Table Rock Lake

TABLE ROCK LAKE – Winding through the valleys of the Ozark Mountains from Branson, Missouri, to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Table Rock Lake is a favorite of boaters, SCUBA divers, campers, nature enthusiasts and fishermen. Table Rock was created in August 1958 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Table Rock Dam across the White River. Construction had begun in October 1954 and by June 1959 hydro-electric power was being distributed to the Ozarks. The area already had established itself as a prime fishing and recreation area as far back as the 1930s but needed protection from devastating floods on the White River. Below the dam, the Missouri Department of Conservation operates a fish hatchery, which is used to stock trout in Lake Taneycomo. Branson’s Entertainment District is only a short drive away. The mild climate and peaceful lifestyle, combined with myriad activities and nearby attractions, make Table Rock Lake one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S.

BEACHES/AMENITIES – With almost 800 miles of shoreline, Table Rock has many beautiful spots for swimming in its crystal-clear water. Moonshine Beach, adjacent to the Dewey Short Visitor Center Recreation Area, is the most popular. It offers a spacious, sandy beach where you can swim, dive, sunbathe, picnic, hike or play volleyball. If you want to avoid larger crowds and boat traffic, the Beaver area on the southwest corner of the lake is a favorite swimming spot. Cape Fair, just off Highway 75, offers wide-open water for plenty of swimming. Many of the campsites around Table Rock also have swimming areas. Please note swimming is forbidden in some parts of the lake, especially near the marinas and boat launches.

DINING –From an elegantdinner with a breathtaking view to a homestyle diner where you can park your boat, there are myriad dining options around Table Rock Lake. Top of the Rock features a variety of dining options to go along with sweeping views of the Ozark Mountains. Enjoy a meal right on the lake at the Floating Café at Indian Point, Danna’s BBQ and Burgers at the State Park Marina or Lakeside Restaurant in Branson West. Just off the lake sits The Steak Inn in Shell Knob, a longtime local favorite serving the best top sirloin and stuffed shrimp in town.

SIGHTSEEING – There are many great sights to see in and around Table Rock Lake. From the water, take a ride on the Spirit of America or book passage on the Showboat Branson Belle, a two-hour cruise featuring lunch or dinner and live entertainment. There also are many sights to see on land around the lake, including the Talking Rocks Cavern, the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, and Branson’s Silver Dollar City amusement park.

PRIVATE BOAT DOCKS – Boat docks are permitted only in areas designated for limited development. Maps showing these areas are available at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Office in Branson. Or you can view a map of shoreline zoning in PDF format from this website. The density of development in limited development areas will depend on ecological and aesthetic values and the availability of satisfactory mooring areas. About 10 percent of the shoreline is zoned as limited development area.

Go here for additional information on Table Rock shoreline management guidelines. 

Waterfront homes range from $60,000 from $200,000 for channel front, and from $200,000 to 1 million for homes on the main lake. Prices depend mostly on condition and location.

Links:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District

Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri general boating laws