Dog-friendly and waterside camping near Osage Beach
Find summertime fun at this amped-up lake town in mid-Missouri.
- Osage Beach
Popular camping styles for Osage Beach
Dog-friendly and waterside camping near Osage Beach guide
Overview
At the heart of Missouri, you’ll find one of the Show Me State’s largest lakes and the bustling lakeside town of Osage Beach. Lake of the Ozarks has a reputation for being a party spot, but that doesn’t mean you can’t also find quiet coves to explore. Whether you’ll hit the waters, tramp through the wooded trails, explore tourist town attractions, or get a little rambunctious, you may be surprised by the region’s diverse offerings. The lake’s clear waters are bounded by forested hills, providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor recreation.
Where to go
The Town of Osage Beach
Osage Beach is the largest city in the Lake of the Ozarks regions, offering visitors a plethora of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Adults can find live entertainment and libations at lakeside lounges. But, serenity seekers can retreat into nature to get away from it all. Private RV parks can be found close to the lake and in the town of Osage Beach, with various amenities, such as full hookups, swimming pools, and tent and RV campsites. Cabins, glamping accommodations, and more are also readily available.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Though Osage Beach is a popular base camp on the lake, this 55,000-acre lake extends far into the hills and valleys across a broad region. Escape the crowds by heading out to the smaller towns of Linn Creek, Eldon, or Gravois Mills. Take a hike at Ha Ha Tonka State Park to see the grand remnants of a burned-out castle once built as a private home. Whether you prefer to find fun on land or sea, Lake of the Ozarks State Park will have an activity for you. Hiking, boating, swimming, and watersports can be accessed. In addition to the campground’s tent and RV sites, the park offers rustic cabins and glamping yurts.
Bennett Spring State Park
Less than an hour southwest of Osage Beach, Bennett Spring State Park is worthy of a day trip or overnight stay. A spring-fed creek runs through the scenic park, and it is regularly stocked with trout, making this a popular spot for fly fishing. The warmer waters of the nearby Niangua River are teeming with bass, as well as canoers and paddlers on warm summer days. Bennett Spring State Park has multiple camping areas, with tent and RV sites, some offering electric or full hookups. Other accommodations include an onsite motel, deluxe cabins, and large four-plex units.
When to go
The lake is popping in summertime, as flocks of folks take advantage of the warm temperatures and sunny skies to hit the waters. Those camping without electricity may find the heat and humidity to be overwhelming when on land. Spring is a good time for camping, with pleasant temperatures, and fall offers beautiful scenery as the hills and forests alight with colors. The lake is best enjoyed on a boat during these shoulder seasons. Winter is chilly in mid-Missouri, with cold temperatures and the potential for snow and ice.
