Tom and I enjoyed two days camping, hiking and kayaking at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, in Missouri. The State Park is located at the southeast corner of the gigantic Lake of the Ozarks.
Camping at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
When Tom and I showed up at Lake of the Ozarks State Park on the first Saturday after Memorial weekend, without reservations, we weren't sure what to expect. We were pleasantly surpised to get a nice site relatively close to the water. It was a basic site, without electricity, but we were happy to be close enough to carry our kayaks to the water's edge. The basic sites were $15 a night and we saved a few additional dollars with Tom's military discount.
The campground at Lake of the Ozarks State Park has approximately 180 campsites including many that are on the water's edge. Some sites have electric and each site has a picnic table and fire pit. Shared water faucets, showers, restrooms, vault toilets, and dumpsters are scattered throughout the campground. There are also several dumpstations with potable water. Other amenities include playgrounds, hiking trails, amphitheater, marina, boat launch, store, and laundry facility.
You can view our photos from Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Kayaking at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
After settling into our campsite, Tom and I inflated our kayaks and set out to explore the lake. Fortunately, it was still morning and relatively cool with an overcast sky so we didn't worry about leaving Aly in the camper without air-conditioning.
Our first kayaking expedition took us about 1.5 miles from our campground, just past the Carnes Bottom Day Use Area. We stopped at the Day Use Area on our way back to get off our kayaks and stretch. It was the only "beach" area we'd seen since leaving our campground and we were surprised no one else was there, especially on a Saturday. We decided it would be a good place to bring Aly on a future expedition... and we did, the next afternoon. The next morning, however, Tom and I took off again, without Aly, so we could kayak almost 4 miles to the Swinging Bridges Day Use Area. It was too far for Aly to enjoy but we loved it.
You can view photos from our 3 kayaking experiences on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Hiking at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
When Tom and I first arrived at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, we were excited to see the convenient hiking trails. They were especially inviting after all the sitting/driving we'd done the past few days. And, while Aly will tolerate kayaking, she'd rather hike. So, after a short kayaking expedition our first morning, Tom and I took Aly hiking on a 3 mile loop through our campground and along the Lake View Bend and Fawn's Ridge trails. The trails were lush and beautiful. They even offered views of sections of lake that Tom and I had kayaked a few hours earlier.
We all enjoyed the hike but soon after returning to our camper, we spotted one, then two, then three ticks on her. We lost count of the ticks we pulled off Aly during our 2-day visit to Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Fortunately, the flea/tick/heartworm meds we give her must be working because none of the ticks burrowed into her skin. But, she didn't enjoy us examining and picking at her every time she came back in the camper after enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
You can view photos from our 3-mile hike on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below. Tick pics not included.
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