Best Lakes in Missouri for Boating

From boating to swimming and waterskiing to fishing, there is no limit to the amount of fun you can have on the lake! Since there are hundreds of lakes throughout the Show-Me State, it can be difficult to choose where to go to enjoy that relaxing time on the water. But don’t worry, Econo Lift has broken it down for you — here is our guide to Missouri’s best boating lakes.

Lake of the Ozarks

This massive lake in central Missouri spans four counties and has 1,150 miles of shoreline in total — more than the 840-mile Pacific coastline of California. Between the marinas, resorts, and condos are quiet, undeveloped coves. The Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest of Missouri’s state parks.

There are:

• 40+ marinas
• 9 public boat ramps
• 2 beaches within the state park, Coffman Beach, and many campground and resort beaches

Activities Include:

Boating, kayaking, water skiing, tubing, swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, bicycling, golfing, and parasailing.

Harry S. Truman Lake

As Missouri’s largest lake, the over 55,600 acres offer 958 miles of coastline with clear waters and dramatic bluffs. The lake is great for fishing, even in the winter, as power from Truman Dam helps heat the water. Harry S. Truman State Park encompasses more than 100,000 acres of bluffs, rugged hills, forests, and prairies that surround part of the lake and extend into it on a peninsula.

There are:

• 3 marinas
• 21 public boat ramps
• 2 beaches within the state park, 1 at Shawnee Bend Recreation Area, and more at local campgrounds

Activities Include:

Boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking.

Table Rock Lake

You get a beautiful view of crystal clear water along the almost 800 miles of tree-lined shores, no wonder it is one of the Ozark’s top destinations for boating and fishing! Table Rock State Park encompasses 356 acres of hiking and cycling trails. Lodging ranges from luxurious resorts and private condos to rustic mountain cabins, RV parks, and campsites.

There are:

• 14 marinas
• 24 public boat ramps
• 3 beaches

Activities Include:

Boating, paddleboarding, parasailing, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, scuba diving, hiking, bicycling, camping, and picnicking.

Lake Wappapello

Located in the southeast corner of Missouri in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, this 45,000-acre lake is on the St. Francis River. This is one of the oldest man-made lakes in the entire U.S. Wappapello Lake State Park has close to 2,000 acres that border the lake offering many lodging, camping, and picnicking opportunities.

There are:

• 4 marinas
• 26 public boat ramps
• 3 beaches

Activities Include:

Boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding.

Stockton Lake

Stockton Lake boasts clear waters and high bluffs along the lake. It’s the ideal sailing lake because of its perpetual southwestern winds and nationally recognized sailing school housed at the marina. The park offers camping and cabin lodging and it’s a great spot to get beautiful southern Missouri views.

There are:

• 3 marinas
• 10 public boat ramps
• 5 beaches

Activities Include:

Sailing, water skiing, swimming, fishing, scuba diving, picnicking, camping, and hiking.

Mark Twain Lake

This lake is the largest lake in northeast Missouri at 18,600-acres. It is located about 20 miles southwest of Hannibal, Missouri and is the reservoir of the Clarence Cannon Dam. There is no private development along the shoreline, offering little distraction from the beautiful nature.

There are:

• 2 marinas
• 10 public boat ramps
• 3 beaches

Activities Include:

Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, waterskiing, hiking, trail riding, and camping.

Bull Shoals Lake

Beginning just east of Branson in southern Missouri, this quiet 45,000-acre lake has nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline with lake arms and coves surrounded by steep bluffs and rock ledges. It meanders back and forth across the state line between Missouri and Arkansas. The clear waters are a great spot for water sports and it is known for its excellent fishing opportunities.

There are:

• 2 marinas in Missouri
• 7 public boat ramps in Missouri

Activities Include:

Boating, sailing, waterskiing, fishing, swimming, tube floating, wakeboarding, scuba diving, camping, and hiking.