Missouri beaches are some of the most beautiful and secluded in the country. With their sandy shores and clear waters, they offer a perfect getaway for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. And, although they may not be as well-known as some of the other beaches in the United States, they are definitely worth a visit.
Missouri beaches are not necessarily known for their beach scene, but the landlocked state has many sandy spots that are great for a swim and a day in the sun. Table Rock State Park, for example, is located in southwest Missouri and has two large lakes with plenty of beach space to relax on. The Ozarks also have a few smaller lakes that offer great swimming opportunities. And if you’re willing to drive a bit further, you can find some lovely beaches along the Mississippi River. So if you’re looking to enjoy a sunny day at the beach, Missouri beaches have plenty of options.
Does Missouri have any beaches?
Missouri beaches, known as the “Show Me State,” are landlocked and do not have any coastline or beaches. However, this does not mean that there are no places to enjoy the water. There are many lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Missouri beaches where people can swim, boat, fish and relax. While there may not be any oceanfront property, Missouri is still a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Missouri beaches:
1. Moonshine Beach – Branson
Situated in the southwest corner of Missouri, Branson is a popular tourist destination for those looking to enjoy the state’s many beaches
2. Long Branch State Park Beach – Macon
Long Branch State Park beach in Macon, Missouri is one of the state’s most popular beaches.
3. Wakonda State Park – La Grange
Wakonda State Park in La Grange, Missouri is a beautiful spot for a summer getaway.
4. Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Kaiser
The lake has a surface area of 54,000 acres (220 km2) and 1,150 miles (1,850 km) of shoreline
5. Smithville Lake – Smithville
This 7,190-acre (29 km2) reservoir is located on the Little Platte branch of the Platte River in Clay County, Missouri near Smithville.
1. Moonshine Beach – Branson
Situated in the southwest corner of Missouri beaches, Branson is a popular tourist destination for those looking to enjoy the state’s many beaches. With over 200 miles of coastline along the Mississippi River, Missouri offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
In addition to its many natural attractions, Branson is also home to a number of theme parks and other entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy live shows, go on rides, and explore the city’s numerous shops and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Branson has something to offer everyone.
Looking for a place to enjoy the sun and sand in Missouri? Look no further than Moonshine Beach in Branson! This pristine beach is perfect for sunbathing and cooling off in Table Rock Lake. The beach also features picnic areas, making it the perfect spot for a day trip.
Branson has long been a renowned vacation destination for residents and visitors of Missouri and other adjacent states. The collection of amusement theaters found on Country Boulevard (and to a lesser extent on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway), including Dolly Parton’s Stampede, has helped increase Branson’s reputation as a tourist destination.
In 1882, Reuben Branson opened a general store and post office in the town. Branson was formally incorporated on April 1, 1912, and in 1913 construction of the Powersite Dam was completed close to the river on which Lake Taneycomo was formed.
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| State | Missouri |
| Counties | Taney, Stone |
| Founded | 1882 |
| Incorporated | April 1, 1912 |
| Named for | Reuben Branson |
| • Mayor | Larry Milton |
| • City | 21.50 sq mi (55.69 km2) |
| • Land | 21.35 sq mi (55.29 km2) |
| • Water | 0.15 sq mi (0.40 km2) |
| Elevation | 774 ft (236 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • City | 12,638 |
| • Density | 592.05/sq mi (228.59/km2) |
| • Urban | 14,359 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code | 417 |
| FIPS code | 29-07966 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0739970 |
2. Long Branch State Park Beach – Macon
Long Branch State Park beach in Macon, Missouri beaches is one of the state’s most popular beaches. The beach is situated on the shore of Long Branch Lake and offers several amenities for visitors, including a swimming area, picnic tables, and a playground.
The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenic views of Long Branch Lake. Visitors can also take advantage of the many activities that the park has to offer, including hiking, fishing, and boating.
Flooding was an ongoing problem for the residents of Macon County and elsewhere in northeast Missouri beaches since the area was settled. The problem was exacerbated by the fact that much of the land in the area is low-lying and subject to occasional flooding. In recent years, however, the problem has been alleviated somewhat by the construction of levees and other flood-control measures.
Despite these efforts, flooding remains a serious problem in northeast Missouri beaches, particularly during periods of heavy rain. In May of 2013, for instance, severe flooding caused extensive damage in many parts of northeast Missouri, including Macon County. As a result, residents of the area are all too familiar with the destructive power of floods.
Long Branch Lake is the reservoir created by the dam, with about 24 miles of shoreline and a flood-control capacity of 98,000 acre-feet. In addition to being a great spot for swimming, boating, and fishing, the lake also provides stunning scenery and opportunities for wildlife watching. The diverse ecosystem around the lake supports a variety of plant and animal life, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
| Location | Macon, Missouri, United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates |  39°46′18″N 92°31′46″WCoordinates: 39°46′18″N 92°31′46″W |
| Area | 1,828.47 acres (7.3996 km2) |
| Elevation | 791 ft (241 m) |
| Established | 1983 |
| Visitors | 510,354 (in 2017) |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
3. Wakonda State Park – La Grange
Wakonda State Park in La Grange, Missouri beaches is a beautiful spot for a summer getaway. With its sandy beaches and clear blue waters, it’s no wonder why this state park is such a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking in Wakonda State Park. There are numerous trails to explore, and fishing is said to be some of the best in Missouri. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, picnicking in one of the many scenic spots is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Whether you’re looking for a place to cool off on a hot summer day or you want to explore the great outdoors, Wakonda State Park is the perfect spot for you.
