Missouri is known for having beautiful lakes and stunning scenery so it’s no surprise there are so many great Family Lake Resorts in this state! Summer is the big season for lake resorts in Missouri with some resorts only being open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Two lakes in particular really stand out for family-friendly resorts in Missouri. Lake of the Ozarks is located in central Missouri, about 2-3 hours from both Kansas City, MO, and St. Louis, MO. Table Rock Lake is in the Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri and just 20 minutes away from Branson. If you’re looking for fishing, waterskiing, swimming, or just lakeside views for your next vacation getaway – you just found it! So… where to first?
Top 12 Best Lake Resorts in Missouri
1. Big Cedar Lodge – Ridgedale, Missouri (Table Rock Lake)
Big Cedar Lodge is the ultimate family-friendly resort on Table Rock Lake. It offers a variety of accommodations to suit your family’s needs during your stay including the lodge, lakeside cottages, log cabins, houses on the golf course, and glamping/camping cabins.
There are 5 golf courses on the property: Payne’s Valley (19-hole), Ozarks National (18-hole), Buffalo Ridge (18-hole), Top of the Rock (9-hole, par 3), and Mountain Top (13-hole, walking course). Resort amenities are available to all guests or all accommodation types. These include yard games, mini golf, nature trails, fire pits, and a playground.
Soak up the sun by one of the multiple outdoor pools and hot tubs located in 4 separate areas on the resort grounds or try out the lazy river or kids pool. There is even a lakeside beach on Table Rock Lake as well as pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks if you’re feeling more adventurous.
What we love most about it:
- Lakeside beach lounging on Table Rock Lake
- World-class golf on one of 5 golf courses
- Variety of accommodation styles and prices points – more Best Missouri Family Resorts
Read Our Full Resort Review: Big Cedar Lodge
📍Big Cedar Lodge – 190 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739
2. Still Waters Resort – Branson, Missouri (Table Rock Lake)
Still Waters Lakefront Resort is located in Branson Missouri, nestled on the banks of Table Rock Lake. There are a variety of accommodations ranging from 1-3 bedroom condos for families to enjoy the resort comfortably.
Resort amenities include multiple outdoor pools, a 15′ waterfall to swim under, a hot tub, a water slide, and lounging areas with sun beds, lounge chairs, or hammocks available… decisions, decisions!
Complimentary activities available at the marina include fishing, swimming, paddle boards, paddle boats, kayaks, and our personal favorite – aqua bikes. There is not a golf course at this resort but there are 11 courses within 30 minutes.
What we love most about it:
- Resort pool with a swim under waterfall – more Best Resort Pools
- Riding aquabikes on Table Rock Lake
- Spacious accommodations with 1 – 3 room condos for families to spread out
Read Our Full Resort Review: Still Waters Lakefront Resort
📍Still Waters Resort – 21 Stillwater Trail, Branson, MO 65616
3. Watermill Cove Resort – Indian Point, Missouri (Table Rock Lake)
Watermill Cove Resort is located on beautiful Table Rock Lake. It is great for a large family gathering, offering a variety of accommodations ranging from 4-11 room villas.
Activities to enjoy while staying at Watermill Cove include multiple pools, a lazy river, a splash pad, a treehouse playground, an arcade, mini golf, and yard games. There is a private dock for fishing, swimming, and complimentary use of canoes, kayaks, and peddle boats to enjoy a day on Table Rock Lake.
Cozy up to the fire pit in the evenings and don’t forget to look up at the stars!
What we love most about it:
- Going kayaking on Table Rock Lake
- Playing family lawn games or a game night in the arcade
- Relaxing at the lazy river and resort pools – more Best Pools at Missouri Resorts
Read Our Full Resort Review: Watermill Cove Resort
📍Watermill Cove Resort – 175 Harbor Ln, Branson, MO 65616
4. Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks – Osage Beach, Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks)
The Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks has just about everything you could want in a family-friendly resort!
Take your pick from golf, horseback riding, mini golf, sports courts, or the spa. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools or opt for the Jolly Mon indoor waterpark (yes, you read that correctly). Of course, no lake resort would be complete without a Marina with opportunities for boat rentals and a tropic island cruise that Jimmy Buffet would approve of.
There are 8 options on-site for dining and drinks because, as we know, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!
