WHEN PLANNING A TRIP TO THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS
There are many things to consider when planning a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks. The lake of the Ozarks is not only an outdoor nature lover's paradise, but we also have an amazing lineup of entertainment, night life, concerts, and events!
The type of experience you're looking for on your vacation is the biggest thing to consider.
Are you looking for a relaxing Ozark Backwoods vacation to get in touch with nature?
Are you looking for the night life?
New to boating and looking to explore the lake?
As a side note…prime events and holidays such as the Lake Race, Shoot Out, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Bike Week, and other major events – flood the area with large crowds. This leaves few vacancies to accommodate you with either hotels, cabins, and campground sites at the last minute. Places around the tri-lake area get booked quickly during spring & summer events and weekends!
Let's discuss 5 key things to consider when planning your trip!
#1 - What Type Of Vacation Are You Looking For?
I'm looking for an adventure in the woods, on the lake, and out in nature! The Ozark Backwoods has much to offer encompassing an area spread over four counties, we have endless options. If this is the vacation for you, then you will want to avoid high profile events & holidays.
I'm looking for a Party! Well then you have come to the right place. The Lake of the Ozarks knows how to party! Check out our local events and festivals. You'll love the variety of concerts from your boat on the water, lakeside swim up pool bars, the strip, and so much more! You definitely don’t want to miss the weekends here!
I'm looking for a family friendly combination of Everything! Wonderful! We got you! Many resorts around the lake area are the ideal place to spend your vacation and are packed full of on site amenities!
Taking the time to plan your vacation will result in the most memorable, picture-perfect vacation of your lives!
#2 - Transportation
The Lake of the Ozarks is not really a place you visit without transportation. Our area is large and spread out over miles and miles of narrow, windy, hilly roads. There are only a couple of main throughways in the area with many "lake roads'' branching off.
Lake roads; although they have come a long way since I was a kid – are still primarily “one way in” and “one way out” roads that take you down through the hills to the lake side. If you're not comfortable driving in these types of conditions, it's best to pick a resort you won’t need to leave and schedule tours and excursions from there. Margaritaville, long known as the iconic Tan-Tar-A, is a long standing lake area favorite with many new upgrades. Your days can easily be filled from this all-inclusive resort style stay!
#3 - Weather
You can plan a pretty picnic but you can not predict the weather! Seriously though, a lot of people will tell you that you should consider the weather when planning a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks. But me… I say don't worry about it!
We do get our share of rain and bad weather here, don't get me wrong. But my life experience says that the "lake effect" theory we locals refer to, says that more times than not the lake will break up the weather and push the majority of it around us!
If you do get rained out on your trip, no worries. There are plenty of unique indoor things to do! Visit one of our area caves, the indoor waterpark, do some shopping, or catch some local entertainment at one of our many family-friendly establishments.
#4 - Budget
The diversity of the Lake of the Ozarks accommodates budgets of all sizes. From luxury high-end vacations to modest natural get-a-ways. We truly offer a little bit of everything! Come stay in one of our luxury Tree Top condos, or camp creek-side at a nearby river. Visit the state parks, or book a charter on a private yacht! Rent a boat, float the river, or splash in the lake.
Whatever your budget is you will surely find a combination of the perfect vacation for you!
#5 - What To Bring?
Hiking boots and swimsuits are the moto around here! So the list is simple...
Your Swim Suit & a cover up
Your Flip Flops
Your Sunglasses!
These are the essentials to any vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks! Beyond that, what should you bring? Overall the Lake of the Ozarks is still a very rural area, hence the name Ozark Backwoods!
Most of us here have a good 1/2 hour to 45 min drive to town or work. Thankfully, over the years, small gas stations and convenience stores have popped up making quick runs easier. I recommend preparing for your trip with that in mind.
Bring all of your basic personal hygiene items, a first aid kit, and plan your meals if you plan on cooking. The store isn't a quick run up the road. Depending on your location, delivery may not be an option! Once you have the basics under control, you can pretty much leave the rest to the lake! You will find we are a very accommodating group of people around here!
Overall, these are all important things to consider when planning your vacation to the Ozark Backwoods. Understanding the unique workings of the area is key to planning a “picture perfect” vacation!
We Look forward to seeing you here at the lake and hope you enjoy your trip!