Top 9 Things To Do On Table Rock Lake

There are tons of fun things to do on Table Rock Lake, but below we’ve narrowed it down to our top nine choices.  Enjoy!

1. Moonshine Beach. Who ever said that lakes don’t have real beaches? Dig your feet into the sparkling sand at Moonshine Beach, just across Table Rock Dam from the Dewey Short Visitors Center. The beach area has picnic shelters, a playground, BBQ grills, showers and a sand volleyball net. There is also a courtesy dock and a boat launch ramp. Entry to the beach is $4 per vehicle. For more information, visit http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/tablerock/campgroundpages.htm.

2. Cliff Jumping. Feeling adventurous? Head to the lake and get ready to jump! Near Kimberling City (west of the bridge), State Park (south near Emerald Point) and Creekside Marina (just south of the Hwy 86 bridge), there are 3 sets of cliffs great for (and safe for) jumping off into the sparkling green water below. There’s nothing quite like the rush you get when falling and then plunging deep into the lake. For an extra thrill, try the rope swing at Gage’s as well – the kids will love it.

3. Dewey Short Visitors Center. Learn the history of Table Rock Lake at the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitors Center. Watch the three different videos showing at the Dewey Short to experience the history of Table Rock Dam, the expedition of Meriweather Lewis and William Clark and the life of the majestic bald eagles, which can often be seen around the lake in the autumn and winter months. Visitors to the center can also see exhibits on the natural history of the Branson area. Step outside and enjoy sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving or fishing on the lake. Or, take a walk through the woods on the 2.2-mile Table Rock Lakeshore Trail. The visitors center is located on Highway 165 at the south end of the dam. For more information, visit http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/tablerock/recreation.htm.

4. Underwater City. When the White River was dammed to form Table Rock Lake in 1958, many existing buildings and other structures were submerged whole, as were the area flora and fauna. Although it has been more than 50 years since then, divers in Table Rock can still visit the former city of Oasis, Mo., and see the remnants of Main Street and an old wooden church. Also in the depths of Table Rock, see the “Enchanted Forest,” an underwater grove of oak trees. For more information, visit http://www.dtmag.com/dive-usa/locations/TableRockLakeMO.html.

5. Rent wave runners. Go to any of Table Rock Lake’s marinas and rent a wave runner for an hour or for the day. But remember, to operate a motorized vehicle on the lake, you must be 18 years of age or older. And, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1984, must also take a boating safety education course. From out of state? Don’t worry, temporary permits are available for non-Missouri residents.

6. Bass Fishing. Rent a rod and reel, or bring your own, and head to the lake for a quiet day of fishing surrounded by beautiful scenery. Table Rock Lake has been rated among the top lakes in the U.S. for bass fishing of all varieties. You might catch large-mouth, small-mouth, spotted or white bass on your adventure. Many area marinas offer professional fishing guides for hire, if you want to find the best places to hook that bass. There are also many professional bass fishing tournaments throughout the year.

7. Parasail. See Table Rock Lake from the air on a ride with American Para-Sail, which departs from State Park Marina (south of the dam one mile). Rides last 8 to 10 minutes and cost $79. Reservations are needed, and are made every hour. For more information, visit http://www.stateparkmarina.com/parasailing.html.

8. Chateau Grille. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake from the deck at Chateau on the Lake’s finest restaurant (perhaps the finest on the lake as well). The award-winning eatery offers more than 50 menu items at breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. For an extra treat, reserve the chef’s table to discuss your meal in all its intricacies with its creator.

9. Party Cove. Want to let it all hang out? Head to Party Cove in Kimberling City (west of the bridge) or to Cow Creek, where you can mix and mingle with other fun-loving lakegoers! Eat, drink and be merry, all while getting a tan. Nothing is more fun than a day of partying on beautiful Table Rock Lake.  Unofficial season is from Labor Day to Memorial Day.