The Ozarks region, specifically Southwestern Missouri and Northwestern Arkansas are home to several iconic Ozarks lakes. Among them is Table Rock Lake. This 43,000 acre man-made lake is filled by several spring-fed tributaries which makes the lake water clear and inviting.
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Table Rock Lake is a great spot for warm-weather family vacations. The lake provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, floating, diving, and swimming. And with 800 miles of shoreline, there are endless opportunities for lakeside vacation rentals.
The only question is–what part of lake should you visit?
Table Rock Lake @ Shell Knob, Missouri
If you’re looking for lakeside tourism with a laid-back, local feel, Shell Knob is a community designed to provide exactly that. Here you will find a small-town feel with vacation vibes. Even the locals enjoy life at a slower pace.
Shell Knob offers at least a dozen lakeside resorts where you can get a reasonably priced room with typical amenities. If you’re looking for more space to spread out, there are many more vacation rentals with lake access to shoreline views to choose from.
You will also find two marinas and a boat rental company in Shell Knob. For a bite to eat, try 39 Grill, Table Rock Tavern, or the Sub Marina for dockside eats.
Read More: Get Out on the Water with an Epic Float Trip in the Ozarks >>
If you’re in Shell Knob, you’re also within 15 minutes of the Ava/Cassville area which offers endless opportunities to explore nature in the Mark Twain National Forest. Here, you will find mountain biking trails, ATV/OTV off-road trails, hiking for all skill levels, camping, kayaking, and much more.
Table Rock Lake State Park
Located about 15 minutes southwest of Branson, Missouri is Table Rock Lake State Park–an official conservation area managed by the state of Missouri to facilitate outdoor recreation. If you’re looking for a lakeside getaway that’s close to everything but still technically at the lake, then this is it.
Here you will find:
- Camping: Both primitive and full-hookup sites available at two campgrounds. Campground #2 (yep, that’s the actual name of it) also offers a limited number of yurts for an alternative glamping experience.
- Marina & Boat Launch: Bring your own vessel or rent something at the Table Rock Lake State Park marina. Choose from ski boats, wave runners, pontoons, bass boats, and much more.
- Gift Shop: The boathouse store is located inside the marina, offering a selection of themed gifts, sportswear, snacks, gear, and equipment.
- Paved Trails: The Lakeshore Trail offers paved accessibility and stunning views for leisure birdwatching and walking.
- Picnic Areas: The park offers several picnic areas with tables, grills, restrooms and playgrounds available on a first-come basis.
- Park Pavilion Shelter (Accommodates 100 guests): There is one larger open pavilion that may be reserved in advance through the park office.
- Hiking Trails: There are three trails at Table Rock Lake State Park. Chinquapin Trail is 1.2 miles of natural surface trail that is mostly flat. Lakeshore Trail is a paved/hardened surface trail rated as easy and for all abilities. And the White River Valley Trail System offers 11.3 miles of challenging but enjoyable rugged and scenic trails for hikers and mountain bikers.
On top of all of this, there is much more to do just a few minutes down the road in Branson, Missouri. If you want to dive in and get the full experience, check out our guide to renting a boat for a lake vacation.
Read: Beginner’s Guide to Planning a Family Fishing Trip
Table Rock Lake @ Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri is the epicenter of Ozarks tourism. In this Southwestern Missouri town, you’ll find a hub of family-friendly activities that provide a little something for everyone. What you may not realize, is that Branson is adjacent to Table Rock Lake, opening the door to a new kind of tourism.
If you’re hoping for a traditional Branson experience, make sure to add a day or two to your trip for a quick excursion to Table Rock Lake. Here are a few ways you can get the iconic Branson experience on the lake:
The Branson Belle Showboat
Take a step back in time and float around Table Rock Lake on an 1890s-style paddlewheel cruise boat. The Branson Showboat Belle offers a 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the lake that features breathtaking views from every direction. The experience is complete with a lively and entertaining show.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit Silver Dollar City and enjoy a dinner cruise, purchase your tickets together to maximize savings. These sister attractions offer reciprocal discounts so you can often get a season pass to the theme park and tickets for a cruise at a great price.
Moonshine Beach
Moonshine Beach is a seasonal, day-use park that features a small sandy beach and a designated swimming area on the north end of Table Rock Lake. Here, you will find flush toilets, picnic tables, and playground equipment. The beach is often crowded on warm weather days between May 15 and September 15.
Pictured Above: An adorable, affordable, and welcoming VRBO Rental with lake and mountain views in the Cape Fair area can accommodate your family, up to 8 guests! Check availability on VRBO.
Table Rock Lake @ Cape Fair, Missouri
Another popular small Missouri community that seems to be built around the draw to Table Rock Lake is the unincorporated town of Cape Fair. This area is rural to Branson, but still a close enough drive that families can enjoy the best of both worlds at the lake and in town.
In Cape Fair, you can enjoy a rustic weekend away in a 1960s-style lakeside resort that is well-kept by its caring owners. Bridgeport Resort sits on the King River arm of Table Rock Lake in Cape Fair and offers a combination of lakeside rooms and single-bedroom cabins.
The Cape Fair area offers a few options for things to do and see (beyond the lake). But when you want something that offers a little more entertainment, the resort is just 20 minutes from downtown Branson.
Read: 5 Things to Know Before Renting a Boat
Are You Ready to Spend a Week on Table Rock Lake?
If you’ve got your dates in mind and are ready to start making a solid plan, let us help you out.
Check out availability and compare rates on popular hotels at trip.com. Or stay at the Lodges at Table Rock Lake. Check availability here.
A family road trip to the Ozarks offers the best views and experiences, so snag a good deal on a rental at Economy Bookings.
Looking for something else? Explore more lakes in the Ozarks region.
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