A 45,000-Acre Border Lake Where Missouri and Arkansas Share Something Extraordinary
Newest
Luxury rentals
Pet-friendly
Swimming
Why Rent On Bull Shoals Lake
Bull Shoals Lake straddles the Missouri-Arkansas border with 45,000 acres of crystal-clear water and nearly 1,000 miles of deeply forested shoreline, creating a lake environment of rare scale and natural integrity. The lake’s water clarity is exceptional, supporting scuba diving alongside the expected boating, water skiing, and tube floating that draw families throughout the warm months. A lakefront cabin or vacation home on Bull Shoals gives your family private access to one of the most visually striking lake landscapes in the south-central United States.
World-Class Bass Fishing, Trout Below the Dam, and 19 Developed Parks
Bull Shoals Lake has produced record-breaking catches of largemouth bass, striped bass, and walleye that have established its fishing reputation firmly in the national angling conversation. The tailwaters below Bull Shoals Dam offer exceptional trout fishing in cold, oxygen-rich water that the dam’s deep releases create year-round, giving guests two entirely different and equally rewarding fishing experiences within a few miles of each other. Nineteen developed parks around the lake provide campgrounds, pavilions, and public swimming beaches that support family visits of every configuration.
Bull Shoals Dam, the Caverns, and the State Park
The Bull Shoals Dam itself is a historically significant and visually impressive structure, and guided tours reveal the engineering of its hydroelectric generation in terms that genuinely engage visitors of all ages. The Bull Shoals-White River State Park features a visitor center with interpretive exhibits, an observation tower, and overlook views of the White River tailwaters that are among the more beautiful natural scenes in the Ozarks. Bull Shoals Caverns, a short drive from the lake, offer a well-maintained underground experience through ancient cave formations.
Why a Rental on Bull Shoals Lake Is an Outstanding Choice
Vacation lakehouses and lakeside cabins on Bull Shoals Lake give families private dock access, extraordinary lake views, full kitchens, outdoor living space, and the kind of deep-water, deep-forest atmosphere that makes the Ozark border lake experience so persistently compelling. Many properties comfortably accommodate multi-generational groups and are pet-friendly. Hot tubs are a common amenity at quality listings. For families who want a premier Ozark lake vacation defined by exceptional water clarity, world-class fishing, and natural grandeur, Bull Shoals Lake occupies a category entirely its own.
- Surface area (mi)
- 113.9
- Max depth (ft)
- 209.97
- Elevation (ft)
- 659.45
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 1000
Popular activities
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
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Marinas on Bull Shoals Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Bull Shoals Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, there are designated swimming areas at Bull Shoals Lake. These areas are found in parks such as Buck Creek, Highway 125, Lakeview, Lead Hill, Oakland, and Theodosia, where day use fees apply.
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Bull Shoals Lake is a popular destination because of its extensive recreational opportunities. The lake offers over 1,000 miles of shoreline, numerous parks with camping and picnicking facilities, and a variety of activities such as boating, water sports, fishing, and scuba diving. It is also known for its clear, blue water and diverse fish species.
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Yes, Missouri residents need a White River Border Lakes Permit to fish in the Arkansas portion of Bull Shoals Lake. This permit allows them to fish without a nonresident fishing permit and costs $10. They must also have a Missouri fishing permit or qualify for an exemption.
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Yes, there are dog-friendly beaches on Bull Shoals Lake. Bull Shoals offers two designated doggie beach areas where dogs can roam leash-free and take a dip in the lake’s crystal-clear waters. These areas have sandy shores and gentle lake waves, making them suitable for dogs to play and swim.
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Towns near Bull Shoals Lake include Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Harrison, Arkansas. These towns are located in close proximity to the lake, with Mountain Home being about 15 miles to the southeast and Harrison a bit further north. Other nearby towns include Yellville, Arkansas, and Calico Rock, Arkansas.