What we love most about it:
- Topic Island Cruises on Lake of the Ozarks
- Horseback riding and mini golf with the kiddos
- Family fun day at the Jolly Mon indoor waterpark – more Best Missouri Resort Pools
Read Our Full Resort Review: Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks
📍Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks – 494 Tan Tara Estate Drive, Osage Beach, MO 65065
5. Camden on the Lake Resort Spa & Yacht Club – Lake Ozark, Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks)
Camden on the Lake Resort, Spa, and Yacht Club is the newest resort on the shores of Lake of the Ozarks. There are multiple places to grab a bite to eat or a drink lakeside at the resort.
The Horny Toad Entertainment Complex is located just steps from the Camden on the Lake lobby, offering live music on Friday and Saturday nights in the Summer, check the schedule ahead of your arrival.
There is an outdoor pool and swim-up bar as well as 2 hot tubs with a waterfall. Pontoon or ski boats and wave runners can be rented at the marina, or opt for a water taxi or fishing charter to explore the lake.
What we love most about it:
- Swim-up bar with a lake view… duh!
- Catching a live music show on Summer weekends
- Fishing on Lake of the Ozarks
Read Our Full Resort Review: Camden on the Lake Resort, Spa, and Yacht Club
📍Camden on the Lake Resort, Spa, & Yacht Club – 2359 Bittersweet Rd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049
6. Old Kinderhook Resort Golf, Club, & Spa – Camdenton, Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks)
The Old Kinderhook Resort Golf, Club, & Spa is located near Lake of the Ozarks. Guests can choose to stay at the lodge or opt for a larger space with a rental home or cottage great for a big group. There are two dining options on-site, both casual and more upscale.
Spend your days on the renowned Old Kinderhook Golf Course, relaxing at the spa, playing beach volleyball, or soaking up some sun at the lake or pool. Old Kinderhook partners with a boat rental company to help make arrangements to enjoy the Lake of the Ozarks in all its splendor!
In the Winter, there is an outdoor ice skating rink and Christmas-themed activities on weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
What we love most about it:
- Spending a day in a rented boat on Lake of the Ozarks
- Seasonal Christmas village with an outdoor ice skating rink – more Best Family Resorts in MO
- Playing sand volleyball on the lakeside beach
Read Our Full Resort Review: Old Kinderhook Resort Golf, Club, & Spa
📍Old Kinderhook Resort Golf, Club, & Spa – 678 Old Kinderhook Dr, Camdenton, MO 65020
7. Lodge of Four Seasons – Lake Ozark, Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks)
The Lodge of the Four Seasons is nestled on the banks of the Lake of the Ozarks and has 7 options on-property for dining and drinks.
It boasts two 18-hole golf courses, both with stunning scenery and lake views, a spa, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, shopping on-site, and fireworks on Summer holidays. Take in all the Lake of the Ozarks has to offer with a watersports charter (water ski, wakeboard, tubing) or rent a boat or jet ski for the day. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, get a bird’s eye view of the lake with a parasailing trip!
What we love most about it:
- Parasailing on Lake of the Ozarks
- Fireworks on holiday nights in the Summer
- Two 18-hole golf courses with lake views
Read Our Full Resort Review: Lodge of the Four Seasons
📍Lodge of the Four Seasons – 315 Four Seasons Dr, Lake Ozark, MO 65049
8. Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center – Branson, Missouri (Table Rock Lake)
Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center is located in Branson, MO with views of Table Rock Lake. There are 5 options for dining and drinks on the property including a winery and cafe, a dessert shop, and Sunday champagne brunch…. vacation, right? Enjoy your days at the spa, swimming at the indoor and outdoor pools, exploring nature trails, playing tennis, or grabbing a show at the movie theater. Or grab a shuttle to the marina to rent a boat, go fishing, or waterskiing for the day on Table Rock Lake. There is also the Crawdaddies Kids Club that pairs perfectly with the champagne brunch (wink).
What we love most about it:
- Waterskiing on Table Rock Lake
- Crawdaddies Kids Club … and champagne brunch!
