- Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
Review:
Only 180 miles from St. Louis and 170 miles from Kansas City, Lake of the Ozarks is massive 55,000-acre aquatic playground, 92 miles long and with over 1,150 miles of shoreline. The lake started its life in 1929 after the construction of the Bagnell Dam on the Osage River. At the time, it was the world’s biggest manmade lake. Most of the lakeshore is privately owned except for the area of the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri’s biggest state park. The park has over 8 miles of trails along the lakeshore, running through rocky hilltops, past babbling brooks, scenic bluffs, and magnificent Missouri flora. The lake is full of fish, especially bass, and there are popular annual fishing tournaments. Camping at the park is great, with both primitive and upscale sites available. Swimming is permitted anywhere in the lake, but there are two particularly nice sandy beaches.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plan Your Trip
Get Ready to Go!
- Search flights and stays nearby.
- Book your tour or local activity.
- Book your car rental.
Need some more help?
Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.