Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks
4.5
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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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Lake of the Ozarks
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
117 reviews
Excellent
71
Very good
29
Average
6
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily M
2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
We visited during a hot, sunny summer weekend and had a great time with our 1 and 3 year old. There are beautiful state park beaches, our kids enjoyed playing in the sand and in the water. We enjoyed time at the pool with the lake view in the background.
The area is growing, with more condo buildings going up on the lakeshore. Depending on where you stay, there are still forested areas to enjoy.
We look forward to visiting again to enjoy putt-putt golf and the arcades in the area when our kids are old enough.
The area is growing, with more condo buildings going up on the lakeshore. Depending on where you stay, there are still forested areas to enjoy.
We look forward to visiting again to enjoy putt-putt golf and the arcades in the area when our kids are old enough.
Written June 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chase Adventure with Jess
Wright City, MO81 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Our family makes a trip to Lake of the Ozarks every year. We stay in the Gravios Arm during the week, and it's quiet. The Lake certainly gets busy during the weekends, especially over holidays.
It's fun to be there on the 4th of July because everyone shoots off fireworks, but you're also listening to fireworks for hours.
There is so much to do around the lake. Caves to explore, water sports, Ha Ha Tonka SP, adventure parks, hiking, etc. We are never bored when visiting Lake of the Ozarks.
It's fun to be there on the 4th of July because everyone shoots off fireworks, but you're also listening to fireworks for hours.
There is so much to do around the lake. Caves to explore, water sports, Ha Ha Tonka SP, adventure parks, hiking, etc. We are never bored when visiting Lake of the Ozarks.
Written August 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Koen
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Although it was very hot and humid it was a great couple of days we spent at the Ozarks!
It’s a very beautiful place with lots of places to visit! Stark Caverns was really nice, was great to get out of the heat for a while.
Adult only swim up bars are nice.
10/10 I’m going back there!
It’s a very beautiful place with lots of places to visit! Stark Caverns was really nice, was great to get out of the heat for a while.
Adult only swim up bars are nice.
10/10 I’m going back there!
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thirday70
23 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
I find The Lake of Ozarks to be down right disgusting. This place has become so commercialized & frankly very tacky. People go there to get naked and party and pee & vomit in the water. It is classless & honestly white trashy anymore. Will not be going back!
Written May 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where are the best places to go to play pickup sand volleyball?
Written June 16, 2023
Is there any place where you can sit inside and have a drink and and smoke??
Written April 19, 2022
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
Written November 8, 2019
Hi, I plan to vacation over Thanksgiving's 4 day weekend. Anything fun happening?
Written October 22, 2018
Best free place to watch the sunrise and the sunsets at the lake of the Ozarks? Any hill tops?
Written January 4, 2018
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.
Written January 17, 2018
angeladunne0817
Springfield, Illinois
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
Written August 15, 2017
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
Written August 17, 2017
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!
Written June 19, 2017
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
Written February 2, 2018
marciabragg493
Berwyn, Illinois
Would like to rent a cabin for August 5th until August 8th trying to find out a little more information
Written June 6, 2017
marciabragg493
Berwyn, Illinois
Would like to rent a cabin August 5th until August 8th would like to find out more information
Written June 6, 2017
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