Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Missouri’s Largest State Park
At over 17,000 acres, Lake of the Ozarks State Park is Missouri’s premier outdoor destination. Located on the Grand Glaize Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, the park offers camping, swimming, boating, and 16.5 miles of diverse trails.
Year-Round Camping
Choose from basic, electric, or full-hookup sites, plus yurts and outpost cabins.
| Area | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1-4 | Multiple loops | Electric, some with water/sewer |
| Yurts | New in 2025 | A/C, heat, bunk beds |
| Outpost Cabins | Available year-round | Climate-controlled, sleeps 4-6 |
🆕 2025 Upgrades: Renovated sites (103-120, 160-167) and new yurts (C-F) available Aug 14, 2025. Features: 50-amp electric, water, sewer, paved pads.
Beach & Water Recreation
The park features a large public beach area, multiple boat ramps, and access to the 55,000-acre lake for fishing, water skiing, and pontoon cruises.
Trail of Four Winds
The 13-mile loop trail (16.5 miles with connectors) traverses scenic bluffs, rock formations, and diverse ecosystems. Additional short loops include Bluestem Knoll (0.75 mi), Coakley Hollow (1 mi), and Lake View Bend (1.5 mi).
Can I make same-day camping reservations?
Yes! Same-day reservations are accepted online or by phone until 7 PM on your arrival date. Walk-up registration is also available for unreserved sites.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Yes. Weekend reservations require a two-night minimum (Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday).
Things to Do
Missouri state parks protect an impressive variety of Ozark landscapes — spring-fed rivers with crystal-clear water, dramatic shut-ins (narrow volcanic rock gorges), extensive cave systems, forested bluffs along the Ozark Trail, and managed prairies. Activities include hiking some of the Midwest’s most scenic trails, swimming and floating in cold, clear Ozark springs and rivers, fishing for trout in spring-fed streams, camping in forested river valleys, caving on guided tours, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and exploring Civil War and frontier-era historic sites. Missouri’s springs — including Big Spring and Alley Spring — are among the largest and most beautiful in the country.
Best Time to Visit
Missouri parks are a three-season destination with winter hiking as abonus. Spring (March–May) brings dogwood and redbud blooms, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is peak season for floating, swimming, and camping — the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers are iconic summer float trips. Fall (September–November) delivers excellent Ozark foliage peaking mid-October, with comfortable hiking weather. Winter offers peaceful trail experiences and is ideal for cave tours (caves maintain 56°F year-round). All Missouri state parks are free — no entrance fees or vehicle passes required.
Visitor Tips
All Missouri state parks are free to visit — no entrance fees or vehicle permits required. Camping fees are modest and vary by facility. Reservations are made through mostateparks.com. Cave tours at parks like Onondaga Cave, Meramec Caverns, and Ozark Caverns require separate tickets and often sell out on weekends — reserve in advance. Float trip parks along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers get very busy on summer weekends. Cell service is limited in the Ozarks backcountry.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Lake of the Ozarks State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Missouri. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Missouri guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
