Another Branson Show, Then Some Natural Scenery (Part 2)

Hollister, MO (near Branson, MO)

This blog completes some adventuring we did yesterday.  After walking around the College of the Ozarks we decided to go over to Table Rock State Park. This is a Missouri State Park and one of the things I like about them (aside from the natural beauty) is the fact that there are no entrance fees.

Table Rock State Park is located on Highway 165 slightly southwest of Branson on Table Rock Lake. Table Rock Lake was created when the White River was captured by the building of a dam in 1954-1958. The Lake's surface area is approximately 43,100 acres.

From the Missouri state park website:

Nestled in the oak and hickory trees that surround Table Rock Lake, Table Rock Lake State Park offers something for everyone. Camping areas that allow easy access to the lake. A marina that rents all manner of boats. SCUBA diving excursions. A mountain bike trail. Easy access to the Branson area and all its entertainment. Shelters and picnic areas and a full range of campsites help make Table Rock State Park the ideal place for playing in and around the lake’s clear waters.

There are two RV campgrounds within the State Park. Both had many sites which could accommodate large rigs.  Missouri uses a color-coded system on each site to designate FHUs (red), water and electric (yellow), and no hook-ups (green) for tenting.  There were quite a few open FHU sites available when we drove thru yesterday.  The FHU sites tend to be more in the open and allow for easier maneuvering of large rigs.

It was pretty windy yesterday on the water, but there were still a fair number of boaters taking advantage of the nice weather.

There are ample marinas at the Park for those with boats.

A nice spot to sit and watch the water and boats go by.

After the Park, we drove a short distance over to the Corp of Engineers' Dewey Short Visitor Center at Table Rock Dam.  The center is open until 5:00 PM, but of course we got there after closing.

Water side of the Visitor Center

West side looking toward the dam

Table Rock Dam

As already stated, the dam captures the White River to create Table Rock Lake.

The COE maintains a nice boat dock just above the dam for those in boats to stop in and visitor the Dewey Short Center.






As I finish writing this blog today, the area is still under a tornado watch and there are chances for heavy thunderstorms throughout the night.  Wish us luck!

Thanks for stopping by to take a look!