Top Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Spots in Missouri
Missouri has 8,772 listed water destinations, including lakes and rivers. Browse them by type below, with ratings, photos and directions for each.
🏞️Top Lakes in Missouri
6 locations
4.7(1,606)Lake of the Ozarks
Big, scenic reservoir with many shore attractions, including camping, fishing & underground caverns.
Pomme de Terre Lake
Artificial lake popular for fishing, water sports & beach swims, with many surrounding campsites.
4.5(389)Smithville Lake
2 swim beaches, boat rentals, golf courses & camping grounds along a huge lake with bike trails.
Longview Lake
Water sports & boating, plus swimming off sandy beaches with lifeguards, at a manmade lake.
4.5(202)Mozingo Lake
Large recreational lake with trails, picnic tables, camping & activities such as swimming & fishing.
4.5(73)Lake Taneycomo
Renowned for its trout fishing, this serene reservoir also offers hiking, swimming & boating.
🌊Top Rivers in Missouri
2 locations
4.5(40)Blackwater River
The Blackwater River is a 79.3-mile-long tributary of the Lamine River in west-central Missouri in the United States. Via the Lamine and Missouri rivers, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River. The Blackwater River was named from the character of its banks and water.
4.6(93)Cuivre River
The Cuivre River is a 41.6-mile-long river in the east central part of the state of Missouri, north of the Missouri River terminus. A good part of its course marks the borders between Lincoln and St. Charles counties before emptying into the Mississippi River north of St. Louis.
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