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Planting a Tree

Going Off Roading in the Ozarks: Adventure Guide

Updated: Feb 18

Life settles into predictable routines and mundane experiences. Off-roading is all about embracing the unknown. It’s about steering off the well-paved roads and carving out new paths of adventure – whether it’s tackling rocky paths, trekking through muddy trails, or conquering sand dunes. It’s hard to beat the excitement of an off-road excursion.


There’s something freeing about disconnecting from the digital world to be surrounded by nature. The trails often lead to breathtaking views and hidden gems. These secluded spots become the backdrop for some cherished memories. Off-roading is an exciting, yet peaceful escape from the everyday grind.


And luckily, the Ozarks have plenty of off-roading opportunities for families.


off-road utv adventure

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With no less than three national forests, including the Mark Twain, Ozark, and St. Francis National Forests, spanning the states of Missouri, Arkansas, & Oklahoma—the Ozarks cover a lot of ground!


If you want to see more of the Ozarks, off-roading on an ATV adventure is one way to see miles more than physically possible by foot. Even if you've never ridden or rented an offroad vehicle, we can walk you through the steps so you can enjoy some adventurous time in nature with your loved ones.


Here's how to rent an ATV in the Ozarks.


This guide will cover your off-road options in the Ozarks. This guide is geared toward families who haven’t ever been (and who don’t own their own off-road vehicle).


 

Inside this guide, you'll find:





FAQ


 

What is Off-Roading?

Off-roading involves riding in an all terrain motorized vehicle. For this guide, off-roading will include these types of vehicles:

  • 4 Wheelers (ATV)

  • Side-by-Sides (Utility Terrain Vehicle or UTV)

  • Jeeps

Off-Road Adventure Vehicle Types

When looking into how to rent an ATV in the Ozarks, first you need to figure out which type of vehicle you really want. Start planning your off-road adventure with a vehicle that fits your family’s needs. Here are the two main categories to choose from:

  1. Single Rider ATVs (4 wheelers): Best for families with all adults/teens

  2. UTV: Best for families with younger children, special needs, or inexperienced drivers

If your family wants to stay together during the off-roading adventure, opt for a UTV.


Difference between ATV and UTV

Depending on your comfort level, you can also choose between two types of off-road tours.

  1. Fully Guided: Comes with a professional driver in a UTV

  2. Follow-the-leader: a less hands-on approach to renting ATVs and UTVs for the more adventurous souls who are comfortable driving their own vehicle.

Still not sure how to rent an ATV in the Ozarks? We list specific rental facilities here that you can call for more information. When you sign up, expect to sign waivers and book a time slot online. We recommend reserving your spot as far in advance as possible.


 
Fantastic Caverns Jeep Tram Tour

Looking for “little-kid friendly” off-roading?

Check out our experience at Fantastic Caverns

Ride safely through a guided cave tour by Jeep-drawn tram.

 

Where to Ride

Looking for where in the Ozarks you can go off-roading? Here are some amazing ATV adventures and rental places that we found in the Ozarks.


👉Self-Guided

 

Guided Adventures


Rent your ride and have a professional guide with a guided off-road adventure in the Ozarks. Here are some places that offer guided off-road tours.


Hog Wild Adventures

Guided UTV Tours | 📌 Omaha, AR ↗ | $75/Person | 1.5 Hour | Seats 4 | Reserve



Drive your family in a 4 seater Yamaha Wolverine X4s rented near Branson. Hog Wild Adventures will guide you through 10 miles of scenic Ozarks wilderness weaved through 1100 acres of property in a “follow-the-leader” style tour.


Branson Off-Road Adventures

Guided UTV Tour | | 📌 Branson, MO ↗ | $700/Day | 6 Hour Tour | Seats 2 - 4 | Reserve

If you already know you love off-roading and want to go “all-in,” Branson Off-Road Adventures offers an all-day 6 hour guided off-road adventure that departs at 8:30 and returns at 4:00.


Wilderness Rider Adventure Park

Guided UTV Tour | | 📌 Kingston, AR ↗ | $600/Day | 4 Hour Tour | Seats 6 | Reserve

Visit the Ozarks together in one UTV with these 6-seater UTV rentals at Wilderness Rider Adventure Park. You can book a half day or full day guided tour at this scenic riding area and experience deep into the Ozarks.


Southern Heaven Ranch

Guided UTV Tour | 📌 Winona, MO ↗ | $300 | 3 Hour Tour | Seats 6 | Reserve

Get a close-up view of nature inside the Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 3-hour guided tour inside a 6-person UTV. You can also bring your own ATVs for a chauffeured tour of the land.


 

Off-Road Rentals (Self-Guided)


Go on an adventure without the tour guide. These places rent the equipment and provide a map for you to find your own way.


Branson Off-Road Rentals

UTV Rentals | 📌 Branson, MO ↗ | $75-150/Person | 2 Hour Min | Seats 2 - 4 | Reserve

Rent your very own Polaris General XP UTV to explore on your own the private trails located on this stretch of 165 acres of land in the Ozarks. Rental rates are priced per vehicle (not per person). A 2 hour UTV rental is around $300 and can fit up to 4 people.


Wilderness Rider Adventure Park

UTV Rentals | 📌 Kingston, AR ↗ | $375/Day+ | 3.5 Hours+ | Seats 6 | Reserve

Explore 3,000 acres of beautiful Ozarks with your family in a 6-seater UTV rental at Wilderness Rider Adventure Park. You can book a half day or full day to explore deep into the Ozarks. There is a full day 7 hour rental option available as well.




Ozark Mountain ATV Rentals

ATV & UTV Rentals | 📌Dover, AR ↗ | $250 - $350/Day | All Day | Seats 2 - 4 | Reserve

Take a self-guided exploration at the base of the Ozark Mountains with a rental from Ozark Mountain. 2 and 4 seaters ATV and UTVs are available here to enjoy the forest at your leisure.


Rocks & Docks Adventure Rentals

UTV Rentals | 📌 Disney, OK ↗ | $420-760/Day | Half or Full Day | Seats 2 - 4 | Reserve

Rent a 2 or 4 person UTV to explore the Oklahoma Ozarks for a half or full day of adventure. Rocks & Docks also rents jet skis, boats for more fun on the water.


 

Off-Roading FAQ

When Should I Arrive for my scheduled Off-Roading Adventure?

Get to the off-roading venue 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

How Old Do You Have to Be for Off-Roading in the Ozarks?

What Group Size Can I Take Off-Roading?

What Should You Wear for an Off-Road Tour?

What Should You Bring for an Off-Road Tour?

​◀ This insulated cooler backpack can hold your picnic lunch, snacks, and drinks for the whole family. It has extra pockets to hold your cell phone, keys, utensils, and more.


Now that you know how to rent an ATV in the Ozarks, let us know what your experience is like in the comments below!







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