10 Most Gorgeous Lakes In Missouri, USA

lakes in missouri
Faraz
Faraz 
Updated
| 4 min read

Missouri is a charming place, and particularly well-known for the beautiful scenery and culture that it offers. Be it the pristine hills, rushing rivers, clear lakes, or exquisite hidden gems, Missouri has a lot to offer its travelers. To add to that, the lakes in Missouri promise such a wide variety of fish, that they are ought to be called a fisherman’s destination. If you’re planning to enjoy a weekend getaway and explore the natural beauty of Missouri, make sure that you check out our list of the most gorgeous lakes in Missouri, USA.

1. Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kranar Drogin used under CC BY 2.5

Lake of the Ozarks is a beautiful reservoir that showcases stunning scenery all around. It has three tributaries which are part of the impoundment. Being one of the ‘hot spots’ of Missouri, the lake gets pretty busy on the weekends as locals come here to relax and enjoy. There are many activities that one can indulge in here, including fishing and camping. One can find a variety of fish in the water like different kinds of bass and catfish. Additionally, there are several waterfront restaurants where one can dig into a warm meal.

Lake of the Ozarks

Address: Benton, Camden, Miller, and Morgan Counties in Missouri

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2. Table Rock Lake

Aerial photo of Table Rock Dam
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user KTrimble used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Table Rock Lake is situated in the city of Branson in Missouri. It is the perfect destination for those who want to get away from the bustling city and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The lake has a lovely shoreline, lots of greenery, and beaches that are tucked away from the public view. There are several resorts that are located in the vicinity which allow you to enjoy the close proximity to the beach. There is a lot that one can do here, such as camping, fishing, boating, or hiking. The lake doesn’t freeze in winters which is why you can enjoy fishing any time of the year. If you enjoy some competition, there are many fishing tournaments held here that you can participate in.

Table Rock Lake

Address: Table Rock Lake, United States

Website: Table Rock Lake

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3. Pomme de Terre Lake

Pomme de Terre River Appleton
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user w:Malepheasant used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Situated in the southwestern part of Missouri, Pomme de Terre Lake is a lovely place to visit if you enjoy fishing and camping. The lake’s name is in French and it translates to “Potato lake”. Near the lake is the state park which offers picnic and camping sites. Apart from camping, one can indulge in boating, fishing, or biking. There are different sorts of bicycles, boats, and kayak rentals on the property so, visitors can find everything that they require to have a satisfying experience.

Pomme de Terre Lake

Address: Hickory / Polk counties, Missouri, United States

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4. Mark Twain Lake

Lake
Source: Burst

Mark Twain Lake is located in the Salt River Hills at a comfortable distance from civilization. The lake is close to the state park and it offers you plenty of exciting activities that you can indulge in such as boating, camping, fishing, or even hunting! Fishing is especially fun because of the abundance of bass, crappie, and catfish that can be found here. The area around the lake is extremely peaceful and serene. Be it streams, lush greenery, or the enchanting woods, it offers the best that nature has to offer

Mark Twain Lake

Address: Monroe / Ralls counties, Missouri, United States

Website: Mark Twain Lake

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5. Clearwater Lake

Two hills by a lake
Source: Burst

Clearwater Lake is a popular reservoir located in Reynolds and Wayne counties and it is well known for its pristine water, greenery, trails, and enchanting hills. It offers a fair share of recreational activities including boating, biking, swimming, camping, and much more. The Beaver Springs Campground is located in the area where one can set up their camp and indulge in a good old-fashioned camping experience.

Clearwater Lake

Address: Reynolds / Wayne counties, Missouri, United States

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6. Lake Taneycomo

gorgeous lakes in Missouri
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tequask used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Popular for being one of the top trout fishing destinations, Lake Taneycomo is a stunning lake located in the Ozark Mountains. The lake itself is stretched over a great distance and it is pretty narrow. If you’re well versed with the area, you can catch plenty of fish. However, one must have a Missouri fishing license in order to proceed. Brown trout and rainbow trout are two of the many varieties present in the lake.

Lake Taneycomo

Address: Taney County, Missouri

Website: Lake Taneycomo

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7. Lake Wappapello

Lake Wappapello
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mitchazenia used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Wappapello is a beautiful place that boasts a stunning landscape. It is divided between Wayne and Butler Counties. The lake lies near Lake Wappapello State Park and it offers spacious campgrounds and homey cabins where you can stay. It has different kinds of fish including crappie, bass, catfish, etc. One can also indulge in boating, canoeing, and kayaking while they are on the property. If you want to explore the area, the best way to do so is while hiking or biking along the trails.

Lake Wappapello

Address: Wayne / Butler counties, Missouri, United States

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8. Smithville Lake

Smithville Lake

Smithville Lake is located in Clay and Clinton counties and it is a great fishing location. The lake offers varieties of fish such as largemouth bass, different kinds of catfish, walleye, and several others. One can indulge in boating, golfing, kayaking, camping, or swimming at the lake. There are plenty of camping grounds in the area where one can set up a camp and indulge in a relaxing experience. The place looks exceptionally gorgeous during fireworks so make sure that you plan a visit accordingly!

Smithville Lake

Address: Clay / Clinton counties, Missouri, United States

Website: Smithville Lake

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9. Blue Springs Lake

Blue Springs Lake
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nightryder84 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Blue Springs Lake is located in the Fleming Park in Jackson County. The lake is perfect for those who want to indulge in some adrenaline-charged activities such as jet skiing or powerboating. All sorts of rentals are available at the lake for the added convenience of the visitors. The entire shore is lined with lush-green trees which add to the beauty of the place. The lake is a great place for fishing as well, with several kinds of bass, catfish, and carp being present in the water. Plus, there is a fish cleaning station nearby which makes the entire experience satisfying.

Blue Springs Lake

Address: Blue Springs Lake, Missouri, USA

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10. Longview Lake

Longview Lake
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mike Trinastich used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Longview Lake is located in Jackson County, Missouri. It is near Longview Lake Park which allows visitors to indulge in plenty of recreational activities and also offers beautiful trails for biking and walking. You can choose to opt for an exciting jet skiing or powerboating experience at the lake or simply relax at the beach with your loved ones. The lake is amazing since it offers a peaceful environment in addition to tons of water entertainment, making it suitable for people of all ages. Situated near the lake is a full-service marina that allows you to get supplies and rent equipment with ease.

Longview Lake

Address: Jackson County, Missouri, United States

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Visit these lakes for a fun-filled weekend

Spending some time with your loved ones can be the perfect way to relax and what better place can there be to relax than a beautiful, serene lake? Moreover, it can be extremely fun to visit these places during festivals and special events. Fireworks can even make your visit super special. Make sure to pack your bags and indulge in some water entertainment during your visit.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Faraz Khan is a part-time content writer who loves stargazing, cloud-watching and reading poetry and fiction. He's also a Wonder Woman fan.

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