A Getaway to the Lake of the Ozarks

“Our accommodations have just as much personality as the Lake does,” says Lagina Fitzpatrick, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association. “Whether it’s a resort, condo or vacation home, cabin or campground, bed and breakfast or national hotel chain, there’s no shortage of options to choose from, no matter the size of your group or your budget. Whether you want upscale or simple, charming or quirky, there’s a place for you at the Lake of the Ozarks.”

Since the Lake was first impounded in 1931, anglers and their families have been enjoying the Lake of the Ozarks’ classic fishing resorts. These fun and family-friendly resorts have a lot of personality, some offering rustic cabins and motel rooms to more modern, recently-renovated cabins and motel rooms, from single sleepers to larger bunkhouse-style accommodations. The majority of the units include fully-equipped kitchens, towels and linens, cable TV and free WiFi.

Many also feature pools and hot tubs, sandy swimming beaches, yard games and kayaks and paddleboards for their guests’ enjoyment. Many come with fishing docks, boat ramps, boat rentals, submerged crappie beds and cleaning stations located on-site, to make sure anglers have everything they need to enjoy their trip. The majority also sell Missouri fishing permits for out-of-state visitors or the casual angler that simply needs a daily permit.

For larger groups, whether a reunion, a big getaway with family and/or friends or a business conference, there are numerous resorts around the Lake of the Ozarks that cater to groups large and small, anywhere from a couple of guests all the way up to hundreds. Most of the Lake-area resorts offer everything from single rooms up to cabins and bunkhouses that can sleep up to 20 people. Many also provide thoughtful essentials such as towels and linens, pots and pans, coffee makers, can openers, cable TV and free WiFi. Some of the Lake’s resorts also have impressive conference centers, banquet rooms and meeting spaces, regardless if a visitor is planning a trip for business or pleasure. The Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association offers a complimentary group planning service to assist with choosing the best accommodations, location and activities to fit each group.

Many families and small groups appreciate the diverse selection of condominiums and vacation rental homes available at the Lake of the Ozarks. But, more than that, they enjoy being able to all stay together under one roof. The area is home to hundreds of condominiums and

vacation rental homes, all offering beautiful views and more, including boat slips for those who bring their own boats or personal watercraft. Whether its a small condo or a large, multi-bedroom vacation home, all come with fully-equipped kitchens, decks or patios, laundry facilities, barbecue grills and just about everything else someone might need for a relaxing home-away-from-home at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.

The Lake’s full-service resorts offer guests a complete lineup of amenities and activities, all in one centralized location.

Larger lakeside resorts offer top-of-the-line amenities like championship golf courses, fully-equipped marinas, nationally recognized spas and hair salons, along with spacious guest rooms complete with luxury bedding and linens. With both casual and elegant on-site restaurants, dining won’t be a concern. Other amenities can include live musical entertainment, tennis courts, swimming pools, playgrounds, parasailing, Lake cruises and organized children’s programs. Visitors staying at one of these expansive resorts can experience both luxury and comfort while having an incredible Lake of the Ozarks vacation. The Lake’s full-service resorts also are great for reunions, weddings, meetings and conferences.

If your ideal Lake of the Ozarks vacation involves spending as much time on the fairways as possible, visitors can choose to stay where they play. Several of the area’s golf resorts offer stay-and-play packages, as does the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail. A Golf Trail Getaway Package provides affordable stay-and-play options through its 12-member courses and numerous participating local lodging establishments.

Depending on the accommodations selected, golfers can enjoy a view of the fairways and/or greens or the shimmering waters of the Lake of the Ozarks when they are relaxing and kicking up their feet after their round is over. Golf package lodging options include full-service resorts, family-owned resorts, cabins, cottages, condos and vacation homes. Visitors can learn more about the Golf Trail, the Lake’s different courses and stay-and-play packages at www.LakeOfTheOzarksGolfTrail.com.

The Lake area’s charming bed and breakfasts offer a quiet getaway for their guests, whether for a romantic weekend, special celebration or just a simple getaway. Each bed and breakfast is unique and reflects the personality of the innkeepers. All feature personal touches from the innkeepers, well-appointed guest rooms, luxury linens, jacuzzis and hot tubs, stunning lakeside views and delicious made-from-scratch breakfasts. These things combined make for a quaint and memorable relaxing experience at the Lake of the Ozarks.

For the outdoorsy types, the Lake of the Ozarks’ 20-plus campgrounds and RV parks would be the best fit for you and/or your group. One of the most memorable ways of experiencing the Lake’s great outdoors is sleeping under the stars and enjoying the splendor of an Ozark moon. From RVs, primitive tents, glamping tents, cabins or yurts, at the Lake of the Ozarks, campers have their pick. The majority of the local campgrounds provide picnic tables, pavilions, fire pits and/or grills, swimming pools, walking trails, playgrounds and organized activities for younger campers. Regardless of where or how campers set up camp, they will be close to a wide variety of family-friendly attractions and activities so they can be as active or laid-back as they want to be.

Vacationers who are taking advantage of many of the fun activities and adventures at the Lake and only using their rooms to catch a few winks between one fun day and the next can choose between roughly 20 different, convenient and comfortable hotels or motels located near all the action. There is a variety of national lodging chains as well as quirky and quaint local motels which offer economical family accommodations, many of which include complimentary breakfasts.

The Lake of the Ozarks’ wealth of attractions for fun-seeking visitors makes choosing the perfect accommodations a key part of planning a Lake getaway. Vacationers will want to pick the area resort, hotel, motel, condominium, private home rental, bed and breakfast, RV park or campground that’s an ideal match for their needs. Learn more about all the lodging options available at the Lake of the Ozarks at www.FunLake.com.

For a complete list of all the fun events, unique attractions and enjoyable year around activities, as well as dining options available at the “Best Recreational Lake in the Nation” and “Best Lake for Water Sports in the Nation” at www.FunLake.com or by calling the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau at 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).