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Missouri is known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and rich history, and its various lakes embody all of those elements.Enjoy boating, hiking or just relaxing by the shore; lakes in Missouri offer the ideal backdrop. Many of these lakes are in state parks, campgrounds and cute little towns, making them perfect for a weekend escape. Missouri lakes await wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers for water sports. They also serve an important role in conservation and outdoor education in a perfect setting.
10 Must-Visit Lakes In Missouri
Discover 10 stunning lakes in Missouri where you can unwind by the water, enjoy thrilling adventures, and create memories.
1. Lake of the Ozarks
Photo: Ben Jacobson / Wikimedia Commons
Missouri’s most popular lake, Lake of the Ozarks. Formed in 1931 by damming up the Osage River, it is now a premier spot for boating and lakefront fun. Thrill-seekers come here to wakeboard, jet ski, and parasail. Ha Ha Tonka State Park provides hiking trails, caves and the ruins of a castle and you can also visit Bridal Cave. It’s also popular with families and partygoers, with a waterfront lined with upscale resorts, marinas, and lively restaurants. Lake of the Ozarks also has its annual events, such as the Shootout Boat Race, one of the largest powerboat races in the U.S.
Location: Central Missouri, near Osage Beach
Best Time To Visit: May – September
2. Table Rock Lake
Photo: KTrimble / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Ozark Mountains, Table Rock Lake is a clean reservoir with crystalline waters and a rugged shoreline. Constructed in 1958 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It is known for its world-class bass, which come from the deep, cold waters. The lake’s placid surface lends itself to kayaking and paddleboarding, while scuba divers are drawn to its underwater forests and rock formations. You can hike and camp at Table Rock State Park or cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle. The lake’s location near Branson makes it ideal for outdoor adventure with entertainment.
Location: Southwest Missouri, near Branson
Best Time To Visit: April – October
3. Stockton Lake
Photo: Semipaw / Wikimedia Commons
Stockton Lake is a secret treasure tucked in Missouri, with clear waters and steady winds that have earned the state’s top sailing designation. With miles of undeveloped shoreline, it promises peaceful escapes from crowded tourist hotspots. Scuba divers scour the submerged remains of old towns while birdwatchers look for bald eagles and great blue herons. Stockton State Park Marina offers great amenities for boaters and campers. Unlike many Missouri lakes, Stockton has strict building restrictions that preserve its natural beauty.
Location: Southwest Missouri, near Stockton
Best Time To Visit: May – September
4. Mark Twain Lake
Photo: Mostateparks / Wikimedia Commons
Mark Twain Lake is one of the highest spots in Missouri for boating and wildlife watching. The lake was named for the respected author Mark Twain, who was born nearby, and it’s surrounded by Mark Twain State Park and Mark Twain State Forest, which provide wonderful opportunities for camping and hiking. Boaters find hidden inlets to explore and kayakers paddle in protected waters. The dam, which formed the lake, also supports a hydroelectric power station. The region packs a lot of history, including the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site just down the road.
Location: Northeast Missouri, near Monroe City
Best Time To Visit: Summer for water sports
5. Pomme de Terre Lake
Photo: Gobonobo / Wikimedia Commons
Pomme de Terre Lake is one of the most peaceful and underrated lakes in Missouri. Its name, which means “apple of the earth” in French, is a tribute to the area’s natural beauty. Boaters and kayakers come here and enjoy the calm waters, and the Pomme de Terre State Park features excellent camping, hiking and swimming. The lake’s two public beaches are family-friendly, and its quiet coves lend themselves to wildlife watching. Pomme de Terre offers relative calm, even in peak season, so it’s a good place to retreat quietly.
Location: Southwest Missouri, near Pittsburg
Best Time To Visit: April – October
6. Truman Lake
Photo: Semipaw / Wikimedia Commons
The largest man-made reservoir in Missouri, Truman Lake, is 55,600 acres and boasts some of the most diverse wildlife you can find. The Truman Dam, built for flood control and hydroelectric generation, created the lake. Boaters can explore many small islands and tucked-away coves, while the surrounding Harry S. Truman State Park has hiking, camping and bird-watching. The area also has historical significance; nearby is the Warsaw Historic District, featuring 19th-century buildings.
Location: West-central Missouri, near Warsaw
Best Time To Visit: Summer for boating
7. Lake Taneycomo
Photo: Tequask / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Taneycomo, named after Taney County, Missouri, is a special hybrid lake between river and lake. Founded in 1913, it spans 2,080 acres and is mainly fed with cold water from the Table Rock Dam. Because of its cold waters, rainbow and brown trout flourish on the lake. Boatmen and kayakers play in its placid currents, while the picturesque Branson Landing waterfront offers restaurants, shops and entertainment on the water by the lake’s edge. For stunning views of the Ozark Mountains, try the nearby Scenic Railway.
Location: Southwest Missouri, near Branson
Best Time To Visit: Year round
8. Blue Springs Lake
Photo: Nightryder84 / Wikimedia Commons
Blue Springs Lake, 720 acres, is a boater’s paradise outside Kansas City. Unlike many lakes in Missouri, this one’s built for high-speed boating and jet skiing, making it a thrill-seeker’s paradise. The lake also features clean, sandy beaches well-suited for swimming and designated spots for sailing. Nearby Fleming Park offers hiking and picnic areas, as well as an archery range for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Wakeboarders and waterskiers here navigate wide-open waters. As a getaway from urban living, the Blue Springs Marina provides rentals and restaurants.
Location: Western Missouri, near Kansas City
Best Time To Visit: May – September
9. Smithville Lake
Photo: Kansas City District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / Wikimedia Commons
Smithville Lake is a 7,200-acre local favourite near Kansas City, boasting a mix of outdoor activities. It’s a sanctuary for boaters and campers with more than 175 miles of shoreline. The Smoke & Davey Trail System runs along the lake, offering picturesque hikes and bike paths. Also, Smithville Lake is a wildlife conservation area where deer, foxes and bald eagles can all be seen. Smithville hosts designated no-wake areas, unlike many recreational lakes, which allow kayakers and paddleboarders to experience peaceful waters. Nearby, the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex offers scenic lakefront golfing.
Location: Northwest Missouri, near Smithville
Best Time To Visit: Spring and Summer for boating; Fall for scenic hikes
10. Mozingo Lake
Photo: Matthiaskost / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Mozingo Lake, a 1,000-acre hidden gem in northwest Missouri, offers untouched nature trails. Unlike some other lakes in Missouri, Mozingo does not have a lot of commercialisation to it, so it is a quiet getaway. The Mozingo Outdoor Education Centre hosts nature programs, and the Mozingo Golf Course ranked one of Missouri’s best public courses, has a scenic playing experience. The lake has three boat ramps, making it easy for kayakers and paddleboarders to get out there. During winter, the area is a hotbed of activity for birdwatching. Its remoteness equates to fewer crowds, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking for a quiet getaway.
Location: Northwest Missouri, near Maryville
Best Time To Visit: Spring, Summer, Winter
Whether you are on the giant Lake of the Ozarks or savouring the clear waters of Table Rock Lake, each destination has its gift to enjoy. These lakes in Missouri offer year-round pursuits, from summer water sports to fall foliage hikes and winter getaways. They are perfect for families, solos, and adventure seekers, possessing excellent facilities, camping sites, and nearby attractions. Plan your next trip to Missouri’s lakes with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Heath Cajandig / Wikimedia Commons
