Table Rock is a great place to visit for outdoor adventures when vacationing in Branson. The laid-back region spreads along the meandering shores of Table Rock Lake and is surrounded by a lush rolling landscape. Go boating, camping and hiking in the crisp air of the Ozark Mountains. Visit an impressive feat of civil engineering and tour a trout-rearing farm.
Start your visit at the Dewey Short Visitor Center, which has exhibits about local plants, animals, hydroelectricity and native people. The center’s third-floor lookout terrace has exceptional views over the Ozark countryside, Table Rock Dam and the lake.
Stroll across the 6,423-foot-wide (1,958-meter) and 252-foot-tall (77-meter) dam. Built to control erratic water flow of the White River, its construction led to the creation of the lake.
Boating, canoeing, WaveRunning, paddleboarding, parasailing and scuba diving are popular activities on the clear waters of Table Rock Lake. Rent canoes and motorboats from State Park Marina or take a dinner cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle Mississippi-style riverboat. Pretty beaches and coves, such as Moonshine Beach, are scattered along more than 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) of shoreline.
Table Rock State Park offers opportunities for outdoor recreation on the lake’s eastern boundaries. Picnic along the lakefront and camp in the shade of hickory and oak trees. Breathe the fresh mountain air while hiking the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail. The White River Valley Trail System presents challenging hikes and mountain bike rides.
Another fun thing to do is learning about trout farming on a tour of the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. Play a round of 18 holes at the picturesque Pointe Royale Golf Course.
From downtown Branson, travel southwest to Table Rock by car in 15 minute drive. The state park has free entrance and free parking. For accommodations, stay at one of the lodges and resort hotels in the town center or consider the family-friendly choice of camping.
