🏆 Official Guide: Lake of the Ozarks State Park — Missouri’s largest state park at over 17,000 acres, located along the Grand Glaize Arm of Lake of the Ozarks — featuring Ozark Caverns (unique “Angel Showers” formation), two public swimming beaches, 12 hiking trails (including the 13.5-mi Trail of Four Winds), extensive camping (campgrounds, cabins, yurts), an aquatic trail for boaters, and world-class fishing.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park is a recreational powerhouse — Missouri’s largest state park encompassing over 17,000 acres of Ozark hills, forests, and shoreline along the Grand Glaize Arm. Whether you’re camping under the stars, exploring underground caverns, swimming at sandy beaches, or paddling miles of lake shoreline, this park delivers an extraordinary range of experiences in the heart of the Ozarks.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kaiser, Miller County, MO — Grand Glaize Arm |
| Size | 17,000+ acres — Missouri’s largest state park |
| Beaches | Public Beach #1 + Grand Glaize Beach |
| Cave Tours | Ozark Caverns — guided tours (mid-May to mid-Sep) |
| Trails | 12 trails — hiking, biking, horseback riding |
| Camping | Campgrounds + camper cabins + yurts |
Key Attractions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ozark Caverns | “Angel Showers” — active water formation, intimate guided tour |
| Public Beach #1 | Imported sand, seasonal swimming |
| Grand Glaize Beach | Imported sand, family-friendly |
| Trail of Four Winds | 13.5 mi — hiking, biking, horseback |
| Coakley Hollow Trail | 1 mi — easy nature walk |
| Aquatic Trail | Boater-focused — scenic lake loop |
| Marina | Boat launch, supplies, rentals |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Two sandy beaches — seasonal |
| Camping | Electric hookups, cabins, yurts — reservable |
| Fishing | Bass, crappie, catfish — lake + coves |
| Hiking | 12 trails from 1 mi to 13.5 mi |
| Mountain Biking | Trail of Four Winds — multi-use |
| Horseback Riding | Designated equestrian trails |
| Boating | Full marina, aquatic trail |
| Cave Tours | Ozark Caverns — seasonal guided tours |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really Missouri’s largest state park?
Yes — Lake of the Ozarks State Park covers over 17,000 acres, making it the largest state park in Missouri. The park features extensive shoreline along the Grand Glaize Arm of Lake of the Ozarks.
When are cave tours available?
Guided tours of Ozark Caverns typically run from mid-May through mid-September. The cave features the unique “Angel Showers” formation. Check the Missouri State Parks website for current tour schedules and fees.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a short drive away, and Bennett Spring State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Missouri state parks online at icampmo1.usedirect.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.
Are dogs allowed at Lake of the Ozarks State Park?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Lake of the Ozarks State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
