Table Rock Lake surrounds the Shell Knob area with over 800 miles of shoreline at an elevation of approximately 915 feet. The lake's clear waters reach depths of up to 220 feet in some areas, creating ideal conditions for both water recreation and shoreline camping. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity, while fall camping offers more moderate 55-75°F days with colorful Ozark foliage.
What to do
Hiking trails: Table Rock State Park offers paved walking and cycling trails connecting the boat docks to the dam. "Nice campground with a paved walking/cycling trail from boat docks to the dam. Nice showers, fairly level campsites. Fishing within walking distance," notes Dale H. from Table Rock State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can access prime fishing spots directly from several campgrounds. At Baxter Campground, visitors appreciate the easy lake access. "The campground is close to Dogwood Canyon, a great blueberry farm and the famous Branson strip. There is a marina right by the campground and easy access to Table Rock Lake," explains Mike B. from Baxter.
Lake activities: Non-motorized water recreation is available at multiple locations. "The lake is nice and quiet, allowing kayak, canoe, and SUP. The marina was very busy despite many of the walkways being underwater slightly or a brief walk through water to get to," reports Annie C. about Lake Leatherwood City Park.
What campers like
Natural surroundings: Many campers appreciate the wooded settings around Shell Knob. "Lots of semi secluded sites and a nice swimming area. There is a play area for children as well as volleyball. Both tent and rv/camper sites. Beautiful wooded area with hiking near by," writes Sandi C. about Big M Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned in reviews. "The set up itself is very nice and looks to be much more improved than some parks in the area offering a bit more privacy from the typical sites which have only curtain doors. The facilities instead look very well maintained and have private restroom and shower units," notes Crystal C. about Indian Point.
Waterfront sites: Campsites with direct lake access rank highly with visitors. "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. There were plenty of trees with shade, we had plenty of room for a hammock to enjoy the breeze and lake view," shares a reviewer about the lakefront options.
What you should know
Site variations: Campsite quality varies significantly, even within the same campground. "The camp sites are not all created equally in way of parking, some were very lengthy and could easily allow for more than one vehicle while others were lucky to have a small parking area for a car and tent. My advice is to definitely look and book online before coming to the park."
Seasonal water levels: Lake flooding affects some facilities during rainy periods. "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. Upon my visit I noticed the swimming beach was completely under water and thus the facilities near it were not able to be used."
Branson proximity: The entertainment hub of Branson is within 30-45 minutes of most Shell Knob camping areas. "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," explains Chad K. from Indian Point.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and swimming: Several campgrounds offer dedicated kids' areas. "We really enjoyed our stay! Love the amenities for kids! 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," shares Barrett C. from Branson Treehouse Cabin & RV Park.
Nature exploration: Family-friendly hiking trails provide shorter routes suitable for children. "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!"
Tent pad locations: Some campgrounds offer specially designed tent pads. "The campground has large grassy full hookup sites. The bath houses are clean and easy to get to. Anything you would want to do. Hiking, kayaking, swim beach, boating. Nice marina with a restaurant that you won't leave hungry!"
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RVers should research site specifications before booking. "We were in the middle of a four night stay here and I'll say it's the nicest campground I've stayed at to date. I would recommend the upgrade sites, as they are off to the side with a bigger outdoor living area, but even the middle spots have plenty of room," recommends Gabe S. from Branson Treehouse Cabin & RV Park.
Hookup availability: Available connections vary by campground and site. "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. I would definitely recommend it and I would stay here again."
Access routes: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "It's a little tricky getting there. Lot of curves and turns. A real nail biter! This campground has large grassy full hookup sites."
