Planning a family vacation is no small task. Download our free vacation planner to get the job done. From learning about a new area and discovering the best activities to scheduling and logistics, there’s a lot to get done. In this guide, we’ve made it a little easier to tackle planning a memorable Ozarks family vacation.
The Ozarks, a serene Midwestern mountain landscape, provides plenty of things to see and do. From the tourist mecca in Branson, MO to guided backpacking hikes and endless opportunities to climb, bike, and camp in Arkansas, there’s something for everyone here.
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Whether you’re a regular vacationer or just travel every now and then, a trip to the Ozarks is something that every family should experience. From camping, hiking, and mountain biking, to a whole host of water sports, there’s a lot to see and do in this midwestern section of the US. If it’s on your bucket list to visit the Ozarks—the first step is planning.
This guide aims to be your starting point for how to plan a family vacation in the Ozarks.
Here’s what’s inside:
- Where to Go ↗
- Best Time to Visit the Ozarks ↗
- Where to Stay in the Ozarks ↗
- Transportation & Travel Routes ↗
- Things to Do in the Ozarks ↗
- Packing Checklist ↗
How to Plan a Family Vacation in the Ozarks
Family vacations are a unique opportunity to get away from life-as-usual and create memories that will last a lifetime. Vacations don’t have to be elaborate or expensive to be memorable. Across the Ozarks you will find plenty of opportunities to grab a change of scenery, or try something new.
First, Choose a Destination: Where Are You Going?
The Ozarks isn’t a town, a park, or a forest. Instead, the Ozarks include a mountainous region that contains nearly 50,000 square miles of terrain sprinkled with lakes, rivers, and streams. So, when someone says meet me in the Ozarks, you better make sure you nail down the location a little further. The majority of the Ozarks cover three states: Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
Here’s a bit about each:
Missouri
The largest portion of the Ozarks is located in Southern Missouri. And that famous “Lake of the Ozarks,” also nicknamed “The Missouri Dragon,” is also found here. The Lake of the Ozarks is a manmade reservoir with over 1,000 miles of shoreline.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park is an access point for visitors who want to enjoy the Grand Glaize Arm of the big lake. This is the biggest park in the state and features beaches, trails, caverns, shorelines, and camping. The Saint Francois Mountains are a site to see if you pick this portion of the Ozarks to visit.
Notable cities and areas of interest in the Missouri Ozarks include:
- Branson: offers plenty of activities to entertain the whole family.
- Salem: is the small quiet hometown of Salem Plateau, nearby Montauk State Park
- Springfield: nicknamed the “Queen City of the Ozarks,” birthplace of Route 66, and has a massive network of city parks (nearly 100) and bike trails.
- St Louis: A notable historic city with a wide array of diversity portrayed through music, art, culture, and several museums.
- Table Rock Lake: Enjoy life on the lake within a short drive to the tourist capital of the Midwest [Branson].
- Lake of the Ozarks: The iconic summer lake vacation hotspot that draws locals and tourists by the thousands.
There are multiple state and national parks to explore in the Ozarks. We enjoy seeing our adventures with a pin map that doubles as home decor that is truly a unique reflection of who we are.
Arkansas
The second-largest section of the Ozarks lives in Northwest Arkansas. The Boston Mountains and the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest provide endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, and horseback riding. The treasure known as Blanchard Spring Caverns is also located inside this forest. I
f you’re looking to add water to your adventure, Beaver Lake has nearly 500 miles of shoreline surrounded by 12 nature parks with trails, bluffs, beaches, boat ramps, camping, and caves. It’s a popular place for bass fishing and even hosts several national tournaments.
Notable cities in the Arkansas Ozarks include:
- Bentonville/Rogers: earns the title of “Mountain Biking Capital of the World” and is the home of Walmart
- Eureka Springs: small-town creepy and haunted village that you have to see to believe
- Fayetteville/Springdale: Home of the University of Arkansas and the Razorbacks.
- Fort Smith: History lovers will find plenty to do in this Ozarks city that is also known as the window to the western frontier.
- Little Rock: Visit the state capital, a city that’s rich in culture, art, and history.
- Buffalo River: An amazing opportunity to fish, float, and camp in the Ozarks.
We love exploring the trails, but I can’t tell you how many times we have gotten a little turned around on poorly marked trails. This usually ends in a little longer hike than planned, but there’s always a chance it could be much worse. I can’t recommend our Garmin handheld enough!
Oklahoma
A small portion of the Ozarks continues along the Boston Mountains into Northeast Oklahoma in the region called the Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge, where numerous endangered species, particularly bats, are protected. That means this region is closed to the public. Instead, you might visit the city of Tahlequah, where you can glimpse Cherokee Native American culture, check out the casino, or float down the Illinois River.
