Category: lakes; swimming lakes; missouri

Lake of the Ozarks: Missouri's Popular Water Recreation Destination

Overview

Lake of the Ozarks, located in central Missouri, is a man-made reservoir created by the impoundment of the Osage River. It spans over 54,000 acres and offers more than 1,100 miles of shoreline, making it one of the largest lakes in the United States.

The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and watersports, with its scenic beauty and numerous coves, beaches, and parks attracting millions of visitors each year.

Lake of the Ozarks is renowned for its recreational opportunities, and it is surrounded by charming small towns, resorts, and vacation homes, making it a favored spot for weekend getaways and family vacations.

In addition to water activities, visitors can enjoy hiking, golfing, shopping, dining, and attending the many festivals and events that take place throughout the year.

Quick Facts

Location

Central Missouri

GPS Coordinates

38.2132° N, 92.6232° W

Size

Surface Area: 54,000 acres (21,844 hectares)

Maximum Depth: 130 feet (40 meters)

Shoreline Length: 1,100 miles

Swimming at Lake of the Ozarks

Popular Swimming Areas

• Lake of the Ozarks State Park
• Public Beaches at Bagnell Dam and Osage Beach
• Lazy Dayz Resort Beach

Water Quality & Conditions

The lake offers clear waters suitable for swimming, though visitors are encouraged to check water quality reports for safe swimming conditions, especially after heavy rainfall.

Water Temperature: 70–85°F (21–29°C) in summer months.

Swimming is popular at the public beaches, resorts, and parks around the lake, especially during the summer months when the temperatures rise.

Accessibility

Parking

Plenty of parking is available at public beaches, parks, and recreational areas around the lake.

Facilities

Restrooms, picnic areas, boat ramps, and visitor centers are available at various locations around the lake.

Accessibility Features: Some parks and beaches offer wheelchair access and other accessible facilities for visitors with mobility challenges.

Activities at Lake of the Ozarks

Water Activities

• Boating
• Fishing
• Swimming (designated areas)
• Paddleboarding and kayaking
• Jet skiing

Land Activities

• Hiking trails
• Golfing
• Camping
• Shopping and dining
• Amusement parks and water parks

Safety Information

Lifeguards

Lifeguards are available at some of the public beaches during peak seasons, but visitors should always exercise caution when swimming.

Safety Notices

• Strong currents may be present in certain areas of the lake, particularly near the dam and other high-traffic locations.
• Boaters should be cautious of submerged rocks and hazards in certain parts of the lake.

Swimming Rules

• Only swim in designated swimming areas.
• No pets allowed in swimming zones.

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