Best Family Beaches in Missouri

Moonshine Beach, located on the shores of Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, is a picturesque retreat offering a unique blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure. The beach is renowned for its large sandy shoreline, a rarity in the Ozarks, making it perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking, while the surrounding area provides opportunities for hiking and exploring scenic viewpoints. The beach is well-equipped with amenities like restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and a boat ramp, making it an ideal spot for family outings. With its stunning natural beauty and accessible facilities, Moonshine Beach is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable experience in the Ozarks.
The beach's history is intertwined with the development of Table Rock Lake, which was created by the construction of the Table Rock Dam in 1959. This project aimed to enhance tourism, provide flood control, and generate hydroelectric power. Today, Table Rock Lake is a popular recreational spot, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Moonshine Beach is situated near several attractions, including the Dewey Short Visitor Center, which offers insights into the area's history and natural environment. The nearby Table Rock State Park provides additional opportunities for hiking and biking, with well-marked trails offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills.

Shady Beach Campground is located on the Elk River in Noel, Missouri, offering a lively atmosphere perfect for families and groups. It provides a variety of accommodations, including air-conditioned cabins, vacation home rentals, primitive tent sites, and RV sites with water and electric hookups. The campground features a 1/4 mile of beachfront for swimming and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy float trips on the nearby rivers and access an onsite camp store offering snacks, ice cream, and camping essentials. The social vibe is enhanced by activities like volleyball and campfires, making it a popular spot for summer memories.
The campground is known for its friendly community and is a great base for water activities. However, some campers have noted that the bathrooms could use improvement. Despite this, the spacious tent sites and wash stations provide ample space for campers to spread out.
Shady Beach Campground is a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in Southwest Missouri's Ozarks.

Stockton State Park Marina's beach area on Stockton Lake offers a serene escape in southern Missouri, surrounded by clear waters and lush landscapes. Known for its perpetual southwest breeze, the beach is a hotspot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, with a laid-back vibe that attracts families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s 2,176-acre peninsula provides ample space for exploring, while the marina’s proximity ensures easy access to water activities and amenities.
The beach area blends natural beauty with practical facilities, including a designated swimming zone and picnic spots. Stockton Lake’s status as a prime sailing destination adds to its appeal, with the marina housing an award-winning sailing school. Visitors often highlight the clean, well-maintained environment and the stunning sunsets over the water.

Long Branch State Park, located in Macon County, Missouri, offers a serene and picturesque getaway. The park is nestled around the 2,450-acre Long Branch Lake, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. With its sandy beach, marina, and multiple boat ramps, it's an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground, making it perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
The park's history dates back to the construction of Long Branch Dam in the 1980s, which not only controlled flooding but also created a recreational haven. Today, visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and exploring the unique Bee Trace area, known for its ancient oak trees and prairie landscape.
Long Branch State Park is a haven for wildlife, with frequent sightings of white-tailed deer and migratory waterfowl, adding to its natural charm.

Mark Twain State Park, located in Monroe County, Missouri, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park spans 2,788 acres and features Mark Twain Lake, which provides ample opportunities for water recreation. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas amidst the scenic bluffs and forests. The park is also adjacent to the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site, adding a layer of cultural depth to the area.

The park's beach area at the Highway 107 Recreation Area allows for swimming, though it is at one's own risk due to the absence of lifeguards. The surrounding landscape is dotted with oak, hickory, and maple trees, making it a haven for wildlife like white-tailed deer and turkey.

Established in 1924, Mark Twain State Park is a testament to Missouri's rich natural and literary heritage, honoring the famous author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain.

Finger Lakes State Park, located near Columbia, Missouri, is a unique recreational area that was once a coal strip mine. The park offers a diverse range of activities, including off-road vehicle trails, camping, fishing, and swimming. The beach area features a large sand swimming beach and a 1.5-mile-long corridor of water ideal for canoeing and kayaking. The park's transformation from a mining site to a vibrant recreational space showcases successful land reclamation efforts. Visitors can enjoy both fast-paced adventures like ATV riding and more serene experiences like paddling through the interconnected lakes.

The park's landscape is dotted with hills and gullies, providing a challenging yet exciting terrain for off-road enthusiasts. The motocross track and firearm ranges add to the park's appeal for those seeking adrenaline-packed activities. Despite the bustling atmosphere, the park also offers peaceful spots for picnicking and relaxation.

Finger Lakes State Park is a testament to the potential for environmental restoration and the creation of vibrant public spaces from former industrial sites.