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.

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$342 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$342
9 Aug - 10 Aug
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 ...
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks
Inn at Grand Glaize

Inn at Grand Glaize

2 out of 5
5142 Osage Beach Pkwy Osage Beach MO
The price is AU$116 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
AU$116
16 Aug - 17 Aug
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 ...
Inn at Grand Glaize
Schmidt's Creek Hotel

Schmidt's Creek Hotel

2 out of 5
5760 Osage Beach Pkwy Osage Beach MO
The price is AU$167 per night from 22 July to 23 July
AU$167
22 July - 23 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Osage Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (577 reviews)
"Pretty solid room and stay for an older renovated hotel. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 20 July 2026

Schmidt's Creek Hotel
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! (139 reviews)
"Multiple stays at this house and it’s everything you see and more. Location is perfect and quick boat ride to multiple hot spots. Groceries and other necessities are nearby. What a place!"

Reviewed on 18 July 2026

The Lighthouse - 2026 VRBO OF THE YEAR - Private Heated Pool & Golf Course 7k SF
Best Tan Tar A View Waterfront Beauty with spectacular Lake view!

Best Tan Tar A View Waterfront Beauty with spectacular Lake view!

Osage Beach MO
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Osage Beach. Enjoy laundry facilities, a pool table and patios. Popular attractions Lake of the Ozarks and Jolly ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"Perfect size for our family! Thank you."

Reviewed on 17 May 2026

Best Tan Tar A View Waterfront Beauty with spectacular Lake view!
Remodeled Private Waterfront Cottage, Pet Friendly, with dock in Osage Beach!

Remodeled Private Waterfront Cottage, Pet Friendly, with dock in Osage Beach!

Osage Beach MO
Stay at this cottage in Osage Beach. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Bagnell Dam and Sugar Creek Mini Golf ...
Remodeled Private Waterfront Cottage, Pet Friendly, with dock in Osage Beach!
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