Table Rock Lake surrounds Ridgedale, Missouri, with 43,000 acres of water and 800 miles of shoreline. The area sits at approximately 915 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to luxury accommodations, with most campgrounds maintaining operations from April through October.
What to do
Hiking trails: Baxter Campground offers access to multiple trails around Table Rock Lake. "We had a great time. Fishing, boating, swimming, hiking. Beautiful lake side lot," reports Rhonda M. from Baxter.
Marina activities: Table Rock Lake provides ample water recreation opportunities with boat rentals available at several locations. "The marina is well stocked, great lake for fishing, relaxing or just cruising in the canoe," shares Kent B. from Table Rock State Park Campground.
Entertainment access: Indian Point campground provides convenient access to Branson attractions while maintaining a peaceful setting. "This campground is located near Branson and is a great base camp area. The campground is mostly shaded and close to the waters of Table Rock Lake. There are plenty of activities for the whale with 30 mins," notes Chad K.
Swimming areas: Many lakeside campgrounds feature designated swimming spots. "This is a favorite campground and swimming hole! It is close to Silver Dollar City and other Branson activities," explains Natalie C. about Indian Point, though she notes "the swim beach was completely under water" during high water periods.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Port Of Kimberling Resort & Campground offers spacious sites with good separation. "Campground is well maintained with beautiful views of Table Rock Lake. We were in upper section (electric only) - the lower section next to the marina has full hookups," shares Larry F.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "Eexcellent park. Beautiful and scenic the campsites are clean and in great condition. Bathrooms were clean and even smelled good!" remarks Jeremiah K. about Table Rock State Park Campground.
Unique accommodation options: Tall Pines Campground (formerly Wilderness at Silver Dollar City) offers vintage-style cabins that appeal to families seeking glamping close to Ridgedale, Missouri. "The cabin area is hands above the rest, the best thing you will find for vintage country style vibes in this area!! They come in many styles and sizes to accommodate any family," notes Crystal C.
Water access: Most campgrounds provide direct lake access. "Nice campground with a paved walking/cycling trail from boat docks to the dam. Nice showers, fairly level campsites. Fishing within walking distance," states Dale H. about Table Rock State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Ridgedale require advance booking, especially during summer months. "We were at site 18, right on the water. We camp in a tent, so the tent pad was really appreciated, just a little too close to the fire ring," explains Michael V. about his stay at Baxter.
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Branson KOA remains open year-round, while Baxter operates from "May 1 - Sep 14" according to their listing information.
Tent camping limitations: Some campgrounds prioritize RV sites over tent camping areas. "The tent sites are disappointing to me. They're small, close together, and nearer to the highway than makes for a good night's sleep in a tent," reports Inez W. about Branson KOA.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can impact facilities. "Rains also can dictate your usage of certain portions of the park as the level of the lake can climb and engulf the swimming beach and outlets to the marina," cautions Crystal C. about Indian Point.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Branson Treehouse Cabin & RV Park offers unique family accommodations. "The playground has a zipline that all the kiddos had a blast using. We were able to 'rent' for free a couple of movies from the office and the staff was really friendly and helpful," shares Barrett C.
Educational opportunities: Table Rock State Park provides learning experiences about local wildlife. "Table Rock state park allows for some amazing opportunities to expand your knowledge and your children's knowledge of the wildlife, and outdoors," says Gabbie G.
Spacing considerations: Some campgrounds have tightly packed sites. "Pray your neighbors are quiet because we were close enough to hear ours snoring," warns Angie N. about Table Rock State Park, highlighting the importance of selecting the right site when glamping near Ridgedale, Missouri with children.
Safety features: Several campgrounds maintain gated access. "Looking for a gated campground right next to the Branson strip look no further," mentions Dan & Penny F. about Musicland Kampground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: Many campgrounds have varying site sizes and accessibility. "If you are staying here book online and really look at the map when doing so to ensure your sizing needs are met in way of parking," advises Crystal C. about Indian Point.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require extra work to set up properly. "We stayed at the #2 campground this past weekend. The camp sites are spacious and you are not sitting on top of each other," notes Alex S. about Table Rock State Park.
Access considerations: Entry points can be challenging for larger rigs. "Just note there are two turn ins as the entrance sits at the top of a hill. The second turn in to the west makes it easy to see oncoming traffic getting in the park," explains Gabe S. about Branson Treehouse Cabin & RV Park.
Weather planning: Seasonal changes significantly impact camping comfort. "Since it was the beginning of March and we didn't know what the weather would be like, we chose a treehouse. We woke to snow our second morning!" shares Lee D. about their glamping experience near Ridgedale at Branson Treehouse Cabin & RV Park.
