The rugged beauty of the Ozarks creates an opportunity to develop an abundant amount of parks in Branson – at last count there were 16. Some are just the kind of park you used to hang out in when you were a child, playing a pickup game of basketball, talking with your best friend about your dreams and plans for the future while swinging idly on the swing set, or even playing organized sports, feeling excited and proud when picking a name for the team you knew was going to come in first place at the end of the season. Other Branson, Missouri parks comprise large areas of unspoiled wilderness beauty, perfect for hiking, camping, fishing and mountain biking – all the outdoor activities you have happily participated in throughout your life. When vacationing in Branson, why not take the time to explore and rediscover the majesty of Mother Nature? Here’s a list of some wilderness parks you can visit during your stay in one of our cabins in Branson MO, and see for yourself what makes Branson, MO parks better than most throughout the US.
Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
140 acres of pure Ozarks beauty, this city park has two dedicated trails for hiking; one is more challenging, with 315 stone steps leading down to Lake Taneycomo (around two miles of shoreline is included in the boundaries of this park), and the other designed for families and people who prefer an easier stroll. Open from 7:00AM-7:00PM during the summer, and from 7:00AM -5:00PM during the winter, it is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Scenic and tranquil, this wilderness area preserves a portion of the Ozarks.
Address: 412 Owen Ln, Branson, MO 65616 Phone #: (417) 335-2368
Table Rock State Park
Consisting of 356 acres in the middle of the Ozarks, this is one of the state parks near Branson, MO and is world famous for more than just being a part of Branson. Camping, fishing, hiking, boating, swimming and mountain biking are all popular activities in this spectacular part of Southern Missouri; it is a destination spot for most vacationers. The rugged beauty of the Ozarks and the serene tranquility of Table Rock Lake combine to create a spot of pure perfection. Bird watchers can download a checklist of birds that can be found at www.sparks.mobirds.org and spend days hiking the trails and crossing off each bird they see. The park has 2 campgrounds to stay at so as to not waste valuable birdwatching time returning to their vacation rental each day; Campground 1 is open year-round, Campground 2 is only open March through November. www.mostateparks.com has a detailed list of activities and attractions you can find at this breathtaking state park.
Address: 5272 MO-165, Branson, MO 65616 Phone #: (417) 334-4704
Roaring River State Park
Of all the parks Branson, MO has to offer, Roaring River is one of the more colorful ones, stretching out over a staggering 2400 acres surrounding the Roaring River. Roaring River Springs provides deep blue pools of water, and is a fun spot to feed and watch fish. Fishing, camping, swimming, hiking and picnicking are popular activities here, and the trout fisheries are stocked each night. A nature center teaches all about the park’s history, and even has a few live animals on display. There is a playground for children to frolic on should they need to expel some extra energy. Birdwatching is another popular hobby here (see the website above for another checklist); there’s even a swimming pool to play in on those particularly warm summer days! No matter which of the parks in Branson you decide to visit, the majesty and sheer beauty of the Ozarks wonderland will always please and amaze you and prove to be a great way to spend a part of your Branson vacation!
Address: 12716 FR 1090, Cassville, MO 65625 Phone #: (800) 334-6946
Explore these beautiful parks and many other attractions when you visit Branson and stay in one of our beautiful vacation rentals.
