2025 Summer Road Trip - Berry Bend Campground, Harry S. Truman State Park, Missouri

We’ve hit the road on our first big adventure with Coddiwomple (our trusty pickup), Cat (our cozy RV), and Rita, our ever-faithful travel companion. We rolled out of Belton on May 15, and we’re excited to share the journey—one stop at a time.

This blog will mostly fall into the Mile Marks - Feeding Our Wanderlust Category as  blog entries will be organized by the places we stay in our home on wheels. However, I’ll be sharing stories about the amazing people we meet, the beautiful places we explore, and, of course, the delicious food we find, cook and enjoy. I hope you come along for the ride.

Park #2 - Harry S. Truman State Park

I Know a Guy Reunion

These guys—all recently retired—spent seven weeks together last November at the National RV Training Academy, learning the ins and outs of RV service and repair. Since then, each has gone on to make his mark as a Mobile RV Technician in a different part of the country. But even as they hit the road solo, they stayed connected. Whenever one of them faced a tricky customer question, the answer was often, "I'm not sure, but I know a guy who can help." That simple phrase became their go-to—and their group chat became a lifeline for real-time troubleshooting and support. And just like that, the “I Know a Guy” Annual Reunion was born.

reunion Activities

There’s something special about friendships that form in unexpected places—like the five-week training program a year ago. What started as casual conversations between sessions quickly turned into real connections, and recently, we turned those connections into a full-blown reunion in the great outdoors. We unplugged from our daily routines and plugged into something far more meaningful: shared meals, late-night campfire chats, hiking adventures, music, games, and plenty of laughter. Out in nature, without distractions, we deepened old bonds, strengthened new ones, and reminded ourselves how powerful it is to simply be together. Here's how we spent our time:

Tincture for Respiratory Issues

Wash and dry mullein. Cut it into small pieces and stuff into a mason jar. Cover with 100 proof vodka. Let it sit for 6-8 weeks, shaking occasionally.

Dosage: One medicine dropper under the tongue every 2-4 hours until symptoms improve.

Enjoying historical Warsaw, MO

Benton County Veterans Memorial

On Monday, rainy weather interrupted our outdoor plans, so we made the short drive into Warsaw hunting for some history and local fare. We learned a lot about Harry S. Truman and toured the town square, centered around the courthouse and the Veterans Memorial.

And More Eating... at The Landing overlooking Drake Harbor

Owners of this restaurant source all ingredients from local producers. They don't own a deep fryer or a freezer, so every dish is fresh and the menu depends on what's available. They serve a variety of craft beers, all from local breweries. With nine in our party, we enjoyed a large variety from the menu and left with full bellies and pleased pallets.

Berry Bend Campground

The drive into Harry S Truman State Park sets the tone beautifully—it's a winding, shaded, and narrow road that immediately evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. We stayed on Loop C, Site 74. The park hosts were friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome from the start.

All the campsites we saw were spacious, well-shaded, and offered plenty of room between neighbors, providing a real sense of privacy.

Showers and restrooms were conveniently located and impressively clean. I always look for showers with private dressing areas, and this park did not disappoint.

The park itself features extensive lake frontage, miles of paved walking trails, playgrounds, and stunning sunrises.

A diverse mix of trees, birds, and wildlife adds to the natural beauty. Amenities also include laundry facilities and a small convenience store. Warsaw, the nearest town with a grocery store, is about 8 miles away—roughly a 20-minute drive.

Clear waters, dramatic bluffs, and the vibrant colors of summer and fall make this park an ideal vacation destination. Situated on a peninsula, it offers a marina, excellent fishing and boating opportunities, and water that's perfect for all types of swimmers. Hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites are nestled among open oak woodlands, home to abundant wildlife.

Harry S. Truman State Park Hiking Trails

We hiked two trails: 1000th Mile Trail with the entire group, and the slightly more strenuous Bluff Ridge Trail with a smaller group

One note: cell service is poor throughout the park, but Starlink Roaming Satellite worked well for us.

We're off tomorrow to Hannibal, Missouri. I can't wait to catch up with Tom and Huck. Come along for the ride!

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