A reservoir in the Ozarks in southwestern Missouri and northwestern Arkansas, Table Rock Lake is impounded by Table Rock Dam. Located near the town of Branson, Missouri, the lake is a popular attraction in the area, along with Table Rock State Park, which is on the east side as well as north and south of the lake. Table Rock Lake gets its name from a rock formation that looks like a table that can be seen a mile and a half downstream from the dam.
Table Rock Lake offers clear water and beaches hidden along shores lined by trees. With almost 800 miles (1287 km) of shoreline, you can find a spot to relax or enjoy a picnic. Plenty of recreational opportunities exist at the lake; boating, fishing, sailing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding, as well as a myriad of things to do in the surrounding area, both indoors and out.
When looking for a place to enjoy some outdoor adventure as well as some time for relaxation, Table Rock Lake is a perfect choice. Take in the fresh air while exploring the clear water and beautiful beaches.
From Branson, take US-65 BUS S/Red Rte/ Veterans Blvd for .7 miles (1.12 km). Continue to follow US-65 BUS S for 2.6 miles (4.18 km) to MO-165 N in Point Lookout. Continue on MO-165 N for 6.7 miles (10.78 km) to Pine A Township; proceed to Table Rock Lake.
Parking is available at Table Rock Lake.
Public transportation is not available to Table Rock Lake.
With 75 campsites, Campground 1 at Table Rock State Park offers plenty of amenities. Some sites offer electric hook-ups, and others have electric, water and sewer hook-ups. Several family campsites provide more space to spread out and can accommodate an additional six people.
The campground has restrooms, a shower house, laundry facility, dump station, and playground. Drinking water is also available, and RV’s and trailers up to 70 feet (21.3 meters) long can be accommodated. Campground 1 provides easy access to the many recreation opportunities that Table Rock State Park has to offer.
Table Rock State Park is also home to Campground 2, which includes 89 campsites. Some of the sites are considered basic, some have electric hook-ups and others offer electric, water and sewer connections. There are also platform tent sites, where you can set up your tent on a raised platform as well as yurts that are available to reserve. RVs and campers up to 60 feet long can stay at the campground, which offers a myriad of amenities, like a shower house, restrooms, laundry facility, dump station, playground, and marina. Campground 2 makes a great home base to which you can return after a day of adventure!
Located on the western end of Table Rock Lake, the Viney Creek Recreation Area is surrounded on three sides by the lake’s clear waters. With 46 sites, campers can choose a basic campsite or one with electric and water hook-ups, where RV’s and trailers up to 60 feet long can be accommodated. A family campsite is also available, for bigger groups or those looking for more space to spread out. Vault toilets plus drinking water can be found at the campground, along with a playground and boat launch. Not only will you enjoy the scenery while staying at Viney Creek Recreation Area, but you will also be in the perfect place to sample the many things to do at the lake.
Known nationwide as a top fishing spot, Table Rock Lake is an excellent place for anglers. Fish for spotted bass and white bass, which thrive in the lake. Crappie and large bluegill are plentiful, and all sizes of catfish reside in the bottom of the lake.
There are many resorts and marina that offer fishing guides, and fishing tournaments regularly occur at the lake. Fishing at Table Rock Lake is the perfect way to enjoy clear water and the scenery of the area.
Table Rock Lake is tailor-made for boating and water sports. There are plenty of options for boat and equipment rentals at the lake; in fact, you can do something different every day! You can rent a fishing boat, wave runner, water skis, kayak, canoe and inner tubes, among other items from the State Park Marina, ensuring you can enjoy some on-the-water adventure. Opportunities for parasailing and guided tours are also available. Of course, you can also bring your own boat to the lake. Take in gorgeous views and enjoy the feeling of the wind blowing as you move along the lake.
The nearly 800 miles (1287 km) of shoreline around Table Rock Lake offers plenty of scenic places to relax, have a picnic, enjoy a swim, toss a Frisbee, or play a game of volleyball. The most popular beach is Moonshine Beach, which is next to the Dewey Short Visitor Center Recreation Area. Seeking a place with fewer crowds? Consider the Beaver area that is on the southwest corner of the lake or Cape Fair, which has an excellent area for swimming.
An ideal basecamp for those looking to explore the recreation activities of the area, Table Rock State Park is situated among oak and hickory trees. From the State Park, you can easily access the Table Rock Lake and all that it offers, as well as engage in land-based activities, like hiking and mountain biking. There are excellent options for camping available, as well as yurts available for reservation. Table Rock State Park is a fantastic place for visitors to stay and play!
During your visit to Table Rock Lake, you may want to spend at least a little time indoors. Fortunately, the nearby town of Branson has a variety of shows that you can take in during your visit. For example, the Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai, which features acrobats from the internationally recognized Shanghai Joli Culture Company from Shanghai, China, will amaze with their strength, skill, and grace. Another must-see show is the one put on by illusionist Rick Thomas, who has made five world tours performing for more than 50 countries. His show, Mansion of Dreams, will be a unique experience that includes magic, music, comedy, and dance.
Located in nearby Branson, the Titanic Museum will take you back in time to when the Titanic struck an iceberg and sunk, to remain undiscovered until 1985. The owner of the museum co-led a second expedition to the wreck site in 1988 and brought back items that can now be seen in the museum. At the museum, you can visit the boiler room, sit in a lifeboat, and walk the ship’s Grand Staircase. Interactive exhibits allow you to experience how life was aboard the ship.
