Table Rock LakeAbout Table Rock Lake
Table Rock Lake is a reservoir on the White River in the Ozarks of southwestern Missouri and northwestern Arkansas, formed by Table Rock Dam. The impoundment is a major regional recreational lake created in the mid-20th century.
The lake provides extensive shoreline and water surface for boating, swimming, camping and angling and supports multiple marinas and campgrounds. It is a popular destination for anglers targeting bass and crappie and for boat-based recreation.
Table Rock Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and completed in 1958 to provide flood control, hydroelectricity and recreational opportunities. Since completion the reservoir has been managed for multiple uses including water-level regulation and public access.
The lake lies in the Ozark highlands and is commonly accessed from the Branson, Missouri, area and surrounding communities; much of the developed recreation infrastructure sits along the Missouri side of the reservoir.
- Dam completion and purpose: Completed in 1958 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; built for flood control, hydroelectric power and recreational use.
- Recreational fishing: Widely used for boating and sport fishing, with common game species including largemouth and smallmouth bass and crappie.
What to See#
- Table Rock Dam: The concrete-arch Table Rock Dam impounds the White River to form the reservoir; construction was completed in 1958 and the structure provides flood control, power generation and recreation.
- Table Rock area recreation facilities: A Missouri state-managed recreation area on the lake’s shoreline offering marinas, boat ramps and campgrounds for visitors to access the reservoir.
Best Time to Visit Table Rock Lake
Summer for water recreation; spring and autumn for quieter outdoor activities and comfortable hiking weather.
Weather & Climate near Table Rock Lake
Table Rock Lake's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1090 mm/year), wettest in May.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -5° - 8° | -2° | 51 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -3° - 11° | 1° | 61 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 2° - 15° | 6° | 101 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 7° - 21° | 14° | 103 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 12° - 25° | 19° | 117 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 17° - 30° | 23° | 114 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 19° - 33° | 26° | 81 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 18° - 32° | 25° | 87 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 15° - 28° | 22° | 103 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 9° - 23° | 16° | 89 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 3° - 16° | 7° | 100 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -2° - 10° | 1° | 83 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Table Rock Lake
Table Rock Lake is accessible from Branson, Missouri (southwest) and from points in northwest Arkansas. Major access points include Table Rock State Park and multiple Corps of Engineers-managed boat ramps. Drive via US-65 and local roads; Branson provides the nearest commercial services and airports.
Tips for Visiting Table Rock Lake
- If boating, be mindful of fluctuating reservoirs and submerged hazards-local charts are important.
- Peak recreation season is summer; book accommodations and boat ramps in advance.
- Visit Table Rock State Park on clear days for the best Ozark vistas across the lake.