Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks
4.5
About
Created when the Bagnell Dam was constructed in 1931, this lake covers more than 54,000 acres and has more than 1,150 miles of shoreline.
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Restaurants
42 within 3 miles
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13 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
112 reviews
Excellent
69
Very good
27
Average
5
Poor
5
Terrible
6
Rcostel
New Jersey4 contributions
Aug 2021
We were in St Louis for wedding so we rented a condo at the Lake of the Ozarks not far from Osage Beach. Some wrote about the funky water and E-coli. The lake water was very warm so you will always have that problem. What bothered me was the color it was brown. We went to sunrise beach and a restaurant call Franky and Louie's. The Resturant was outside with bar and swimming area along with a RV park and marina. It was packed and they had warning signs about biker colors being worn.We live at the Jersey shore,I have never seen that before. The lake itself Is beautiful and night quite peaceful.
I can see where the weekends could be out of control and bit dangerous with all the high speed boats. Again, living in NY metro area, I was not all impressed with the food and actually had some stomach issues after eating at one of the so called better restaurants. This was trip was a lark, but I doubt I will be back again.
I can see where the weekends could be out of control and bit dangerous with all the high speed boats. Again, living in NY metro area, I was not all impressed with the food and actually had some stomach issues after eating at one of the so called better restaurants. This was trip was a lark, but I doubt I will be back again.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jasmine G
1 contribution
Jun 2020 • Friends
I have lived in the lake of the Ozarks my whole life and its awesome! You can get condos, houses, and stay at resorts that are right on the water! People write bad reviews because of one place here, they just haven't seen all of the lake. Maybe there are accidents and everything but thats normally live in the lake of the Ozarks or big cities in general. And it might not be the safest to go out on the water but in some areas it is. I would check out Lake of the Ozarks if I were you, you'll have a blast!
Written January 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bob Wolff
Overland Park, KS7 contributions
Sep 2019 • Family
my favorite part of visiting The Lake, as it is called, is the lush trees surrounding vibrant waters - a view you can see from any road at many times on your way to your destination or port of call...i suggest if you are visiting for the 1st time that you prepare for any weather, particularly hot and sunny, with appropriate clothing and hats/eyewear (and check the coverage of your cellphone - many hills/valleys)...pic enclosed is a bonfire in my sisters front yard we lit in memory of my baby bro who we were there to intern on the grounds of The St.Patricks Chapel, a Nationally Registered bldg. in the O road cemetery near Laurie MO.
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
blonde d
7 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
I've been going to Lake of the Ozarks for over 40 years, and the dam area has changed a LOT in even the last couple of decades. It used to be a fun place, even family oriented. There were tons of shops, go-karts, mini-golf and lots of things to do and see. Now....it's pretty much all bars along the strip & a lot of buildings from when I was younger, have been torn down.
I'm glad to see places like Dogpatch & Leatherman are still up & running after all these years. If a new place opens up along the strip, within a year or two, its closed up. The lake & area are a neat place to see & visit, just sucks it has lost it's nostalgia and fun for adults/families. If you have a boat or like to drink, it's the perfect place, or if you simply enjoy spending time at a resort.
Would I recommed seeing the dam & surrounding area....of course. Just hard to forget how it used to be, and when you could look out across the lake and see mostly forest instead of expensive homes/condos. Time, technology and big box stores takes its toll once again..
I'm glad to see places like Dogpatch & Leatherman are still up & running after all these years. If a new place opens up along the strip, within a year or two, its closed up. The lake & area are a neat place to see & visit, just sucks it has lost it's nostalgia and fun for adults/families. If you have a boat or like to drink, it's the perfect place, or if you simply enjoy spending time at a resort.
Would I recommed seeing the dam & surrounding area....of course. Just hard to forget how it used to be, and when you could look out across the lake and see mostly forest instead of expensive homes/condos. Time, technology and big box stores takes its toll once again..
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tree
Osage Beach, MO4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
On the water sure, but IN the water? No I wouldn't recommend it.
I've lived at the lake for almost a decade & have been coming here on and off for twice as long and u don't need an ecoli test result to tell you how gross & disgusting the lake water is...all u need to do is smell your swimsuit & or sandals after you've worn them in the water.
Even the towel you dry off with will smell totally funky! 'Nuff said.
I've lived at the lake for almost a decade & have been coming here on and off for twice as long and u don't need an ecoli test result to tell you how gross & disgusting the lake water is...all u need to do is smell your swimsuit & or sandals after you've worn them in the water.
Even the towel you dry off with will smell totally funky! 'Nuff said.
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tree
Osage Beach, MO4 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
So tired of spending $$$ on overpriced crappy food in this town. Doesn't seem to matter what level the establishment is, the food is almost always crap. I've never thrown away so much food so many times cause it was inedible anywhere else Ive ever lived. It's gotten much worse over the past 5 or 6 years & there is no reason to expect any change.
