Lake of the Ozarks is Missouri’s summer playground — a sprawling reservoir created by Bagnell Dam in 1931, with roughly 54,000 acres of water and more than 1,100 miles of shoreline twisting through the hills. For RVers, that means a huge range of choices: a massive state park, full-hookup RV resorts with boat docks, and family campgrounds a few minutes from the restaurants and marinas of Osage Beach.
Where to stay at Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks State Park (Kaiser)
Missouri’s largest state park has nearly 200 campsites across four sections, most with electric hookups, plus two public beaches, two marinas and tours of Ozark Caverns. It’s the best value on the lake and feels a world away from the busy Highway 54 strip. See listing →
Bagnell Dam and Lake Ozark
Near the dam, Cross Creek RV Park and Majestic Oaks offer full hookups and family amenities, while Ozarks Landing RV Resort puts riverfront sites on the Osage River below the dam.
Osage Beach
Osage Beach RV Park is an RV-only park within walking distance of shopping and dining — useful when you’d rather not move the truck.
Camdenton and the west side
Red Oak Resort offers 160-plus full-hookup sites with covered boat docks, and the Linn Creek KOA is a convenient base for Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
Things to do
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park: the stone ruins of an early-1900s castle on a bluff above the lake, plus springs, sinkholes and natural bridges.
- Boating: rent a pontoon from one of the lake’s many marinas, or launch your own at the state park.
- Caves: Ozark Caverns in the state park and several privately run show caves nearby.
- Bagnell Dam Strip: the lake’s original tourist district, with shops, arcades and restaurants.
- Trout fishing at Bennett Spring: about an hour south, Bennett Spring State Park is one of Missouri’s classic trout parks.
Driving and logistics
US-54 is the main artery, running from Jefferson City through Lake Ozark, Osage Beach and Camdenton. Summer weekend traffic can be heavy; plan arrivals mid-week or early in the day. Many side roads to lakefront parks are narrow and hilly with tight turns into driveways — call ahead if you’re over 35 feet. Missouri Highway 5 and Highway 7 connect the lake to I-44 and the south.
When to go
Late May through early September is peak boating season. September and early October are ideal for RVers — warm days, cooler nights, fewer boats and better rates. Many private parks stay open year-round with winter rates, while state park loops may reduce services in the off-season.
Lake of the Ozarks RV FAQ
What is the best campground at Lake of the Ozarks?
For value and scenery, Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the top pick. For full hookups and resort amenities near restaurants and marinas, look at the private RV parks around Bagnell Dam, Osage Beach and Camdenton.
Are there RV parks with boat docks at Lake of the Ozarks?
Yes. Several RV resorts offer boat slips or covered docks, and the state park has marinas and public boat ramps. Ask about slip availability when you book.
How big is Lake of the Ozarks?
The lake covers roughly 54,000 acres with more than 1,100 miles of shoreline, stretching across several counties in central Missouri.
Details change — always confirm hookups, rates, site lengths and seasonal closures directly with the campground before you go. Some links may be affiliate links; see our disclosure.
