell at the end of the trail
The good thing about biking is, that once you stop the pain stops. After eating breakfast at the Rusty Skillet (long wait... ok food... not recommended) we went back to camp. I napped and went back out to explore more sights
Tightwad, MO
When you see a sign that you are now entering the city of Tightwad can you pass up the chance to prove it exists? Here you go it does.. According to urban legends, the postmaster was salty about some watermelon transaction
Day 2, since we both agreed that we have been overly ambitious with the 40 we would just do 20 and call it a day. After all, we have to pack up today. We started at the Windsor Trailhead but we were going to check out the Rock Island Spur Trail which is new
Look at how fast Kevin goes:
This is how Kevin takes my picture
It's time to dust off those bikes, pack your camping gear, and hit the road. Plan your bike trip, book a spot at Bucksaw Campground, and dive into the beauty of Missouri's outdoors. Don't forget to share your experiences with us!
Ready to book a trip to Missouri?
We'd love to hear from you! Share your own tips, tricks, and memorable moments in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation going and inspire each other to embark on more epic journeys.
TTYL
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