Written March 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jackie l
Waukesha, WI24 contributions
Jul 2021
Lake Ozark is a dirty overcrowded little town. Boating was fun, but dangerous. It seems like there are no boating rules, just go as fast as possible until you hit something or someone. The water is dirty and probably filled with e-coli. The house rentals are very nice, so staying at a house with a pool is your best bet. There was a murder on the Bagnell strip while we were there before 8pm at night. Seems like biker gangs are taking over the area. There are some nice restaurants in the area with really excellent food. Too bad they don't try to clean up the town.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff J
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
The Lake of the Ozarks is clean and as busy of a lake as you want it to be. It’s 99 miles long. The Higher the mile marker numbers, the quieter the lake. There is something here for everyone. Holiday weekends are hectic in the more populated areas. I boat every week and rarely have had a problem. Like all boating, you have to be careful and responsible. Life jackets provide for a safe experience. The Lake is beautiful year round. Posting from the 2 mile marker.
Be sure you plan the vacation you want to have.
Be sure you plan the vacation you want to have.
Written November 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bill H
Lake of the Ozarks, MO205 contributions
Everything on land is great, but don't go near the water. Between E Coli, 200 mph off shore racers, and huge 6' wakes you will be lucky to get out of the lake with minor injuries. On the water is no place for the family.
You will be sorry you came with Just a five minute ride in the main channel. The 60' Yachts being Captained by people that don't know boating rules, the effect of their huge wakes, or who just don't care what happens to others will make a believer out of you.
Now if you want to just party in the World Famous Party Cove, and be drenched in E Coli filled water, or swim in it come on down. Get drunk, and be somebody.
You will be sorry you came with Just a five minute ride in the main channel. The 60' Yachts being Captained by people that don't know boating rules, the effect of their huge wakes, or who just don't care what happens to others will make a believer out of you.
Now if you want to just party in the World Famous Party Cove, and be drenched in E Coli filled water, or swim in it come on down. Get drunk, and be somebody.
Written July 13, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Expedition6744
Kansas City, MO1 contribution
I and 4 of my friends went to the lake on the 4th of July weekend. We all love the lake and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice getaway, however; when choosing a place to rent a boat - be very careful! We called and reserved a boat through Adventure Boat Rentals 2 weeks in advance. When we got there the owner said that he didn't have our boat and lied to us about what he had in the books (we were clearly marked down for a deck boat and he had us down for a pontoon). When we tried to negotiate another boat the owner, Bill, told us that he didn’t have time to deal with us and turned his back. I was in shock, as were my friends. Please keep this in mind when renting a boat through this company. We weren't the only customers there that this happened to.
Written July 6, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
73jerih
Stone Mountain, GA3 contributions
Hello, I am planning an adventure for my family and extended family to stay 5 days. Did you stay in multiple cabins, hotel or lodge?
I was there back in 1976. We were in cabins feet away from the beach. Based upon reviews this is perfect for my clan ages 1 to 65
Best free place to watch the sunrise and the sunsets at the lake of the Ozarks? Any hill tops?
Vivien T
Hollister, MO1,288 contributions
At Bagnell dam scenic lookout. It is located at the end of the dam. Look for the sign. Sunset is beautiful up there with no trees in your way.
angeladunne0817
Springfield, IL
How much is it to stay in a cabin on the Lake of the Ozarks how much is it for a tent how much is it for camper
RDQEN
Harlingen, TX134 contributions
There are many resorts and campgrounds around this huge lake. With a wide range of prices and amenities. I would check with the chamber of Commerce in Osage Beach or Google cabins and campgrounds on Lake of the Ozarks
IowaDebs
Beach Lake, PA6 contributions
We are staying at Camden on the Lake from July 1-5th. Is it safe for us to rent a boat and drive around? I keep hearing that the lake is too rough and too many huge boats make it unsafe. Any advice would be appreciated!
Bill H
Lake of the Ozarks, MO205 contributions
What you read about the lake is too rough, and too many huge yachts is totally correct from the dam to the 60 mile marker. The Warsaw end of the lake is quiet, and Truman Lake is safe because they do not have the yachts, and is a much wider lake. Lake of the Ozarks is very narrow above the 50 mile marker, and a single yacht can cause a lot of damage with 4 foot wakes. The lower end of the lake is totally unsafe on weekends with multiple yachts causing unbelievable huge wakes. You don't need to believe me, just google: Missouri Highway Patrol Online Boat Drowning Incident Reports
marciabragg493
Berwyn, IL
Would like to rent a cabin for August 5th until August 8th trying to find out a little more information
marciabragg493
Berwyn, IL
Would like to rent a cabin August 5th until August 8th would like to find out more information
Lake of the Ozarks (Missouri) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake of the Ozarks
- Restaurants near Lake of the Ozarks:
- (0.08 mi) Neon Taco
- (0.19 mi) Stewart's Restaurant
- (0.17 mi) Lucky's
- (0.41 mi) Tucker's Shuckers
- (0.38 mi) Casablanca
- Attractions near Lake of the Ozarks:
- (0.14 mi) Paradise Parasail
- (0.14 mi) Paradise Marina and Watersports
- (0.14 mi) Captain MIke Fink's Marina Boat Rental
- (0.53 mi) Lake Escape
- (0.60 mi) Willmore Lodge