Table Rock State Park provides convenient camping options near Golden, Missouri, within the Ozark Mountains at elevations averaging 1,200-1,500 feet. The park sits along Table Rock Lake with water access points around the campground. Campers can find both year-round facilities and seasonal camping depending on the specific area, with temperatures typically ranging from 30°F in winter to upper 80s in summer.
What to do
Fishing from shore: At Table Rock State Park, visitors can fish directly from the marina area. "The marina is well stocked, great lake for fishing, relaxing or just cruising in the canoe," notes Kent B., who found numerous shoreline fishing spots without needing a boat.
Hiking trails: The area offers various difficulty levels of hiking, from paved paths to rugged terrain. "Table Rock is one of the cleanest lakes to go to around Missouri. Table Rock state park allows for some amazing opportunities to expand your knowledge and your children's knowledge of the wildlife, and outdoors," reports Gabbie G.
Educational opportunities: Lake Leatherwood City Park features numerous nature learning options. "Great birdwatching opportunities, nice hiking trails," writes Donna H., highlighting the park's appeal for nature enthusiasts wanting to observe local wildlife in natural habitats.
What campers like
Private camping areas: Many campers appreciate the secluded feeling at Lost Bridge North campground. "The campsites are clean and level. Camped with a few disabled campers, and the sites were very accessible. You can camp right on the water and the views are beautiful," says Stephanie M., who found the spacing between sites comfortable.
Waterfront options: Lakeside sites allow for direct water access. "We stayed at the #2 campground this past weekend. We really enjoyed our stay! The camp sites are spacious and you are not sitting on top of each other," reports Alex S. from Table Rock State Park.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently note well-maintained facilities around Golden. "Eexcellent park. Beautiful and scenic the campsites are clean and in great condition. Bathrooms were clean and even smelled good! Plenty to do with hiking, fishing, and boating a mere walk away," explains jeremiah K.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Table Rock Lake water levels fluctuate throughout the year. "Spot 114. Electric 30/50. Community water 1 site over. Very tight - we're in a pop-up and took some maneuvering but we got it in there. Site has access to paved walking trail around lake," notes Angie N., suggesting checking lake levels before planning water activities.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. At Holiday Island Campground, "Camp host is the best host we have encountered. It is a small campground with no more than 20 sites. Sites are not too close together and all of them are shady," reports Doug G.
Limited swimming areas: Not all waterfront sites offer swimming access. "There is water access via one small trail that leads to Table Rock Lake however it is not necessarily the best place to be getting in the water. When we were there the water was up and we would have had to wade through gunk to get out into the broader part of the lake," adds Doug G.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Indian Point offers family-friendly amenities. "This campground was well kept, with clean bathrooms, a playground and a great swim beach. Choose your site wisely though, i reserved a site unseen and ended up only having enough space for my popup and parked at the bathrooms," Bryan C. advises about planning ahead.
Kid-friendly swimming: Designated swimming areas provide safer options for children. "The swim beach is nice and has picnic tables for use. We kayaked around the cove while others swam. No alcohol or pets allowed in the beach area which I appreciated. Family friendly!" shares Natalie C.
Nature exploration activities: Many parks offer junior ranger programs or nature scavenger hunts. "Table Rock state park allows for some amazing opportunities to expand your knowledge and your children's knowledge of the wildlife, and outdoors. Great family trip and the sunsets and sunrises are ones you don't want to miss!" writes Gabbie G.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Baxter Campground, RVers need to consider site locations carefully. "Pads are generally good and pretty level. Sites are spaced out nicely. There is a marina here with a restaurant that is open during the season," Jeremy C. notes, mentioning the importance of checking seasonal amenities.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies by campground. "Full hook up. Quiet, 4 minutes away from Roaring River State park. Great staff," Tim T. comments about Peddlers RV Park, highlighting that full service sites exist but require planning ahead.
Access limitations: Some roads leading to glamping near Golden, Missouri have challenges. "Not a good access site for large vehicles," John F. cautions about one campground, suggesting RVers check road conditions and access points before committing to a site.
