Lake Ozark, Missouri camping areas surround a reservoir created in 1931 by the damming of the Osage River. The resulting 1,150-mile shoreline offers varied camping options with elevations ranging from 660 to 800 feet above sea level. Temperature swings can be significant, with summer highs averaging 89°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Boat rentals: Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area offers multiple watercraft options at competitive rates. "The marina has boat and jet-ski rentals (pontoons, wave runners, jet ski's, ski boats, fishing boats, pontoons, etc.) that are much more reasonable than other rental places in the area," notes Jason B. at Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds maintain trail networks allowing campers to explore local terrain. At Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground, Anthony C. reports: "Huge beautiful park. A lot of hiking and biking trails. Boat ramp and store in the park. We saw about 20 deer each day."
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds provide designated fishing areas and stocked lakes. Cross Creek RV Park features an 8-acre stocked lake where campers can fish directly from their sites. "You can fish right off the bank of your own private island within minutes of waking up," shares Barrett C. about the island tent camping area.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common throughout the area's campgrounds. Elizabeth W. at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground notes: "Sites were spread apart, lots of shade, close to the lake. Plenty of trails, fishing, and swimming."
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools as alternatives to lake swimming. "The in ground pool is clean. There is a lot to do at the park, and in the area," writes TJ G. about Majestic Oaks RV Park & Campground.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistently positive reviews. At Osage Beach RV Park, David E. comments: "The restrooms and showers were very clean and well kept. The staff was always very friendly and welcoming. They guided us to our spot, helped us back in, delivered firewood and ice right to our site."
Mini golf and recreation: Beyond water activities, campgrounds offer additional recreational options. Sherry D. mentions Cross Creek RV Park has "Boat rental, paddle boats, miniature golf, shuffleboard, volleyball, playground, hiking and a general store."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. Sean warns about one property: "The road to get in and out of this place is absolutely ridiculous. You can try to go 1mph to avoid potholes or washed out area just to hit the next pothole and washed out area."
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. Shannon G. notes about Osage Beach RV Park: "The reason I took a star off was that the sites were closer together than I like."
Military restrictions: Some camping facilities have access limitations. Military Park Fort Leonard Wood Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area is "available for military (active/retired/DAV). Has full hookups, big rig friendly and has a large array of boats you can rent. A little difficult to get to it and fairly far from towns but it's worth it," explains Paul S.
Seasonal amenities: Some facilities operate with reduced services during off-peak times. David W. explains about spring camping: "The water was off until the end of March but luckily the pump near the registration kiosk was on. It was just a bit of a drive to get it. And the bathrooms/shower houses are locked as well. Vault toilets were open."
Tips for camping with families
Halloween events: Several campgrounds host special seasonal activities. Hattie shares about Majestic Oaks Family RV Park and Campground: "The events around halloween are always so fun for kids and adults alike. They truly put so much work into making it the best experience for their guests."
Playground access: Multiple facilities maintain playground equipment for children. Jenny H. from Lake of the Ozarks State Park reports: "Great hikes, beautiful scenery," while other reviewers note the park's three playgrounds.
Wildlife encounters: Animal sightings enhance the family camping experience. "We were here over Memorial Day weekend and it was still so nice a peaceful. The place was completely full," writes David E. about Osage Beach RV Park, adding "Our spaces were not too close to each other and ours backed to woods."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Several campgrounds have uneven surfaces requiring additional setup work. At Linn Creek KOA, Charles A. notes: "Spacious and mostly level sites, which is outstanding as this park is on face of a hill."
WiFi availability: Internet access varies among camping sites near Lake Ozark, Missouri. Melissa H. shares about Osage Beach RV Park: "This was a very nice, clean campground in the city of Osage Beach. We needed a campsite to be able to work and school remotely from and this fit the bill with excellent WiFi that had boosters all throughout the campground."
RV access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging navigation for larger units. At Linn Creek KOA, Sarah S. reports: "Pull through sites make getting in easy with larger rigs but all roads through are gravel and rutted so not the easiest."
