Lake with penninsula campground

Lake Serene Vacation Rentals

Swim the cool, clear water with your family at Lake Serene then picnic on the wide green lawns of Forest Park in Missouri.

A 54-Acre Jefferson County Lake With St. Louis Accessible and Its Name Well Earned

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Swimming

Why Rent On Lake Serene

Lake Serene in southern Catawissa, Franklin County, Missouri lives up to its name with a 54-acre body of calm, clear water that supports walleye and catfish fishing, comfortable swimming, and boating and kayaking from the convenience of resident docks in a genuinely peaceful lakeside community. The lake’s natural surroundings, combined with the proximity of St. Louis’s extraordinary concentration of cultural institutions, give a stay here a balance that few Missouri lake destinations achieve: genuine natural calm within 45 minutes of one of America’s great cities. A vacation rental at Lake Serene gives your family that balance in a comfortable, well-maintained community setting.

Fishing, Kayaking, and the Pleasure of Your Own Dock

The ability to launch a kayak or cast a line from a private dock without the logistics of a public boat ramp is one of the defining pleasures of a lakeside vacation rental, and Lake Serene’s community of resident docks makes that pleasure available to guests in a naturally beautiful, 54-acre setting. Walleye fishing here offers a species that most central Missouri lakes do not support in catchable numbers, making the lake an interesting destination for experienced anglers.

Grant’s Farm, the Magic House, and St. Louis Within Reach

Grant’s Farm, the historic Anheuser-Busch property with animal encounters, petting zoos, and horse demonstrations, is one of the St. Louis area’s most beloved family destinations and is accessible from the Lake Serene area within a comfortable drive. The Magic House, St. Louis’s outstanding children’s museum, provides interactive exhibits that reward visits across multiple trips and age ranges. The broader St. Louis cultural offer, from the Gateway Arch to the Missouri Botanical Garden, is within range for a full day of metropolitan programming.

Eureka Towne Center, Trixie’s Bar and Bistro, and Local Flavor

Eureka Towne Center provides convenient shopping and dining within easy reach of the lake. Local restaurants including Trixie’s Bar and Bistro and Brown Jerry’s Blues Brews Barbeque offer dining with genuine local character for evenings when cooking at the rental feels optional.

Why a Rental at Lake Serene Is a Smart Jefferson County Choice

Vacation homes at Lake Serene give families full kitchens, private dock access, lake views, comfortable bedrooms, and a Franklin County setting that delivers genuine natural calm with St. Louis cultural access on demand. Pet-friendly rentals are available in the area. For families who want a Missouri lake stay that is genuinely serene without being remote, Lake Serene makes its case with quiet confidence.

Best time to go
Visit Lake Serene in late spring, particularly May, when vibrant wildflowers bloom and the warm sun invites serene mornings on the water. Enjoy tranquil fishing with fewer tourists and indulge in the blissful symphony of nature’s awakening.
Water Quality
Lake Serene in Missouri features water that is deep blue in color and exhibits murky water clarity.
Surface area (mi)
0.14
Elevation (ft)
518.37

Popular activities

  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Boating
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Lake Serene has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • No, there are no designated swimming areas at Lake Serene. The information available does not mention any swimming areas, and in the case of another lake named Serene Lakes, swimming is restricted in the upper lake due to it being a source of drinking water.

  • Lake of the Ozarks is a popular destination because of its central location in Missouri, making it equally accessible from St. Louis and Kansas City. The lake offers diverse activities, including fishing for various species like white bass and catfish, and it has numerous campgrounds and state parks. Over 5 million people visit annually.

  • In Lake Serene, Missouri, you can use natural and scented baits like bait fish, crayfish, frogs, grubs, insects, larvae, worms, salmon eggs, cheese, and corn. You can also use soft plastic baits like synthetic eggs, worms, and grubs, as well as artificial lures made of various materials. These baits and lures must not contain ingredients to stupefy, injure, or kill fish.

  • There is no public beach at Lake Serene. The area is accessed through a strenuous 7.2-mile round-trip hiking trail, and the site does not include amenities like a beach. The trailhead provides access to the lake and surrounding hiking trails.

  • The closest towns to Lake Serene are Gold Bar and Skykomish, Washington. These towns are located along Highway 2, which you follow to access the trailhead to Lake Serene. Gold Bar is about 7 miles from the turnoff to the Lake Serene trail.