Lake of the Ozarks is a large reservoir in central Missouri, formed when Bagnell Dam was built on the Osage River in the early 1930s. Its winding arms add up to more than 1,000 miles of shoreline, and most visitors stay in a lakefront condo, house or cabin, many with a dock or boat slip, about two and a half hours from St. Louis or Kansas City.
Where to stay
- Lake Ozark and the Bagnell Dam Strip, at the east end near the dam, put you by the Strip’s bars, restaurants and arcades.
- Osage Beach, in the middle of the lake, is the busiest stretch, with outlet shopping, restaurants and marinas, and the most condos.
- Sunrise Beach and Laurie, on the west side, are quieter, with more homes on coves and room for big groups.
- Camdenton, to the south, is close to Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Bridal Cave.
Best times to visit
- Summer: Memorial Day to Labor Day is peak season for boating, swimming and waterfront dining; book early for holiday weekends.
- Fall: September and October are quieter, with warm days early on and fall color in the hills.
- Winter: The lowest rates of the year and a calm lake; some restaurants and attractions keep shorter hours.
Getting there
Most visitors drive in from St. Louis, Kansas City or Springfield. Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) is about an hour and a half away; Kansas City (MCI) and St. Louis (STL) are each around three hours.
Flying in? Compare flights on CheapOAir
Tips for booking
Addresses here are often given by “mile marker” along the lake, so check where a rental sits and how far it is to the places you want to go. If you’re bringing or renting a boat, confirm whether the stay includes a dock or boat slip. Each card shows the drive to Bagnell Dam, and it pays to compare the nightly rate and the total with fees before you book.
