Lake of the Ozarks Boat Ramps & Launch Sites

Lake of the Ozarks — often called "The Magic Dragon" for its winding, serpentine shape — is a 54,000-acre reservoir in central Missouri created by the impoundment of the Osage River in 1931. Bagnell Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world at the time of its completion, backs up water for 92 miles through the Ozark hills. The result is 1,150 miles of shoreline — more than the entire coast of California — making it one of the most developed recreational lakes in the Midwest.

The lake is anchored by the communities of Osage Beach and Lake Ozark, which serve as the commercial and entertainment hubs of the region. The lake's long, narrow arms reach deep into Camden, Miller, Morgan, and Benton counties, creating an almost endless supply of coves, points, and bluff walls. Lakeside development includes thousands of private docks, hundreds of resorts and restaurants, and a vibrant summer tourism economy that draws millions of visitors annually from Kansas City, St. Louis, and beyond.

For anglers, Lake of the Ozarks is a year-round fishery with diverse opportunities. Largemouth bass thrive in the dock-heavy upper lake and stained-water arms. Crappie congregate around brush piles and standing timber, especially in spring. Channel and blue catfish grow to impressive sizes in the main channel, while white bass and walleye provide fast action during their spring spawning runs. The lake's depth — reaching 130 feet near the dam — creates distinct seasonal patterns that keep experienced anglers coming back. Public boat ramps are scattered along the lake's length, with some of the best-maintained facilities operated by Missouri State Parks.