6 Best Lakeside Towns in the Ozarks
Arguably one of the most serene landforms in the United States, the Ozarks stretch through Missouri across the Arkansas River and touch upon Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Rather than the jagged Rockies, Cascades, or even Sierras, this high, plateau-like region is known as an outdoor paradise. Towns can feel lost beneath the dominating shadows in the foothills, but the following should not be overlooked.
These six magic towns along the cascading valleys are not-so-secret vacation spots thanks to the unique lakes, such as the Lake of the Ozarks town of Osage Beach. Hollister features Ye Old English Village and a cool self-guided golf-cart tour past a waterfall to a bar in a cave. Each provides a refreshing outlet into nature with winding shores for scenic drives, family hikes, and camping trips.
Bull Shoals, Arkansas
The town and lake were born together in the 1940s. Bull Shoals Dam cut off the White River mid-flow, creating Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas' largest, and in the 1950s, Harry S. Truman cut the ribbon at the roadway opening across the dam. Saying that the town along the 1,000-mile shoreline has a close relationship with the 45,440-acre lake would be an understatement. Engulfed by waters to the west, north, and northeast of the state, the long, irregularly shaped lake flows languidly into southern Missouri, easily accessible in the mid-region of the Ozarks.
Welcoming visitors via a drive over the dam, Bull Shoals offers seemingly typical lakeside pursuits that feel extraordinary. There's a rental, guide, and charter for every boater, angler, and hiker through the intimate Bull Shoals-White River State Park, plus camping and picnic options, steps away from a refreshing swim in the clear blue. The town's signature Bull Shoals Caverns contain lots of incredible formations in a nice, cool environment. Plentiful local wildlife like salamanders and frogs will keep you company, in addition to different types of stalactites and stalagmites.
Clarksville, Arkansas
Clarksville touches down on the Arkansas River, with the local Lake Dardanelle serving as a significant reservoir. Home to the private University of the Ozarks, the city balances a lively feel with family-friendly vibes, where Cline Park and Spadra Park, also a campground, are an extension into serene nature. Take the dog-friendly Spadra Creek Nature Trail, favored for easy access and a wide, well-lit bike path, or stroll along native flora. In addition to camping, the Sunset Inn Clarksville is another spot for sleeping. After canoeing, fishing, or hiking, why not elevate your getaway through Arkansas Wine Country, some 12 miles west?
From Highway 64 in town, State Highway 21 becomes the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway for 35 miles through the rugged, forested Boston Mountains. Feel free to get out and explore as it crosses the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail through Ozark National Forest alongside recreational streams of Big Piney Creek and the White River, a world-class trout stream. Motorcyclists will enjoy the winding turns toward the state's Buffalo National River and Eureka Springs, while car passengers can admire colorful fall foliage. Meanwhile, the city's Peach Festival in July is the state's oldest outdoor festival.
Hollister, Missouri
Quieter than its northern neighbor, Hollister offers access to Branson's attractions and Table Rock Lake in the west. You'll have to walk or bike all the way through past the Gaetz Tractor Museum and Branson Scenic Overlook to Table Rock State Park, which has a boat launch. Hollister's pride, the Ye Olde English Inn, is a nostalgic stay with a vintage lobby but modern comforts. The nearby Lakeshore RV Park provides house-on-wheel owners with bridge views. Cross Coon Creek for the area's hit Titanic Museum Attraction, with hundreds of authentic liner artifacts and hands-on exhibits.
From Coffee on the Rocks to Turkey Creek Brewery, 12 Tudor Revival-style businesses line the creekside Downing Street, also known as The English Village. In addition to the outdoor Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the dog-friendly Table Rock Lakeshore Trail winds along the shore to a picnic area and a marina, while Moonshine Beach offers an idyllic place for swimming and some amenities. Tee off at Payne's Valley Golf Course, or take the popular Lost Canyon Cave Nature Trail for a self-guided golf-cart tour past a dramatic waterfall to a bar in a cave.
Osage Beach, Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri's several jagged lakes and was made by impounding the Osage River. Offering its 92-mile main channel for play on and off the water, it is the Midwest’s premier destination for world-class boating and fishing, plus the eponymous state park with caves minutes south. Osage Beach, the "heart of the Ozarks," is a lakeside escape done right. Easy access directly to US Route 54, lakeside beauty, and outdoor opportunities attract hordes under the sunny summer skies for a getaway vacation.
The town, just 42 miles from Jefferson City, spans both sides of the scenic Grand Glaize Bridge in central Missouri. It is a hub for shopping, dining, resorts, and affordable accommodation options alongside some of the best boating in the Midwest. In addition to unique shops at the Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace, Miner Mike's Inc. is a family amusement center, while the Osage Beach City Peaceful Park offers a pristine corner to escape resort vibes.
Stockton, Missouri
Stockton is the command center for the inverted-V-shaped Stockton Lake on its northern shore. Offering simple highway access and trails to all of the attractions along the lake's vast, jagged shores, this small town bustles during any beautiful day in the summer. Score one of the popular cabin options, like the Adventure Awaits Cabin Rental or a room at the top-rated Sky Ranch Inn just up the highway. With over 1 million visitors a year to the Stockton area, the Stockton Lake Visitor Center offers guides in a building along the shore.
The town is home to a public beach and two day-use areas. Park your sails at the Stockton State Park Marina or pitch a tent at a campground. There are plenty of trails to hike or bike around Stockton Lake, like Crabtree Cove Trail, with boardwalks and picnic spots. The state park also features a beach for swimming and fishing coves. After a good workout down the shore, drop by Squeeze Inn for their popular squeezeburger in a low-key diner decorated with gnomes. The Harry S. Truman Birthplace State Historic Site is approximately 40 minutes away in Lamar.
Warsaw, Missouri
Accessible via Highway 7, Warsaw nudges its deeply historic red-brick downtown into the eastern shore of Harry S. Truman Reservoir. Attractions are strewn around the nooks and crannies of the body of water, filling the Ozarks region with opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Harry S. Truman State Park offers something for every waterman and land crawler, including hiking trails, camping, and picnic spots. Truman Lake Dam is a must-see, and Lay Park is a solid option for a serene hike or shaded recreation.
After exploring the antique mall, gift shops, and Benton County Museum, head down to Drake Harbor on a looping lakefront trail to take in the sunset or the seasonal Christmas light show. There's something for everyone, like the Yellow Deli Warsaw for breakfast, an epic mountain bike park, public marinas, and the scenic Long Shoal Bridge. Take the highway to the Long Shoal Marina and Restaurant for a dockside dining atmosphere with a buffet option. Truman Lake Opry, nearby in Clinton, is popular among locals and tourists alike for an evening of live entertainment.
Small Ozarks towns stand out almost as brightly as the irregular-shaped lakes; these six are portals to exploring the 47,000-square-mile region with two mountain ranges. Any choice lands you in the heart of the country, a region perfect for waterfront recreation and epic sunsets highlighting the beauty of the Ozarks.
