Interspersed throughout the Great Plains, Ozark Mountains, and extensive river valleys of Missouri are plentiful scenic lakes. Situated at and around these lakes are abundant cozy Missouri vacation rentals perfect for your upcoming getaway. Look forward to partaking in swimming and sunbathing, as well as boating, water sports, fishing, and other recreational activities. Take a look at the most notable lakes in the state of Missouri.

1. Table Rock Lake

Beautiful Table Rock Lake lies in southwestern Missouri near the border with Arkansas. On the eastern shore, Table Rock State Park serves as a gateway to the lake. Rent power boats, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards at State Park Marina. For a luxurious sightseeing experience, take a ride on the Spirit of America, a 48-foot catamaran. The State Park Dive Shop offers SCUBA lessons and gear for exploring the depths of the lake. For an unforgettable thrill, get a bird’s eye view as you sail over the lake with American Parasail. Around the lake are numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking.

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2. Lake Jacomo

Lake Jacomo is just southeast of Kansas City near the town of Blue Springs in western Missouri. The largest public park in Jackson County, Fleming Park, surrounds the lake. Head for Lake Jacomo Marina for boat launching sites and rentals of power boats, fishing boats, pedal boats, canoes, and other watercraft. The marina also provides dock fishing sites as well as bait and tackle. Fish commonly caught in the lake include largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, bluegill, and carp. On the eastern lakeshore is Missouri Town 1855, a living history museum composed of 25 original buildings along with furniture, equipment, livestock, and interpreters in period costumes depicting Missouri farm life in the 19th century. Also on the lake’s east side is the Kemper Outdoor Education Center, which features displays on area paleontology and wildlife, a butterfly garden, and nature trails.

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3. Lake of the Ozarks

Located southwest of Jefferson City in central Missouri, the extensive Lake of the Ozarks is nicknamed the Magic Dragon due to its narrow, convoluted shape. Lake of the Ozarks State Park on the southeastern side of the lake has lovely sand beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The park also hosts the Ozark Caverns. Head for the Ozark Caverns Visitor Center, and descend into the caves with hand-held lanterns to explore the underground wonders. At the south end of the lake, Ha Ha Tonka State Park has numerous hiking trails and picnic areas. Several facilities offer boat rentals at Lake of the Ozarks, including Adventure Boat Rentals, Iguana Watersports, and Lake Shores Marina. The Ozark Yacht Club offers sailing lessons aboard a 39-foot racer.

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4. Pomme de Terre Lake

Pomme de Terre Lake lies in the Osage River Basin in southwestern Missouri. The lake is renowned as a great location for angling for muskellunge, catfish, bass, walleye, and crappie. At Pomme de Terre Marina, fish from the docks, or rent a fishing boat. The marina also rents other watercraft such as pontoon boats, canoes, and kayaks. Pomme de Terre State Park has two beautiful sandy beaches for swimming and water fun as well as hiking trails through lush forests with scenic views of the lake.

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5. Stockton Lake

Stockton Lake is northwest of vacation rentals in the city of Springfield in southwestern Missouri. Along its 300 miles of shoreline are unlimited opportunities for recreation. Stockton State Park occupies a peninsula in the center of the lake, and Stockton State Park Marina offers amenities such as boat rentals and sailing lessons on the pristine waters of the lake. Reel XTC Guide Service specializes in helping you find the best spots to fish for trophy-sized walleye. Around the lake are over 40 miles of trails over forested hills that are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

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6. Lake Taneycomo

Lake Taneycomo, which lies in southern Missouri near the Arkansas border, is famous for its world-class fishing of rainbow trout and brown trout. Lilleys’ Landing Marina at Upper Lake Taneycomo provides rentals of pontoon and fishing boats, piers for fishing from shore, and cleaning stations for your catch. The marina also has a fly and tackle shop and guided boat trips to the best spots to angle for trout. Main Street Lake Cruises out of Branson Landing offers luxury sightseeing excursions aboard the Landing Princess, a magnificent 100-foot yacht, or the Lake Queen, a historic paddle wheeler. Enjoy a lakeside walk along the 1.5-mile Branson Landing Boardwalk, and view the spectacle of the lights, music, and water at the Branson Landing Fountains.

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7. Clearwater Lake

Located in southeastern Missouri, Clearwater Lake is surrounded by verdant hills, picturesque bluffs, and inviting coves and bays. Bluff View Marina on the eastern shore provides rentals of pontoon boats, fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks. In the southwestern corner of the lake, Webb Creek Marina rents power boats for water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. Clearwater Lake-Webb Creek Recreation Area has a beautiful beach, a playground area, and showers.

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8. Longview Lake

Longview Lake lies on the outskirts of southeastern Kansas City in western Missouri. Rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks at the Longview Lake Marina. Fishing is excellent for largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, carp, and other species. Longview Lake Park on the east side of the lake has a four-mile nature trail and a six-mile cycling trail, and on the west side of the lake is a beautiful swimming beach. Don’t miss watching an exciting equestrian show at the Longview Lake Horse Park.

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9. Mark Twain Lake

Mark Twain Lake is in a verdant forested area in northeastern Missouri. Numerous recreational areas are scattered around the shores, and Mark Twain State Park is on a peninsula in the midst of the lake. Within the park, the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site celebrates the early years of the famous author. At Indian Creek Marina on the north shore, rent boats, water skis, and inflatable tubes. On various locations along the lake are swimming beaches, boat ramps, and hiking trails. Fishing is great for catfish, sunfish, bass, walleye, and other species.

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10. Fellows Lake

Fellows Lake lies just north of Springfield in southwestern Missouri. The lake is one of the best spots in Missouri to angle for muskellunge, and fishing is also good for largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. Rent fishing boats, and get the bait and tackle you need at Fellows Lake Marina. The marina also rents canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats. On the north side of the lake are fields commonly used for flying kites and remote control airplanes.

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