Enjoy the solitude of an undeveloped cove hidden along the shorelines of one of Missouri’s largest lakes. Swim, fish, boat or simply take in the view from a shady campsite or picnic area overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The park offers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities on the lake or on shore.
On shore, hikers, backpackers, equestrians and bicyclists can wind through open woodlands, sunny glades, small springs and streams to bluff-top views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Water enthusiasts can make use of the park’s two swimming beaches, boat rentals and paved boat ramps. Park stores sell all of the necessary supplies for a day on the water. Year-round overnight accommodations include campsites, Outpost Cabins and yurts.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park’s natural beauty and solitude remain untouched, yet visitors are just minutes away from extensive shopping, restaurants and a variety of entertainment opportunities.
Boating
You can launch your boat into Lake of the Ozarks at one of the three paved boat ramps; a four-lane ramp at each of the Grand Glaize Beach and Pa He Tsi locations; and a two-lane ramp at Public Beach #1. Daily launch fees are $5 for vessels up to 30 feet in length and $7 for vessels over 30 feet in length. Annual launch permits are available. For vessels less than 30 feet, it is $50 and for vessels more than 30 feet, it is $60.
Campground users can launch free at any ramp with a current, valid camping permit. There are no motor restrictions. The boat launches at Grand Glaize Beach and Public Beach #1 are open year-round; the Pa He Tsi launch* is open March through October. *When lake levels drop below 658.5, this boat launch will be temporarily closed; please check the park Advisories before your visit.
You can also rent a boat or boat slip at one of two marinas in Lake of the Ozarks State Park, located at both public beaches. Contact the marina at 573-348-1233 for boat slip and boat rental information.
For information concerning boating rules, licensing and other water safety issues, click on the link to the Missouri State Water Patrol website.
There is also an aquatic trail.
Fishing
The Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri's premier fishing destinations. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill and catfish. In addition to statewide fishing rules, the Lake of the Ozarks has the following regulations:
Lakewide
black bass -- 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth and smallmouth bass; 12 inch minimum length limit on spotted bass
crappie -- 9 inch minimum length limit; 15 fish daily limit
non-game fish -- snagging, snaring and grabbing are allowed from March 15 through April 30 only
Swimming
If you are a water enthusiast, you will enjoy the park's two sandy beaches - Public Beach 1, located off Highway 134, and Public Beach 2, in the Grand Glaize area of the park off Highway 54 west of the Grand Glaize bridge. These areas offer restroom and changehouse facilities. Shady picnic areas, reservable shelters and children's playground equipment are all located nearby. Lifeguards are not provided. No pets are allowed on the beaches. Swim at your own risk.
Camping
Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers basic and electric campsites and three organized group camps and Pin Oak Facility. For those who need a little extra space, family campsites are available.
Stock up on camping supplies at the Camper Store, which is located near the campground entrance.
To make a reservation or view campsite details, photos and availability, go to the reservation website by clicking the “Make a Reservation Now” link below. Reservations may also be made by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766).
Marina
Rent kayaks and paddle boats. Six open dock slips are available for rent on a nightly basis.This marina is located along Highway 134. Take your kayak along the parks's aquatic trail.
Both marinas include a general supplies store with a variety of items including fishing and boating supplies.
Cave Tours
Visit Ozark Caverns in Lake of the Ozarks State Park and discover what lies beneath the surface!
Caves are common geologic features in areas like the Ozarks, which is underlain by thick layers of soluble carbonate rocks such as limestone and dolomite. Water, seeping through subterranean cracks in these rock formations, begins to enlarge some of the fractures. As the dissolving action of the water continues, the cracks eventually become large, water-filled conduits that form parts of extensive underground drainage systems.
As these water-filled systems gradually are drained by deepening surface valleys, they become the air-filled passageways we know as caves.
A walk through Ozark Caverns is a journey through one of these large, drained conduits. It is a walk into an environment where geologic processes can proceed unhindered by many of the erratic, erosive forces that shape the surface landscape. In the protected cave environment, dripping and seeping water can redeposit carbonate materials in the form of soda straws, helictites, stalagmites and a host of other geologic wonders that can be seen in Ozark Caverns.
Angel Showers, an unusual cave phenomenon, is a featured part of the Ozark Caverns tour. The never-ending shower of water seems to come out of the solid ceiling of rock.
The protected cave environment also allows visitors to contemplate the claw marks left in the sediment fills by animals that sought shelter here thousand of years ago.
Four species of salamanders, four species of bats, and 16 species of invertebrates live in Ozark Caverns. Four of the invertebrate species live exclusively in caves, never venturing out of the protected environment. Ozark Caverns is home to many small, secretive cave animals, such as the blind grotto salamander, which sometimes can be seen on cave tours.
There is also much to see on the surface. Coakley Hollow Trail, which is a one-mile, self-guiding interpretive trail, begins and ends at the caverns parking lot. This trail crosses a variety of habitats including a glade, fen and an Ozark spring branch. It is also a good place to see spring wildflowers. Trail booklets are available at the visitor center. There are ample picnic sites on the grounds.
Picnic Areas
Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of three picnic areas located at both public beaches and the McCubbins Point area of the park. These areas include tables, outdoor grills, restroom facilities (open seasonally) and playground equipment nearby.
PICNIC SHELTERS
Two open picnic shelters can be reserved for a variety of large outings and family gatherings accommodating as many as 50 to 100 guests. The shelters, one at each beach, can be reserved at the rates listed below. If not reserved, the shelters are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Water is available at both shelters.
PLAYGROUNDS
Playgrounds are available near each picnic area.
ROCK CLIMBING/RAPPELLING
Many Missouri state parks are home to impressive rock formations, especially those in the Ozarks. Rappelling and rock climbing are allowed at five of those parks.
The sport is allowed only during certain months, and a permit must be obtained from the park office prior to your visit.
Elephants Rock, Lake of the Ozarks and St. Francois state parks have areas where rappelling and rock climbing are permitted.
Rock climbing is allowed at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park from the day after Labor Day through the Wednesday before Memorial Day. Meramec State Park has a bluff where rappelling is permitted, but not rock climbing.
