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Description
Lake Paho Conservation Area is a large public land and water reserve in Mercer County, northwestern Missouri. The conservation area is about 2,350 acres total, with a 273‑acre lake at its heart. It’s a classic Ozark borderland site with rolling uplands, prairie remnants, and a big central reservoir, offering both recreation and wildlife habitat. Lake Paho is easily viewed from a variety of points and parking areas.
The mix of prairie, woodland, and lake habitats makes it an interesting stop for birdwatchers. Expect grassland sparrows, waterfowl, woodpeckers and raptors. The site seems a bit underbirded, so possible surprises can turn up. Bird you can observe include Bald Eagle, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Killdeer, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Grey Catbird, Eastern Bluebird, Field Sparrow, Indigo Bunting and Dickcissel.
Note that this is a popular fishing lake. Avoid weekends, if possible, especially in warm weather.
Details
Access
Lake Paho Conservation Area is located 4 miles west of Princeton. From Princeton, take Highway 136 west 4 miles, then turn right on Fathom Street to reach the area. Press a P on the map for directions to a parking. Open year‑round, no entrance fee. Roads are a mix of paved and gravel. Lake Paho can be best viewed from a variety of points along the road and there are several parking areas that give good views. There are no real hiking trails and you can't do a circular walk around the lake, but from some parkings you can make short walks.
Camping: There are 40 individual sites in 3 campgrounds on the east and north sides of the lake. No amenities beyond pit toilets. There is also a toilet near the headquarters. The area near the headquarters (star on the map) at the southwest corner along Fathom Street is one of the areas around the lake that is most rich in birds.