- Exploring lakeside nature trails – more Branson Missouri Resorts
Read Our Full Resort Review: Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center
📍Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center – 415 N State Hwy 265, Branson, MO 65616
9. Westgate Branson Lakes Resort – Hollister, Missouri (Table Rock Lake)
Westgate Branson Lakes Resort overlooks Table Rock Lake and offers spacious 1-2 bedroom villa accommodations that feel private but all the amenities of a resort. Enjoy the heated indoor or outdoor pools, sport courts, sand volleyball, mini golf, or a variety of family activities like build-your-own sundaes or a tie-dye party. Matching family shirts anyone?… anyone?
What we love most about it:
- Ending the day with a cocktail and Table Rock Lake views
- Schedule of kid-friendly family activities
- Spacious accommodations with 1 – 2 bedroom villas – more Branson Missouri Resorts
Read Our Full Resort Review: Westgate Branson Lakes Resort
📍Westgate Branson Lakes Resort – 750 Emerald Point Dr, Hollister, MO 65672
10. D’Monaco Resort – Ridgedale, Missouri (Table Rock Lake)
D’Monaco Resort on Table Rock Lake offers guests 1-3 bedroom condo accommodations. There is an outdoor pool, swim-up bar, and fire pits complete with s’more kits. Paddle boards and kayaks can be rented to spend a day on Table Rock Lake. Seasonal lakeside dining is available but there are multiple restaurants within the 10-minute drive into Branson.
What we love most about it:
- Watching the sunset over Table Rock Lake
- Roasting s’mores by the fire pit
- Swim-up bar… duh!
📍D’Monaco Resort– 4125 State Hwy 86, Ridgedale, MO 65739
11. Tribesman Resort – Branson, Missouri (Table Rock Lake)
The Tribesman Resort on Table Rock Lake outside of Branson, Missouri is a collection of 1-3 bedroom private accommodations like cabins and condos on a lakefront property. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, swimming dock, hiking trails, and pontoon boat and golf cart rentals. There are no restaurants on-site at this property but there are a handful of dining options just down the road and a grocery store about 15 minutes away.
What we love most about it:
- Enjoying the swimming dock on Table Rock Lake
- Private lakefront cabins and condos with space for larger families
- Exploring hiking trails and nearby Branson – more Branson Missouri Resorts
📍Tribesman Resort – 416 Cave Ln, Branson, MO 65616
12. Stonewater Cove Resort and Spa – Shell Knob, Missouri (Table Rock Lake)
Stone Cove Waters Resort is currently only booking resort buy-out reservations. It’s definitely not for everyone but for a large family reunion or wedding it may be just what you’re looking for! Located on the banks of Table Rock Lake, the resort offers 20 lakeside accommodations ranging from rooms with one king bed to 3 bedroom suites. The resort rental rate includes all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and resort amenities during your stay. Activities on the property include a pool, hot tub, yard games, mini golf, nature trails, and fire pits complete with s’more kits. There is also a swim dock to enjoy fishing, swimming, and kayaking or canoeing on Table Rock Lake. Oh, and did we mention the spa?
What we love most about it:
- Private swim dock on Table Rock Lake
- Perfect spot for a large family reunion with full resort rental
- Exploring nature trails and nearby Branson – more Branson Missouri Resorts
📍Stonewater Cove Resort– 1257 Sunset Timbers Trl, Shell Knob, MO 65747
Related Articles
- Best Missouri Family Resorts
- Best Resort Pools in Missouri
- Best Family Resorts in Branson, Missouri
- Best Tennessee Family Resorts
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Frequently
Asked
Questions
What is the largest lake in Missouri?
Lake of the Ozarks is the largest lake in Missouri. It was created in 1931 when the Osage river was dammed. It has an impressive 54,000 acres in surface area and over 1,150 miles of shoreline making it one of the largest lakes in the United States of America.
Where is Lake of the Ozarks located?
Lake of the Ozarks is located in central Missouri. It is about a 2 hour drive from Kansas City, MO and just under a 3 hour drive from St. Louis, MO – not accounting for traffic!
Where is Table Rock Lake located?
Table Rock Lake is located in southwestern Missouri. It is just about 20 minutes from downtown Branson, 1 hour south of Springfield, MO, and 2 hours north of Fayetteville, Arkansas (Woo Pig Sooie!)
What activities is Table Rock Lake known for?
While there are many activities to enjoy on Table Rock Lake like waterskiing, kayaking, and swimming. It is known for being an great place for bass fishing in particular, but anglers should also keep an eye out for crappie, white bass, catfish, and bluegill species.