Book This Dreamy Campsite Along a Missouri Lakefront, and You Won’t Be Disappointed

Does a spacious waterfront campsite for $25 a night sound too good to be true? What if I told you it’s also less than 30 minutes from one of Missouri’s most popular tourist destinations? The Old Highway 86 Campground on Table Rock Lake is a dream come true for its price, awe-inspiring views, and access to activities and amenities, both in the park and in nearby Branson. This lake vacation offers all the views and all the fun of a grand getaway—without breaking the bank.

I fell in love with Old Highway 86 on my first camping trip with a travel trailer of my own. After stumbling through the new-to-me process of making coffee in my small RV, I stepped out to the picnic table and took in the view. I was feet from the water’s edge, and the lake’s blue waters stretched across the horizon. Light from the morning sun highlighted the gentle waves, burning off the fog that had settled in the valleys of the Ozarks overnight.  Because of scenes like this, my family would return to Old Highway 86 dozens of times in the years since that first trip.

As you can imagine, the scenery is the first element that makes Old Highway 86 one of Missouri’s best waterfront campgrounds. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages Table Rock Lake and the campground, which is located on a peninsula that extends into the lake waters. I first saw the campsites from a boat and dreamed of camping at that beautiful park someday.

About one-third of the 77 campsites are directly on the shoreline, and most of the remaining sites still have tremendous views, even if they are farther from the lake on higher ground. Those sparkling sapphire waters are almost always within view of your tent or RV windows.

The lake water isn’t just for looking at, either. From many campsites, you can walk right down to the lake to make a splash, pop a camp chair in the water, or toss in a line. If your site isn’t directly on the water, you can still easily access it from the swim beach or boat ramp. Take along your kayak, canoe, or boat, and hop in right from the campground.

Table Rock is known as one of the best bass lakes in the nation; its clear waters are also renowned for scuba diving and all sorts of watersports. The best part? All of these activities are included in your $25-per-night camping fee (as long as you bring your equipment).

As far as campsites go, those at Old Highway 86 far exceed their price point. You’ll find a gravel pad, picnic table, fire ring, and electric and water hookups (but you’ll have to venture to the park’s dump station to empty your tanks). While you can see your neighbors, they aren’t “close close.” There’s always a way to angle your camp chairs toward the water so nature fills your view.

In the evening, you can set up your grill and watch the Showboat Branson Belle, an old-fashioned paddle boat, glide by. Or, you can venture into Hollister or Branson to find a wealth of restaurants offering temptations like Chicago-style pizza, amazing pub grub, and so much more. The same is true for entertainment. If you want a break from the calm hum of campground life, Branson’s colorful theme parks, music shows, and family attractions are within easy reach. 

I once heard a local say, “There ain’t no clock on Table Rock,” and that’s exactly what I love about staying at Old Highway 86. Simply sitting at my site seems to lower my blood pressure, as my eyes watch the campfire dance and my ears listen to the water splashing on the rocky shores. If that isn’t a dreamy campsite, I don’t know what is. If you book a stay, I bet it will be the best 25 bucks you ever spent.