Article

Choose Your Own Lake Day

Let Us Help You Plan Your Day on the Water!

By Lauren Hustead

Getting out on the lake isn’t ever as simple as throwing on a swimsuit and putting the boat key in the ignition. There are endless decisions, logistics, and even reservations to make before you ever hit the water. But don’t worry, that’s what you have the Explore Branson team for! Let us do the heavy lifting of asking questions and providing answers you may not have considered while at home booking your next trip to Table Rock Lake.

1. Have you driven a boat before, and do you have a boaters safety license?

two parents sit on their boat on table rock lake watching their song and daughter dry off with towels

If yes, great! You are already a pro! If you feel like dusting up on your skills before hitting the water, Missouri State Water Patrol is a great online resource for all things water safety.

If no, head to Missouri State Water Patrol’s website to take the course and get your Missouri Boater’s Safety License. Anyone born after January 1, 1984, will need this to operate a vessel on the water.

2. Are you renting a boat or bringing a personal boat from home?

If you’re bringing a personal boat, there are several public boat ramps available to use around the lake, such as Moonshine Beach or Table Rock State Park.

If renting, you can find rental boat marinas all around the lake. Most have gas docks and ship stores attached for anything you'd need out on the water.

Marinas Near Branson and Indian Point

State Park Marina
Long Creek Marina (Above)
Indian Point Marina

Marinas Near Kimberling City and Beyond

Port of Kimberling Marina
Baxter Marina
Campbell Point Marina

3. Do you want to stay in Branson/Indian Point or Kimberling City?

a lush wooded hillscape with a lake running through it that has marinas and is active with boats. Location is Big Cedar Lodge.

Here are three resorts on the Branson/Indian Point side:

Here are three resorts/hotels near the Kimberling City marinas:

4. Are you wanting an adventurous day of cliff jumping and watersports, or more of a casual and relaxing lake day?

Adventure: Keep in mind that you will need a boat with a little more “get up and go” for some watersports like waterskiing or wakeboarding. A ski/runabout boat would be great for a group wanting to take turns cliff jumping or doing any sports.

Watersport equipment can be rented or purchased at most marinas. Be sure to also check out The Ski Shack and Williams Brother's Ski and Sports for lake gear, apparel, and more.

Casual: If a relaxing, sightseeing lake day is more your speed, a pontoon or tritoon would be the perfect vessel for you. Low and slow (by design), these boats have plenty of storage room and lots of seats to spread out.

Tip:

No matter what kind of boat you’re renting, make sure that you are taking sun exposure into consideration. Call the rental business ahead of time and ask if your boat has a Bimini top for sun protection, especially if you have kids

5. Is your boat a mix of kids, parents, and families, or an older crowd of adults looking for nightlife?

two siblings relax in a boat on table rock lake

Families, you’ve come to the right place. This is one of the cleanest lakes in the country taken care of by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Missouri State Water Patrol also has a huge presence on Table Rock. If you and your children run into water patrol, be sure to thank them for their service to our beautiful lake. You might even receive a free child’s t-shirt or sticker if the officer sees them with coast guard approved life vests on.

Kid-Free: Once the lake day has concluded and you’re looking for live music and a great atmosphere, look no further than Rock Lane’s Tiki Bar and Rock Island Grill. This fun hangout is on Indian Point, a close drive from Branson. Other great options like Buzzard Bar at Big Cedar, Big Buoys, and Goofy Goose are all ones to check out. Their website or Facebook page will have up-to-date live music schedules for the summer.

6. Do you plan to fish while you’re on one of our three pristine lakes?

three friends fishing off their boat with the Branson Belle in the background

Anyone 16 years or older will need a Missouri fishing license to fish on Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, or Bull Shoals Lake. Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website to purchase a day pass or annual pass.

Live bait can be purchased at most full-service marinas, as well as lures and other fishing gear.

Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information about fishing regulations.

Tip:

If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situation on Table Rock Lake, always remember that Water Patrol is there to help. Dial *55 for any questions, concerns, or if you run into problems on the water. There are also TowBoatUS and Sea Tow for boat failure-related issues.

7. Have you considered hiring a fishing guide or captain?

a boy smiles as he looks at the fish they just caught in his father's hands

Reserving a trip with a local fishing guide is the best way to experience an angler’s day on Table Rock Lake. These guides are fully licensed, insured, and are equipped with top quality gear and equipment.

Not interested in fishing, but you need a driver? Conveniently, most fishing guides double as a Boat Captain for rental boats! They will meet you at the marina of your choice and drive your group around the beautiful Table Rock Lake. All the scenery, even more fun, and no stress about getting around safely. What could possibly be better than that?

Fishing Guides:

Mike Boyles
Table Rock Lake Fishing
417-689-9874

Rick LaPoint
Chauffeured Fishing Service
417-861-3899

8. Are you a “We’ve got food on the boat!” group or a “Let’s eat on the water!” group?

a pizza in a box on an outdoor wooden picnic table

Pack Food: A hearty sandwich and bag of chips is more my speed, too. Make sure to bring an anchor to find a nice, quiet location to eat and recharge before your day continues. Most coves on Table Rock are long and have lots of pockets, which makes finding the perfect secluded spot to eat an absolute breeze.

Eat on the water, you said? I’m in! Most marinas have restaurants at their docks with courtesy stalls. Some of our favorites? Biscuits and gravy at the Floating Café, pizza at Portside Pizza, and fried chicken wings at Watson’s on the Water. Need I say more?

9. No Boat? No Problem

Looking for a day of swimming without renting a boat? Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is a very popular sandy swimming beach along the shores of Table Rock Lake.

Kayaks are available to rent at State Park Marina, as well as on Lake Taneycomo through Kayak Branson and White River Kayaking & Outdoors.

On the Water Experiences

Discover More Outdoor Activities Here!