Yes, it may be a mountain state first — but where there are mountains, there are lakes (including one of the grandest in the country, when you’re talking Missouri), and where there are lakes, there are incredible lakeside beaches. Here are some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Missouri.
Missouri Beaches
Long Branch State Park Beach
Long Branch State Park Beach features soft, golden sands that line calm, shallow waters which are friendly for the smallest swimmers in your group. On top of that, the park offers volleyball courts, restrooms, and a marina store so you can grab those last-minute must haves without interrupting your beach day. This park preserves and protects some of the last savanna and prairie remnants in the Chariton River Hills region, and its breathtaking scenery doesn’t stop at the beach by a long shot.
Things to do Near Long Branch State Park Beach
Located just outside of the town of Macon, Long Branch State Park is surrounded by other wildernesses that are worth checking out. These include Pershing State Park, Thousand Hills State Park and Mark Twain State Park.
Finger Lakes State Park Beach
Finger Lakes State Park — and its beautiful stretch of golden beachfront — await visitors to central Missouri, just north of the city of Columbia. The soft sand is perfect for spreading out under the sun’s rays, playing a game of beach ball, or crafting some sand castles. Meanwhile, the shallow section of the lakefront is roped off from the deeper section to help offer security for not-so-strong swimmers.
Things to do Near Finger Lakes State Park Beach
The Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area is immediately adjacent to this state park and has its own lakefront shoreline and other attractions to offer. Of course there are also the bright lights and tall buildings of Columbia just south of all this wilderness.
Grand Glaize Beach
If there’s a Missouri lake you’ve heard of, chances are it’s Lake of the Ozarks. With a sprawling surface area of more than 55,000 acres, this is one of the largest human-built lakes in America. Grand Glaize Beach is considered by many to be the best beach on the lake, tucked into a larger recreation area and marina. The waters are clean, cool, and shallow close to the shoreline, and the sand is soft and golden-white. Picnic areas dot the park so you can enjoy a home-packed lunch, and hiking trails crisscross the area.
Things to do Near Grand Glaize Beach
Located just on the edge of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Grand Glaize Beach is truly surrounded by an endless supply of outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking to watersports and everything in between. Because this area is such a popular tourist destination, it’s well-served by restaurants, shops, and places to stay.
Fugitive Beach
Easily one of the most unique beaches you’ll ever visit, Fugitive Beach is built into what was once an old quarry. The waters here are cerulean blue and deep — deep enough that you do have to sign a waiver saying you agree to the beach’s safety precautions and policies before entering. Along with calm sandy shores, you’ll find high cliff jumps, swooshing water slides, kayak rentals, diving platforms, and more.
Things to do Near Fugitive Beach
Fugitive Beach is located just southeast of the small town of Rolla just on the edges of the larger Mark Twain National Forest. One nearby stop worth adding to your itinerary: Miller’s Cave, which is fairly remote and permitted, but an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime place to see.
Monsanto Lake Beach
Tucked away into St. Joe State Park, Monsanto Lake Beach is a well known beach destination for family vacations. It offers soft, smooth sands outfitted with a volleyball court, lake swimming with shallow and calm waters. Picnic tables and grills make it easy to enjoy a midday meal to fuel yourself for even more fun.
Things to do Near Monsanto Lake Beach
Just south of the city of Park Hills, this state park includes the Missouri Mines State Historic Site, which offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into Missouri’s mining history. It’s all only a little more than an hour south of St. Louis, if you’re looking for a bigger-city adventure.
Stockton State Park Beach
Stockton Lake is an ever-popular spot for watersports, romantic beach getaways, family vacations, and more. While there are many areas along the shoreline to choose from, Stockton State Park Beach tops our list. Nestled into the fork of the lake, this park is surrounded by water on all sides, and offers one of the most beautiful and well-kept freshwater swimming beaches this side of the Mississippi.
Things to do Near Stockton State Park Beach
Situated only an hour northwest of Springfield, this state park has that perfect combination of being far enough off the beaten path to feel like a getaway, yet close enough to major city resources to ensure you won’t be lacking anything you need for your vacation. Here are the best local campgrounds to choose from!
Lake Boutin Beach
Lake Boutin Beach is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved freshwater beachfronts in the state of Missouri. It makes up for its relative smallness with its beautiful, rolling green hill scenery. The park has installed vault toilets and, on the Mississippi River side, fully developed restrooms and showers, and is a great spot for fishing, camping, and hiking as well.
Things to do Near Lake Boutin Beach
Literally only separated from Illinois by the Mississippi River, this state park is about as far east as you can get in the state of Missouri and not close to many major population centers. Nearby Cape Girardeau has you covered on basic amenities, though, and is also home to the fabulous Crisp Museum.
Rocky Falls Beach
As its name suggests, Rocky Falls Beach is set apart from others on this list by virtue of its beautiful cascades. The rock faces you see, along which the waters trickle and flow, are more than 1.5 billion years old. Tucked along Rocky Creek in the small township of Winona, this is truly a rugged, off-the-beaten-path adventure, but one that rewards those who are bold enough to take the road where it leads.
Things to do Near Rocky Falls Beach
Sandwiched between the Rocky Creek Conservation Area on one side and the Current River Conservation Area on the other, this part of the state is ripe with opportunities for those who love river recreation.
Moonshine Beach
Last but certainly not least, Moonshine Beach has, as its name suggests, long been known as a place to gather for a rollicking good time. Soft white sands and turquoise waters make this shoreline feel more like an ocean beach. The waters here are so clear, it’s one of the most common destinations for midwestern SCUBA diving adventures, though the waters are calm and shallow enough close to the shore that even the smallest members of your family can enjoy.
Things to do Near Moonshine Beach
This beach is situated in the shadow of Branson, meaning you can enjoy attractions such as Silver Dollar City and Dolly Parton’s Stampede during your visit.
The Best Missouri Beaches for RVers
Mark Twain State Park Beach
Mark Twain State Park is home to another gorgeous north-central Missouri beach. This park offers a combination of classic soft-sand coastline and rocky, rugged bluffs overlooking other parts of its namesake lake. The park also offers six miles of hiking trails through lush, characteristic live oak and maple, the perfect opportunity for visitors looking to stretch their legs and get their steps in.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
Mark Twain State Park features a lovely campground, where you can park your RV for the duration of your beach adventure.
Things to do Near Mark Twain State Park Beach
Travel around the lake to visit other preserved landscapes, like the Stoutsville Recreation Area, the South Fork Recreation Area, the Robert E Allen Recreation Area, and Indian Creek Recreation Area.
Planning an RV Trip to Missouri
Beaches are just the beginning when it comes to an epic Missouri road trip. From RV rentals to amazing campgrounds and state parks, this state has it all. Make sure you also make time to visit the state’s urban centers while you’re there!
