Lake of the Ozarks State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Lake of the Ozarks State Park is a massive 17,625-acre park in central Missouri. In 2022, the park saw more than 1.3 million visitors. The winding Lake of the Ozarks is the park's main attraction and provides visitors with many activities to do, including boating, swimming, fishing and canoeing. Visitors can also enjoy a guided tour of the famous underground caves within the park between May and September.
Spring 33-76 F
Summer 63-89 F
Fall 34-81 F
Winter 19-45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake of the Ozarks State Park
There is one main campground in the park, which is split into four sections holding 181 campsites. Within each section, there are basic, electric and family campsites. The electric campsites feature 50-amp electrical hookups. Unoccupied electric sites can also be used to charge an electric vehicle for a $5 fee for up to one hour. Visitors will find showers, a laundry facility, a dump station, a playground and an amphitheater among the campground's amenities. Pets are welcome in the campground but must always be on a leash. Reservations are recommended due to the park's popularity but are not needed. You can reserve a campsite up to 12 months in advance either online or by phoning the reservation call center.
What to Do at
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Lake of the Ozarks State Park is open all year and offers a wide variety of activities, including boating, hiking, fishing, nature watching and picnicking. Other unique activities visitors can enjoy include touring the Ozark Caverns and spending a hot summer day at Party Cove on the lake.
Fishing
Anglers may catch bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill and catfish. All state of Missouri fishing rules are in effect while fishing on Lake of the Ozarks.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a popular adventure enjoyed at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. If you are looking to place your own cache, you need to obtain a permit from the state of Missouri.
Nature Watching
The unique terrain of the Ozarks provides nature lovers with an incredible opportunity to spot wildlife that is not seen anywhere else in the country, especially when touring the Ozark Caverns. Southern red-backed salamanders, northern water snakes, pileated woodpeckers, muskrats and bobcats can be seen in the park.
Stargazing
Since the park is in a remote area of central Missouri far away from any light pollution, it's a fantastic place to view breathtaking constellations in the dark night sky.
Hiking
The park's 13 hiking trails take you through the dense woods and along the lake shoreline. The trails have varying difficulty levels, so make sure to select the ones that best suit your hiking ability.
Boating
Boating is extremely popular on the lake, especially in an area known as Party Cove. There are two paved boat launches providing access to the lake. One is in the campground while the other is on the west side of the park next to Grand Glaize Beach.
Swimming
There are 85 miles of lake shoreline in the park with two different designated swimming areas with sand beaches. Public Beach 1 is found off Highway 134 while Public Beach 2 is in the Grand Glaize area of the park off Highway 54.
Climbing
Technical climbing and rappelling are acceptable park activities if the participants have the proper permit. A maximum of 30 permits are issued per day and a total of 175 per week.
Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on the trails, which offer a wide range of difficulties. Bikers must share the trail with hikers and horseback riders.
How to Get to
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Lake of the Ozarks State Park is found at 403 Highway 134, Kaiser, MO 65047. If you are coming to the park starting from Jefferson City, MO, take US-54 W until you reach the Osage Beach Parkway Exit. When you take this exit, use the left two lanes to turn onto Osage Beach Parkway N, and stay in the right two lanes. Take a right turn onto MO-134 E/State Highway 42 E, and drive for 1.6 miles. When you approach County Road 42-3, make a right-hand turn. Drive another 0.5 miles to enter the park.
Entering Lake of the Ozarks State Park
The park is open every day from sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Upon entering the park, you will go by the park office and come across a road on your right-hand side that takes you to the group camps and outpost cabins. To get to the main campground with the RV sites, continue driving straight past the park office. In addition to the campground, you will find a picnic area, shelter, riding stables and a boat launch down this road.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake of the Ozarks State Park
The spring is a great time to visit the park as the weather is not as humid as the summer, but it is still warm enough to enjoy all the park's activities.
Visitors may spot mice, chipmunks, squirrels, otters, mink, muskrats, bobcats and deer while in the park.
Yes, there are RV spots within the main campground. Visitors will find basic sites as well as spaces that supply an electrical hookup.
You do not need to reserve a camping spot, but it is highly recommended as this is one of Missouri's most popular state parks. Reservations can be made 12 months in advance either by phone or online. There is a $6.50 reservation fee if booking online and an $8 fee when making a reservation over the phone. Basic campsites are $15 per night during the peak season while electric sites are $25-$27 depending on the specific site you book.
Yes. All pets must always be kept on a leash and under control.