Explore Caves & Water Sports at Lake of the Ozarks
Lake Ozark, MO, USA
Newest
Luxury rentals
Family-friendly
Pet-friendly
Tips on renting in Lake of the Ozarks
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks transforms ordinary family vacations into extraordinary waterfront adventures. This sprawling 54,000-acre paradise offers an unparalleled collection of lake houses and cabin rentals that put families mere steps from crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches perfect for children of all ages.
The magic begins with location. Savvy families gravitate toward the 14-mile marker near Tan-Tar-A Resort, where gentle beaches meet calm coves ideal for young swimmers. The 21-mile marker around Four Seasons Resort delivers premium lake houses with private docks and protected swimming areas. For those seeking the ultimate in convenience, the 38-mile marker near Sunrise Beach offers charming cabins within walking distance of family-friendly restaurants and ice cream shops.
Most rental properties feature expansive decks overlooking the water, private boat docks for easy lake access, and shallow entry points where toddlers can splash safely while parents relax nearby. Whether you visit the Ozarks in summer or fall, or you choose a rustic cabin tucked into a quiet cove or a modern lake house with all the amenities, you’re guaranteed direct access to Missouri’s most beloved family playground.

Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Lake of the Ozarks has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
Lake of the Ozarks offers accommodations from intimate lakefront homes to sprawling luxury estates perched on limestone bluffs. Choose between cozy cabins nestled in wooded coves, contemporary condominiums with panoramic water views, or grand lakefront mansions complete with private beaches and boat slips.
-
Rental prices dance with the seasons and proximity to water’s edge. Modest cabins tucked into forested inlets start around $150 nightly, while mid-range lakefront properties with private docks command $300-500 per night. Luxury estates boasting multiple bedrooms, infinity pools, and private marinas can reach $800-1,500 nightly during peak summer months.
-
Summer reservations, particularly for Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends, disappear by February. Prime lakefront properties with docks book six to twelve months ahead. Spring and fall offer more availability and gentler pricing, when autumn leaves create golden reflections and fishing reaches its seasonal peak.
-
Properties scale gracefully from romantic one-bedroom retreats perfect for couples seeking tranquil mornings on private decks to magnificent eight-bedroom estates accommodating extended families. Most popular are three to five-bedroom homes, offering spacious living areas where generations gather around stone fireplaces while lake breezes carry laughter through open windows.
-
Expect gourmet kitchens overlooking shimmering waters, expansive decks perfect for sunset cocktails, hot tubs positioned for starlit soaks, and game rooms where rainy afternoons transform into family tournaments. Many feature private beaches, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens for lakeside entertaining.
-
Yes, lakefront rentals with private docks represent the crown jewels of Lake of the Ozarks accommodations. These coveted properties offer direct water access where pontoon boats bob gently against weathered planks, and evening fishing becomes a meditative ritual. Many feature multiple dock slips, swim platforms, and covered boat houses protecting vessels from Missouri’s dramatic weather.
-
Late winter through mid‑April, before plankton blooms and heavy boat traffic churn the water.
-
Dock-equipped properties typically provide boat slips, swimming ladders, and waterside seating where morning coffee tastes infinitely better. Some offer complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, or fishing equipment. Premium properties may include boat lifts, fuel docks, and covered slips protecting your vessel from the elements while you explore the lake’s serpentine arms and hidden coves.
-
Many marinas close mid‑November, but Point Randall, Kelly’s Port and Bridges Hollow maintain heated fishing pontoons and bass rigs all winter with 48‑hour notice.