Table Rock Lake is in southwest Missouri near Branson, a popular tourist town known as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World." RV campers will find a variety of camping choices nestled in the Ozarks hills. The lake area offers fishing and boating, and Branson is nearby for family-friendly entertainment, including live music shows, theme parks and museums.
Table Rock Lake covers approximately 50,000 acres and offers over 800 miles of shoreline as the lake spreads through the crevices of the Ozarks hills. This area is known for its natural beauty, as well as the attractions in Branson and nearby Springfield. Lake activities usually pick up in late spring, as temperatures begin to warm into the 70s. They wind down in the early fall, when Branson begins to close down for the season. Though the area offers winter activities, the weather conditions are variable through December, January and February, making a trip to the Ozarks slightly unpredictable.
Finding a campground near Table Rock Lake isn't difficult. The lake is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers and there are more than 15 lakeside campgrounds with a variety of amenities. Additionally, private campgrounds are available, with some offering a wider variety of modern conveniences and forms of entertainment.
Visitors can enjoy Table Rock Lake from the shore or by boat. The lake has public areas and swimming beaches. The newly renovated Moonshine Beach has a gently sloping sandy shore and offers shower facilities, a playground and picnic sites. Visitors can rent a boat or bring their own. You'll see boats pulling people on skies or water tubes, which are also available for rent at area marinas. Fishing is a popular sport at the lake, with anglers catching bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish.
Families will find a wide range of activities in Branson. Though it was originally known for the number of country music shows available, Branson now offers a wider variety of live performances--some with permanent theaters and traveling shows. There is Silver Dollar City, a popular theme park with roller coasters alongside the craft shops and other tamer attractions. The Showboat Branson Belle, an old-fashioned riverboat, offers a lake cruise with dining and entertainment. Other popular attractions include the Titanic Museum, the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum, Ride the Ducks, Shepherd of the Hills and Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede.
Shopping is another popular activity around Branson. Branson Landing has upscale shopping with a lake view. Visitors can walk along the pier and watch the unique water fountain show. To find the best deals, you can visit one of Branson's outlet malls. In historic downtown Branson, there are quaint shops, and if you prefer crafts and tourist kitsch, drive along Highway 76, the main strip through town. An outdoor enthusiast's trip to southwest Missouri should include a visit to Bass Bro Shops, with locations in Branson and Springfield. The Springfield location is larger and worth the hourlong trip if you need to stock up on outdoor gear.
