Table Rock State Park

Getting There

Head east toward Red Rte/Veterans Blvd. Turn right onto US-65 BUS S/Red Rte/Veterans Blvd. Keep right to continue toward US-65 BUS S/Lake Rd. Slight right onto US-65 BUS S/Lake Rd. Continue onto MO-165 N. Turn right to stay on MO-165 N.

Overview

Table Rock Lake is an artificial lake or reservoir in the Ozarks of southwestern Missouri and northwestern Arkansas. Designed, built and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake is impounded by Table Rock Dam, which was constructed from 1954 to 1958 on the White River.

The lake is a popular attraction for the city of Branson, Missouri, and the nearby town of Shell Knob, Missouri. There are several commercial marinas along the lake, and Table Rock State Park is located on the east side, both north and south of Table Rock Dam. Downstream from the dam, the Missouri Department of Conservation operates a fish hatchery, which is used to stock trout in nearby Lake Taneycomo. The cold water discharged from the dam creates a trout fishing environment in the lake.

The lake derives its name from a rock formation resembling a table at the small community of Table Rock, Missouri, on Highway 165 about a mile and a half downstream from where the dam was built.

Things to Do

Enjoy Table Rock Lake

Table Rock State Park provides direct access to Table Rock Lake, one of Missouri's premier destinations for boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and other water recreation activities. The lake's clear water and scenic Ozark setting make it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Explore the Marina and Shoreline

The park's full-service marina offers boat rentals, slips, fuel, and lake access for visitors looking to explore the coves and scenic shoreline of Table Rock Lake. The shoreline also provides excellent opportunities for picnicking, photography, and wildlife viewing.

Experience Ozark Hiking and Nature

Table Rock State Park serves as a gateway to the Ozark Mountains, offering hiking, biking, birdwatching, and nature observation opportunities. Visitors can explore forests, lake views, and scenic landscapes while enjoying one of southwest Missouri's most popular state parks.

Top Trails

White River Valley Trail System

Length: Approximately 10.25 miles total (multiple loops)
Elevation Gain: Varies by route
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

This multi-use trail system is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The trails travel through forests and rolling Ozark terrain while providing scenic views of Table Rock Lake and opportunities for wildlife observation.

Chinquapin Trail

Length: Approximately 1.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This family-friendly trail winds through wooded landscapes near the lakeshore and campground, offering a pleasant introduction to the park's natural beauty and native plant communities.

Sources: Missouri State Parks official Table Rock State Park information, including Table Rock Lake recreation, marina amenities, camping facilities, hiking opportunities, and visitor resources. https://mostateparks.com/park/table-rock-state-park Additional trail and recreation information verified through Missouri State Parks trail resources and park guides. https://mostateparks.com/park/table-rock-state-park/trails

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Table Rock Lake", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0