Outdoor recreation for all ages beckons visitors to the clean waters and serpentine coastline of Table Rock Lake. From land or water, this is an ideal place to experience the natural delights of Missouri’s Ozarks.
The lake is a human-made reservoir that formed in the 1950s following the construction of Table Rock Dam. This 43,000-acre (17,000-hectare) water body stretches from southwestern Missouri into northern Arkansas. A town and forest submerged during the lake’s formation offer interesting sites for scuba diving.
Visit the lake from the water, exploring some of the more than 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) of shoreline. At State Park Marina rent motor and paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, WaveRunners and towable tubes, skis and wakeboards.
Cruise across the water to pretty bays, beaches and coves, including Moonshine Beach. The Showboat Branson Belle offers vintage-style riverboat tours complete with dinner, entertainment and a viewing deck.
Keen fishers can catch bass, bluegill and crappie. Head to the interconnecting Lake Taneycomo for some of the best trout fishing in the U.S.
Find plenty to see and do out of the water too. Appreciate stunning views of the lake and Ozark Mountains while walking the paved Table Rock Lakeshore Trail in Table Rock State Park. Spot deer, raccoons, woodchucks and birds such as eagles, hawks and waterfowl.
Be sure to browse the excellent exhibits at the Dewey Short Visitor Center. They delve into the plants, animals, native history and hydroelectricity industry of the Table Rock area. Afterward, walk across Table Rock Dam to see how the water of the White River continues to flow beyond the dam. The massive structure doubles as a superb lake viewpoint.
Travel by car a short distance southwest of Branson’s downtown neighborhood to reach the lake. Coney Island, Indian Point and Kimberling City are other popular gateways to this watery playground.
Table Rock Lake is a year-round destination. However, be prepared for low temperatures and occasional snowfall in winter. Stay overnight at cabin, hotel, guesthouse and lodge accommodations with options to suit most budgets. You’ll also find family-friendly campsites and RV parks, many of which have lake views.
