Osage Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A wide river with a person walking along the shore, boats on the water, and a forested hill in the background.
A marina with boats docked under blue canopies, surrounded by calm water and a forested shoreline.
A forest scene with a group of people standing under a cave entrance.
A calm body of water with a small boat in the foreground and a larger vessel in the distance.
A cave with stalactites and stalagmites, a metal staircase, and a light source at the bottom.

Choose from ample recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, parasailing, riding horses, golf, swimming and sunbathing at this lakeside community.

Water-based activities abound in the community of Osage Beach stretching along the shores of man-made Lake of the Ozarks. Join a tour on the lake or rent a boat to steer your own adventure.

Originally known as Zebra, Osage Beach was first established in 1886. When the Bagnell Dam was completed in 1931, creating the man-made Lake of the Ozarks, the local post office was rebuilt at a cliff overlooking the new lake and the name Osage Beach was adopted. With its position at the heart of Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach is a popular summer holiday spot. Join the summer population swell.

The biggest attraction in town is Lake of the Ozarks. Sign up for waterskiing or wakeboarding lessons, take a narrated boat cruise or rent a pontoon boat and explore independently.

The 92-acre (37-hectare) Osage Beach City Park backs onto the lakefront. Fish in the park’s stocked pond, let the kids enjoy the playground or kick a ball at the park’s soccer fields. This park is adjacent to the much larger Lake of the Ozarks State Park, which contains swimming beaches as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding and cycling trails. Look for the park’s landmark Swinging Bridge. Park nearby and walk across the wobbly structure.

During nice weather, venture to one of the area’s golf courses to hone your skills. Osage Beach has many courses to choose from, including Bear Creek Valley Golf Club, Osage National Golf Club and The Oaks Golf Club at Tan Tar A Resort.

On rainy days, take shelter at the indoor Timber Falls Water Park. Speed down the twin slides, float along the lazy river and relax in the hot tub. Osage Beach Premium Outlets featuring discounted merchandise is another good wet-weather activity.

Osage Beach straddles Camden and Miller counties in central Missouri. It is about a 45-minute drive from Jefferson City and Lebanon. Rent a car for the best way to get around.

Our guide on where to stay in Osage Beach

Find the best Osage Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Osage Beach
Learn more about Osage Beach

Laguna Beach

While Laguna Beach may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Gran Rally Karts and Osage Beach Premium Outlets.

Inn at Grand Glaize

Inn at Grand Glaize

2 out of 5
5142 Osage Beach Pkwy Osage Beach MO
The price is AU$113 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
AU$113
4 Oct - 5 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Osage Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (473 reviews)
"Great central location Clean and comfy rooms Friendly staff Will be back"

Reviewed on 3 Sept 2026

Inn at Grand Glaize
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks

3 out of 5
494 Tan Tar A Drive Osage Beach MO
The price is AU$322 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$322
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Osage Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,008 reviews)
"Loved it!!!"

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2026

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks
The Lighthouse - 2026 VRBO OF THE YEAR - Private Heated Pool & Golf Course 7k SF

The Lighthouse - 2026 VRBO OF THE YEAR - Private Heated Pool & Golf Course 7k SF

Osage Beach MO
The price is AU$1,763 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
AU$1,763
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf holiday home in Osage Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake of the Ozarks and Bagnell Dam ...
10/10 Exceptional! (146 reviews)
"Anthony was a wonderful host for the most spectacular home we have ever reserved! Myself and 13 girlfriends had a wonderful time swimming, playing games, golfing, watching sunsets, boating and relaxing! This home is nothing short of amazing! Everything is so comfortable, inviting and clean. It is ..."

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2026

The Lighthouse - 2026 VRBO OF THE YEAR - Private Heated Pool & Golf Course 7k SF
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Lighthouse - 2026 VRBO OF THE YEAR - Private Heated Pool & Golf Course 7k SF

The Lighthouse - 2026 VRBO OF THE YEAR - Private Heated Pool & Golf Course 7k SF

Osage Beach MO
Stay at this golf holiday home in Osage Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake of the Ozarks and Bagnell Dam ...
10/10 Exceptional! (146 reviews)
"Anthony was a wonderful host for the most spectacular home we have ever reserved! Myself and 13 girlfriends had a wonderful time swimming, playing games, golfing, watching sunsets, boating and relaxing! This home is nothing short of amazing! Everything is so comfortable, inviting and clean. It is ..."

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2026

The Lighthouse - 2026 VRBO OF THE YEAR - Private Heated Pool & Golf Course 7k SF
8500 sf, Sleeps 48 in beds, Pool, Hot Tub, Game Rm, 300 ft lake front, In town

8500 sf, Sleeps 48 in beds, Pool, Hot Tub, Game Rm, 300 ft lake front, In town

Osage Beach MO
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Osage Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bagnell Dam and Osage Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (117 reviews)
"Property was very spacious and accommodated our family perfectly. Amenities in the kitchen were more than I expected. Kids enjoyed the pool and the fishermen in the group were satisfied with fishing off the dock. Other than inability to get hot water in the basement all was great."

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2026

8500 sf, Sleeps 48 in beds, Pool, Hot Tub, Game Rm, 300 ft lake front, In town
Heart of Osage Beach w the Best view of the lake down the main channel 4 miles

Heart of Osage Beach w the Best view of the lake down the main channel 4 miles

Osage Beach MO
Stay at this family-friendly condo in Osage Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bagnell Dam and Osage Beach Premium ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"Close to everything. Location"

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

Heart of Osage Beach w the Best view of the lake down the main channel 4 miles
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Osage Beach attractions