The invention is a composite pole with an integral mandrel therein and methods of making the same. A preferred embodiment is a fiberglass reinforced resin composite pole such as a utility pole or a lighting pole. The integral mandrel is preferably an expanded plastic foam such as expanded polystyrene. The integral mandrel is contoured to be in the desired inside configuration of the composite pole and fiber reinforced composite naterial is applied to the mandrel. The pole is used with the mandrel remaining therein, thus strengthening the pole. Passages may be placed into the mandrel for routing conduits and pipes as desired.