Once you pick your destination, you can begin looking for accommodations.
- Tulsa: A large, vibrant city located in Eastern Oklahoma.
- Lake Tenkiller: The hub of the outdoors in the Oklahoma Ozarks.
- Muskogee: Home to history, an impressive waterpark, and The Castle: hosting renaissance fairs and themed seasonal celebrations.
- Pawhuska: A small town with a big draw, Pawhuska is simultaneously home to the Osage tribe and the Pioneer woman.
I love having souvenirs, I don’t always love paying gift shop prices. As our family has grown, I’ve made it a point to preorder a few shirts that double as themed vacation wear and a handy souvenir.
Second, Pick Your Dates.
When is the best time to visit the Ozarks? Every season has a little something to offer. The area spans the mid-South, so you can expect the summers to hot and the winters to be mild. But in between those extremes, the Ozarks region experiences a full four seasons.
Third, Book Accommodations: Where Will You Stay?
In the Ozarks, you’ve got options when it comes to the types of places you want to stay. From AirBNB to VRBO to a hotel, resort, or cabin—you can stay in a traditional setting or a unique one.
👉 FIND THE PERFECT VACATION RENTAL
or look at some
on our stays page.
A couple of popular resorts in the area include:
- Big Cedar Lodge (Ridgedale, MO)
- Still Waters Resort (Branson, MO)
- Crescent Hotel and Spa (Eureka Springs, AR) or Sugar Ridge Resort for a less creepy cabin
- Grand Country Resort (Branson, MO)
For an all-adult family member trip, check out Cherokee Hotel & Casino in West Siloam Springs, OK.
Looking for something a little more unique? Try glamping, Here is our Full Resource Guide to Glamping in the Ozarks.
Unique stays throughout the Ozarks include tiny houses, treehouses, lake boats, yachts, and of course—tons of cabins and campgrounds. If you’re not a fan, book a hotel or resort online and stay with your favorite brands.
Once you’ve nailed down your accommodations, that will help you decide how long you will stay (according to your budget and the place’s availability).
Fourth, Decide on Transportation: How Will You Get There?
Most travelers come to the Ozarks in a motor vehicle. So, the only decision to make here is whether you’ll be bringing your own or renting one. Here are a few reasons to rent:
- Less wear and tear on your vehicle
- No maintenance is required before the road trip
- A larger vehicle, such as a van, may fit your entire family more comfortably for long trips
Renting isn’t always an option, so if you opt to take your own vehicle, be sure to check these things off before you go:
- Check your oil level
- Get an oil change if needed
- Check your tire pressure and adjust as needed
- Fill up on gas
Fifth: Plan Your Itinerary: What Will You Do?
In the Ozarks, there’s an endless selection of outdoor activities like:
- Water sports, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing
- Ziplining
- Caverns
- Horseback riding
- Hiking at state parks
- Backpacking
- Mountain biking
- Golfing
- Climbing
- Scuba diving
- Camping
- Wineries
- Dams
- Tourist attractions
Before you go, check out the city, county, or state’s websites in the area you’ll be visiting and download or order a visitor’s guide. This will become a great resource to nail down the itinerary details during your stay.
Sixth, Pack Your Bags: Packing Checklist
In addition to clothes, toiletries, and the normal things you take on vacation, you might want to consider bringing these things with you to the Ozarks:
- Hiking stick
- Hydration Backpack See our top 5 Review
- Backpack
- Swimsuit
- Camera
- Bicycles
- Golf clubs
- Camping gear
- Natural Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Water Shoes
Packing for your four-legged family members?
🐾 Check out our packing list just for pets. 🐾
Download our FREE Pet Packing List HERE
Your Ozarks Family Vacation Planning Checklist
Don’t miss a step! To make sure you make the most of your trip to the Ozarks, don’t forget to:
- Pick a region
- Get a visitor’s guidebook
- Reserve your stay
- Rent a vehicle (if needed)
- Plan your activities
- Get the car ready
- Pack your bags
Download a free printable travel planner to keep all of the important details in one place.
There’s so much to explore in the Ozarks, that’s why it’s such a favorite for family vacations. We hope you enjoy your trip and look forward to you sharing your experience with us!
Tips to Book Your Trip
Here are a few more helpful links to plan your trip to the Ozarks!
Find a Local Hotel: Check dates and rates on Tripadvisor.
Rent a Car: Roadtrips are the best way to experience the Ozarks, get the best rates on Economy Bookings
Search Vacation Rentals: Find the perfect place to stay and get it all to yourself!
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