In the late 1950s, the Ozarks area was forever changed by the construction of the Table Rock Dam, which was built on White River to stop the flooding and create energy. This soon created Table Rock Lake, which is over 43,000 acres with 800 miles of shoreline. Table Rock State Park was created soon after with 356 acres of oak forests, over 100 campsites, almost 16 miles of trails, and a marina where you can rent a boat, bicycle, wave runner, or anything else you may need for yourself or your RV.
Whether you are into RV camping, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, or anything else, you can find it all at Table Rock State Park. In the southwestern corner of Missouri, the park is surrounded by the beautiful bluffs and pine and oak forests. If you like to fly, try parasailing 300 feet above the lake and if you are more interested in what is in the water, you can go scuba diving and see some of Missouri’s underwater treasures. Hitch up your trailer and bring your boat so you can fish the lake’s many types of fish like bass, catfish, bluegill, carp, sunfish, and trout. At the marina, you can enjoy BBQ, burgers, and ice cream after enjoying a day on the water before heading back to your motorhome for the night.
Located in the center of the country, Table Rock Lake is in the southwestern corner of Missouri in Stone and Taney Counties. All you have to do is get on Highway 44 and then 65 to get there from anywhere in the country. Table Rock State Park is just a few hours from St. Louis and Kansas City, an hour from Springfield, and about a half hour from Arkansas. In the mountains and bluffs of the Ozarks, you will have to maneuver some of the windiest roads in the state so be extra careful if you are driving a big rig or hauling a trailer. And there are a plethora of various critters that like to run out onto the road so be aware of your surroundings.
The park is easily traveled with your motorhome or trailer as long as you watch out for low-hanging branches. The roads are paved and well cared for, but if you have a big rig, it is best to park it in your campsite and either walk or bike around the park to wherever you want to go. Most of the campsites are RV and trailer accessible up to 73 feet, but it is best to reserve a site that is large enough for your rig before you drive all that way because this is a popular park.
In the heart of Branson country, this KOA has all the amenities you could ever ask for, including a pool with a slide, hot tub, fitness center, basketball and volleyball. Entertainment happens year round at the campground convention center, and daily breakfasts with pancakes are offered. More than 140 RV sites are available, and the campground features two laundry facilities, four bathrooms with hot showers, and a Kamp K-9 for the pups. The friendly staff here loves helping guests find discounted show and attraction tickets so you can enjoy all that this southern Missouri entertainment capital has to offer.
Campground 2 has 89 campsites with basic, electric, or sewer, electric, and water hookups. They even have several platform tent sites. Many of the sites are paved and level and can accommodate up to a 65-foot RV or trailer. This is the premium campground that has access to the lake on both sides, and it is closest to the marina. You will also find access to water, restrooms, an RV dump site, trash dumpsters, and even frost-free water that stays on until December. There is also a shower house and laundry facilities next to the playground by the overflow parking lot. No matter which site you choose to park your rig, you will be close to the lake while still feeling secluded.
Campground 1 has 40 campsites; some with electric only and some with sewer, electric, and water hookups. They are open year-round, but the showers and running water are only available from March to December. Many of the campsites are big enough to accommodate even the largest motorhome at a maximum of 73 feet long. There is also a dump site, several trash dumpsters, a shower house, laundry facilities, restrooms, and a playground for the kids. Right across the street, you will find the amphitheater, which hosts several kinds of educational and entertaining programs throughout the spring and summer seasons. You can also find an extra parking lot for overflow parking and several spots that are ADA accessible.
There are three main trails in Table Rock State Park, which include the two-mile easy Chinquapin Trail, the four-mile easy Lakeshore Trail, and the 11.5-mile moderate White River Trail System. In the White River Trail System, there are four subtrails, which include the Red, Blue, Orange, and Green Loops. They all allow pets, but they must be kept on a leash. Make sure to pack your hiking boots in the rig before you head out so you can get out and enjoy the Missouri Ozarks.
Whether you want to BBQ or pack a picnic lunch to eat at the park, Table Rock Lake has one open picnic shelter you can reserve for up to 100 people that has electric, water, two BBQ grills, and several large tables. It is also ADA accessible. If you don’t need such a big space or did not have time to reserve a spot, there are plenty of other picnic areas around the park with tables, BBQ grills, restroom facilities, and even a playground nearby.
Whether you want to fish for walleye, bass, trout, or any other fish, Table Rock State Park has you covered. Don’t forget to put your fishing gear in the rig so you can do some fantastic bank fishing for some largemouth or smallmouth bass, catfish, or crappie in Table Rock Lake. Then you can head on over to Lake Taneycomo for some excellent trout fishing. Fishing fanatics have been known to pull in some trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout over the years. Try catching dinner at one of the lakes or just enjoy catch and release fishing at one of the best fishing lakes in Missouri.
First-come, first-served sites are available but limited. Before you occupy any site, check with the camp host or park staff.
Although there is no designated swimming beach in Table Rock Lake Park yet, the entire park is on the banks of the lake so you can swim just about anywhere. The only place you cannot swim is at the boat launch areas or the marina. Pack your raft or tube in the campervan or motorhome so you can get out and float on the crystal-clear water. Spend the day soaking up some sun surrounded by the magnificent Ozark bluffs before heading back to the campsite for dinner.
If you want a thrilling and exciting water sport that lets you see the entire lake and forest at the same time, try parasailing. With the new type of parasail, you can have up to three people together, and you do not even have to get wet if you don’t want to. This is not just a sport for the extreme sport enthusiasts. You will see children and senior citizens joining the young adults up there 300 feet about the lake. You may even see your RV or camper from up there.
If you have always wanted to see the underwater city of Atlantis, come to Table Rock State Park and do some scuba diving. It may not be Atlantis, but Oasis is definitely an underwater town. In 1957, after completing the dam, the small town of Oasis was flooded and still sits 100 feet below the water level. You can even swim down main street and see the small wooden church that has been home to all types of aquatic life for the past 50 years. Park the campervan and take a dive so you can see history as you have never seen it before.
