Guide to Lake of the Ozarks

Join us in Lake of the Ozarks for an unforgettable Central Missouri vacation. With a variety of things to do, see and explore, use the resources below to start planning your trip from start to finish. Whether you need still need a vacation rental, are planning activities or need to know how to pack for the weather, we’ve got you covered!

Arms of the Lake

Learn more about the rivers and tributaries that makeup the lake!

Learn More

Driving Directions

Centrally located in Missouri, driving to Lake of the Ozarks is easy.

Getting Here

Weather

Lake of the Ozarks offers unbeatable summertime sun!

Weather Conditions

About Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is a huge area and knowing more about the various arms of the lake, cities, and beaches may help you determine where you want to stay. Some areas have easier access to area activities whereas others offer seclusion and quiet surroundings. Find out more below:

City of Lake Ozark

Home to Historic Bagnell Dam and the Bagnell Dam Strip Area which is full of specialty shops with over 9 Bars and Restaurants. The City of Lake Ozark is considered the beginning of Lake of the Ozarks with Bagnell Dam starting The Lake at the 0 Mile Marker.

Four Seasons Area

Adjoins the City of Lake Ozark, a very predominant area at Lake of the Ozarks. This area is very popular for vacationers as it puts you close to many favorite area attractions, restaurants, nightlife, boat rentals and the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip Area.

Osage Beach Area

Considered the Heart of Lake of the Ozarks and adjoins the City of Lake Ozark heading towards the City of Camdenton. Osage Beach is home to the Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace and many other Lake Area Attractions, Restaurants, Nightlife, Boat Rentals and is another sought after area of The Lake.

Tan Tar A Estates

Adjoins Tan Tar A Resort (Margaritaville) and offers two outdoor swimming pools and the 9 hole (Hidden Lakes) golf course runs through The Estates. This is a gated community that offers amazing Lakeviews and is in the Heart of Osage Beach, MO.

Camdenton Area

This is a predominate area of Lake of the Ozarks located about 10 miles southwest of Osage Beach. The Camdenton area is home to Bridal Cave and Ha Ha Tonka State Park which is filled with natural treasures. All of Ha Ha Tonka is free for everyone and a great place to spend a day or even two!

Sunrise Beach Area

Sunrise Beach adjoins Camdenton heading North and considered the West Side of The Lake. Sunrise Beach is home of Captain Ron’s Lakefront Bar and Grill which is Home to the infamous Lake of the Ozarks Shoot-Out which will be celebrating 31 years in existence in 2019. The Shoot-Out is the largest non-sanctioned boat race in the world which takes place the Weekend prior to Labor Day each year. There are several other waterfront Bars and Restaurants, Boat Rentals and area attractions to choose from?

Laurie / Gravois Mills Area

This area of The Lake is truly the West Side and considered “The Quiet Side” of The Lake. This Area is not quite as populated as the Lake Ozark/Osage Beach side of The Lake but still offers a great Vacation Experience. Some of the popular attractions in this area include Millstone Marina and The Mothers Shrine/St. Patrick Catholic Church. There are several Bars & Restaurants to choose from including one of the favorite Lakefront Establishments Coconuts!

Best Time to Visit Lake of the Ozarks.

No matter what time of year you visit you are sure to have a great time in Lake od the Ozarks. Though summertime brings many guests to the lake for fun in the water, wintertime and shoulder seasons offer plenty of things to do at milder temperatures!

Winter – Is the least most populated time to enjoy beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. There is still plenty to enjoy while visiting. Shopping at Malls and Specialty Shops is abundant throughout The Lake area. Winter is a great time to enjoy the 3 Missouri State Parks, walking through well-marked wooded trails and exploring the Ozark Mountains. The perfect time to enjoy the Lake Area Cuisine from the Talented Chefs is winter and The Bagnell Dam Strip area is a great place to enjoy Local Entertainers performing in over 9 bars through the night.

Spring – Is the perfect time to enjoy the 13 Golf Courses offered throughout The Lake Area. As the trees bloom the Ozark Hills turn green making Spring a great time to just drive the various Lake Roads and take in the Ozark beauty along with a few Ozark moments.

Summer – This is when The Lake is hopping, all the water sports activities going on including Parasailing, Cliff Diving, Water Skiing & Tubing, PWC and Boat Rentals. Not to mention the numerous Waterfront Bars and Restaurants all over The Lake which offer excellent Food and Drinks as well as Entertainment throughout the Day and All Night Long.

Fall – Our Favorite season of all! Voted # 2 for Fall Foliage Viewing within the entire United States by the USA Today Readers Poll for 2018. Fall also marks the end of the busy Summer Season, things slow down a bit and is the perfect time for couples to come and enjoy Lake of the Ozarks. The Lake water temperature is still warm enough to enjoy a day on The Lake and catch amazing sunsets. All the Waterfront Bars and Restaurants are still open, and this is a great time to enjoy a nice Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner on a Lakeview Deck.