Wakonda State Park is located in the heart of the Ozarks and is known for its expansive views and large, sandy beaches. The 20,000-square-foot beach is Missouri’s largest natural sand beach and offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. The park also features a variety of amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and a boat launch.
Wakonda State Park is a public recreation area covering 1,054 acres (427 ha) near La Grange in Lewis County, Missouri. The state park features water recreation areas on the 50-acre (20 ha) Wakonda Lake and 251-acre (102 ha) Blue Springs Lake. A beach area on Wakonda Lake offers swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The lakes are open to fishing and boating. Wakonda Lake has a 5-mile (8 km) shoreline and is stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish, and crappie. Blue Springs Lake has a 3-mile (5 km) shoreline and is stocked with rainbow trout. Boats with electric motors are allowed on both lakes; gasoline-powered boats are prohibited.
Missouri is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. From the white sand beaches of the Ozarks to the rocky shores of the Mississippi River, there is a beach for everyone in Missouri.
One of the most popular beach destinations in Missouri is Table Rock Lake. This man-made lake is located in the Ozarks and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. A lake is also a great place for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Another popular beach destination in Missouri beaches is the Lake of the Ozarks. This man-made lake is located on central Missouri beaches and offers more than 1,000 miles of shoreline. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and water sports.
If you are looking for a more natural setting, then you will want to check out one of Missouri’s many state parks.
| Location | Lewis, Missouri, United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°00′23″N 91°31′26″W Coordinates: 40°00′23″N 91°31′26″W |
| Area | 1,053.87 acres (4.2649 km2) |
| Elevation | 814 ft (248 m) |
| Established | 1960 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
4. Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Kaiser
If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach day trip from St. Louis, look no further than the Lake of the Ozarks. This reservoir is created by impounding the Osage River in the northern part of the Ozarks and boasts more than 1,150 miles of shoreline.
While swimming and sunbathing are popular activities at the lake, there’s also plenty of opportunity for fishing, boating, and hiking. And if you’re looking for a little nightlife after a long day in the sun, you’ll find that too. The Lake of the Ozarks is truly a summertime paradise.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, look no further than Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Missouri beaches. The park offers two beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The sandy beach is ideal for lounging and watching the kids play. The picnic area is perfect for a BYO lunch or dinner. And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning sunset over the lake.
The lake has a surface area of 54,000 acres (220 km2) and 1,150 miles (1,850 km) of shoreline. The main channel of the Osage Arm stretches 92 miles (1.5 km) from the dam to Bagnell, then is joined by the Niangua Arm which extends 58 miles (93 km), making it the largest man-made lake in Missouri by surface area and second-largest by water volume. The lake supports many species of fish including bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye. There are also many species of turtles, amphibians, and reptiles. The lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping.
| Location | Benton, Camden, Miller, and Morgan Counties in Missouri |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38°12′09″N 92°37′35″W Coordinates: 38°12′09″N 92°37′35″W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Grandglaize Creek, Gravois Creek, Niangua River, Osage River |
| Primary outflows | Osage River |
| Catchment area | 14,000 sq mi (36,300 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Managing agency | Ameren Missouri |
| Built | August 6, 1929 |
| First flooded | February 2, 1931 |
| Max. length | 93 miles (150 km) |
| Surface area | 54,000 acres (220 km2) |
| Max. depth | 130 ft (40 m) |
| Water volume | 1,927,000 acre⋅ft (2.377×109 m3) |
| Residence time | 2-4 months |
| Shore length1 | 1,150 miles (1,850 km) |
| Surface elevation | 659 ft (201 m) |
| Settlements | Camdenton, Gravois Mills, Lake Ozark, Laurie, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, Village of Four Seasons |
5. Smithville Lake – Smithville
If you’re looking for a beach in the Show-Me State, you’ll want to head to Smithville Lake. This 7,190-acre (29 km2) reservoir is located on the Little Platte branch of the Platte River in Clay County, Missouri near Smithville. It provides a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and more.
The Smithville Dam was authorized in 1965, with construction beginning in 1972. The dam was completed in 1977 and impoundment began in 1979. The dam is of earth and is located on the Missouri beaches. It provides flood control for the river and recreational opportunities for the public. The dam has a spillway that is used to release excess water from the reservoir. The reservoir is also used to supply water to the city of Smithville and other communities in the area.
Looking to take advantage of the beautiful weather? Then head on over to Smithville Lake! Spanning nearly 7,100 square feet, it’s the perfect place to enjoy warm temperatures and blue skies. And if you’re not in the mood for swimming, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, like picnicking or fishing. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen and head on over to Missouri’s best-kept secret!
| Location | Clay / Clinton counties, Missouri, United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 39.42°N 94.53°W Coordinates: 39.42°N 94.53°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Little Platte branch of the Platte River |
| Primary outflows | Little Platte branch of the Platte River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 7,190 acres (29.1 km2) |
| Shore length1 | 175 miles (282 km) |
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Missouri beaches are definitely worth a visit. They offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax on the sand, take a dip in the water, or explore the area. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Missouri for a beach vacation you won’t soon forget!