The Lake of the Ozarks is a recreational area surrounding a large reservoir in Central Missouri. It’s a well-loved tourist spot, boasting abundant natural beauty and various outdoor activities. The lake spans 93 miles from its origin at the Bagnell Dam and is divided into regions like Horseshoe Bend, Grand Glaize, and Gravois Arm. The biggest town is Osage Beach, located on the lake’s southeast arm. Locals often refer to the Lake of the Ozarks as the “Magic Dragon” due to its winding shape. With over 1,000 miles of shoreline, finding a vacation rental right by the water is a breeze.
Whether you’re searching for a lakeside cabin with a dock or a luxurious home by the lake, this stunning area has it all. Here are some of the top vacation rentals in the Ozarks.
Top-rated b’n’bs in Lake Ozark
Condo, Osage Beach, Missouri
Price: $175 per night
Located in Osage Beach, this waterfront condo offers access to Osage Beach Premium Outlets, Lake of the Ozarks, and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Ideal for parasailing, fishing, hiking, and horse riding, the condo features two pools, a sandy beach, and a play area. The rare 4-bedroom, 3-bath unit comfortably sleeps 8 with additional sofa sleepers. Amenities include Roku TVs, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large deck with lake views. High-speed internet, boat slip access, and proximity to Surdyke Marina and shopping enhance your stay. No smoking, pets, or parties allowed.
Waterfront Lake Ozark Home, 240 m² House
Price: $801 per night
Located in Lake Ozark, this charming 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom vacation rental offers classic lakefront living with convenient access to Horseshoe Bend. Perfect for family gatherings, it features a boat dock with a swim platform, gas grill, private yard, and outdoor dining areas. Indoor amenities include smart TVs, a fully equipped kitchen, free WiFi, and a wet bar. Explore water adventures on-site or nearby attractions like golf courses, Sugar Creek Mini Golf, Lake of the Ozarks State Park, and Bridal Cave.
Lake houses in Lake of the Ozarks
The Ranch Guest House/Warsaw, MO
Price: $120 per night
This rental, located on a 3500+ acre cattle ranch, offers stunning views, a large creek for cookouts and swimming (with permission), and is minutes from Truman Lake and Lake of the Ozarks. The 3-bedroom, 2-bath house has boat parking and all basic amenities, with an additional house available for large gatherings. Situated on MO Highway 7 South, it’s 10 minutes from Warsaw, MO, known for its shops and restaurants. Includes front porch, back patio, and gas grill. No parties; must be 25 to rent.
Big Griff’s Lake House, Entire home in Rocky Mount, Missouri
Price: $210 per night
Located on deep, fresh water with a dock for boating, fishing, and swimming, this peaceful retreat features a porch for relaxation. The 1800 sq. ft. home presents a completely stocked kitchen, central air, an electric fireplace, 3 bedrooms with 5 beds, 2.5 baths, and accepts pets. Situated on the North shore, it’s minutes from the Dam Strip with dining and shopping options. The driveway is steep, with parking for up to 3 vehicles and extra space nearby. TV streaming services are available; bring your own passwords. The property includes two docks for guest use.
Budget-friendly b’n’bs in Lake Ozark
Osage Beach Getaway: Lakefront 91 m² Condo
Price: $115 per night
Located in Osage Beach, this waterfront 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers a prime location with easy access to Lake of the Ozarks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, and Margaritaville Lake Resort. The condo features a fully equipped kitchen, updated interior, private balcony with lake views, and access to community amenities including 2 pools, a playground, and lake access. Additional amenities include a washer/dryer, central air, flat-screen TV, and parking for 2 vehicles. No smoking, pets, or parties allowed. Guests must be at least 25 years old to book.
Wonderful 88 m² Condo in Osage Beach with Private Balcony + Lake Views
Price: $99 per night
This Osage Beach condo offers a perfect lakeside getaway with direct Lake of the Ozarks access, 3 community pools, and a private balcony with stunning views. Ideal for a relaxing retreat, it features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and modern comforts like free WiFi, Roku Smart TVs, and central air. Enjoy water adventures with community boat and jet ski docks, or explore local attractions like Sugar Creek Mini Golf, Bear Creek Valley Golf Club, and Lake of the Ozarks State Park. No smoking, pets, or events; must be 25+ to book.
A guide to Lake of the Ozarks
Best time to stay in a vacation rental
The best times to stay in a Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental are spring and summer for beach lounging, swimming, and water sports, despite the humidity and rain. Fall offers cooler weather, the Fall Festival, and the Versailles Apple Festival in early October. Winters are cold with snow, ideal for bass fishing and the annual Polar Plunge in late February for the brave.
Top things to do
Lake of the Ozarks State Park: Missouri’s largest state park offers boat ramps, rentals, beaches, 13 trails, picnic areas, and Ozark Caverns for outdoor adventures with salamanders and bats.
Osage Beach: A lively hub with nautical-themed bars, live music, dance floors, pools, and watercraft rentals including parasailing and paddleboards.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park: Features a 1905 stone castle ruins, 14 hiking trails, natural bridges, caves, picnic areas, and lake access.
Activities
Scenic Drive: Explore Lake of the Ozarks by car, with panoramic views from Bagnell Dam Overlook and trails in Thunder Mountain Conservation Area.
Museum Stops: Visit Miller County Museum in Tuscumbia and Willmore Lodge Museum to learn about the area’s history and the dam.
Boating Excursions: Rent various boats to tour settlements, dine at lakeside restaurants, and admire waterfront homes.
Wedding Venue: Book Bridal Cave for a unique ceremony, with Lake of the Ozarks as an ideal honeymoon spot.
TheHotelTrotter.com is curated by greek journalist and fanatic hotel lover Eleni Stasinopoulou. With the eye of a fashion and lifestyle editor, Eleni hopes to inspire all connoisseurs of traveling, focusing on stylish hotel moments around the globe.
