Lake of the Ozarks State Park stretches across more than 17,600 acres in Camden and Miller Counties, making it Missouri’s largest state park. Nestled along the Grand Glaize Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, the park pairs rugged Ozark terrain with miles of pristine shoreline — a combination you won’t find anywhere else in the state park system.

Two public swimming beaches give families easy lake access without needing a boat, though boaters will find plenty of launch points and coves to explore. Over 80 miles of trails wind through dense oak-hickory forest and along rocky bluffs, serving hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Ozark Caverns, accessible by guided tour, features “Angel’s Shower” — an active waterfall inside the cave that’s one of the few of its kind open to the public.

The park offers multiple campgrounds ranging from basic sites to electric hookups, plus rental cabins for those who prefer a roof overhead. Reservations fill fast during summer weekends, so booking early is worth the effort. Fishing is productive year-round, with crappie, bass, and catfish all well-represented in the lake’s sheltered arms.

Spring and fall deliver the best hiking conditions — mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and fall color that lights up the Ozark hillsides in October. Summer is peak season for swimming and water sports, though expect company. Winter brings solitude and surprisingly good trail running on the park’s well-maintained paths.

Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or a day on the water, this park delivers.

Explore Nearby

• Mark Twain National Forest — National Forest in Missouri
• Union Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Sandy Creek Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Thousand Hills State Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri
• Stacy Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri