Harry S. Truman Reservoir is an excellent fishing and water sports venue. Four long arms make up the 55,600-acre lake that is a popular crappie, largemouth bass and catfishing destination. In the winter, bald eagles are often seen. During spring and summer the lake is busy with recreational boaters, skiers and swimmers.

The lake is slightly quieter and less crowded than its eastern neighbor, Lake of the Ozarks, in part due to the surrounding 110,000 acres of public use land. This land is reserved for hiking, hunting, horseback riding and off-road vehicle adventures.

Twelve Corps of Engineer campgrounds have more than 1,500 campsites, as well as boat ramps, marinas, beaches and motels. One campground is specifically for equestrians. More camping is available at Harry S. Truman State Park, located on a peninsula jutting out into the lake. Houseboats and pontoons can be rented at marinas around the lake and at Clinton and Warsaw.

Truman Lake is located just west of Lake of the Ozarks. It is 80 miles southeast of Kansas City and 90 miles north of Springfield. It is accessible via U.S. Highway 65 and State Highways 7, 13 and 83. Resorts, cabins, campgrounds, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts are available around the lake and in Clinton, at the northwestern edge of the lake, and Warsaw, at the eastern edge.