Springfield is surrounded by some of the best lake country in the Midwest. From small city lakes perfect for a morning kayak to sprawling reservoirs with hundreds of miles of shoreline, there is a lake within easy reach no matter what kind of day on the water you are after. Here is your complete guide to lakes near Springfield, MO.
In-Town Lakes (10 to 20 Minutes)
Lake Springfield
- Distance from Cherry St House: 10 minutes
- Size: 158 acres of parkland with over a mile of shoreline
- Best for: Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, walking trails
Lake Springfield - The city’s most accessible lake. The Lake Springfield Boathouse rents kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for about 10 to 12 dollars per hour during warmer months. Surrounded by rolling parkland with trails, woods, and bluffs. The Greater Ozarks Audubon Trail nearby offers a rocky overlook with lake views. A great spot for a quick half-day escape without leaving town.
- Address: 2312 E Lake Springfield Park Road, Springfield, MO
- Phone: (417) 891-1550 (Springfield-Greene County Parks)
Fellows Lake
- Distance from Cherry St House: 20 minutes
- Size: 820 acres
- Best for: Fishing, quiet kayaking, nature watching
- A peaceful reservoir north of Springfield. Known for largemouth bass, muskie, channel catfish, walleye, and crappie. Boat rentals available at the marina. A City Utilities permit is required to launch your own boat, and motors are limited to 40 horsepower, which keeps the lake quiet and uncrowded. The surrounding Dirt 66 trail system makes it easy to combine a morning on the water with an afternoon hike.
- Address: 4200 E Farm Road 66, Springfield, MO 65809
- Phone: (417) 895-6880
Day Trip Lakes (45 Minutes to 1.5 Hours)
Stockton Lake
- Distance from Cherry St House: About 1 hour northwest
- Size: 24,900 acres
- Best for: Sailing, swimming, fishing, scuba diving, water sports
- Known for some of the clearest water in Missouri. Five sandy beaches, three marinas, and a perpetual southwest breeze make this one of the best sailing lakes in the region. Stockton State Park sits on the peninsula between the two arms of the lake and offers a swimming beach, boat launches, campgrounds, cabins, and a restaurant. Fishing is excellent for walleye, crappie, bass, and catfish. Birders should visit in January for Eagles Day, when bald eagles are commonly spotted along the shoreline.
- Stockton State Park Address: 19100 S Highway 215, Dadeville, MO 65635
- Phone: (417) 276-4259
Table Rock Lake
- Distance from Cherry St House: About 1 hour south
- Size: Over 43,000 acres with 800-plus miles of shoreline
- Best for: Boating, water sports, swimming, fishing, scuba diving
- The crown jewel of Ozark lakes. Clear blue water, over 40 marinas, and every water activity you can think of: skiing, tubing, wake surfing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, pontoon cruising, and swimming. Multiple designated swimming areas and public beaches. Bass fishing is world-class here. Bring your own boat or rent from one of the many lakeside marinas. Table Rock State Park on the eastern shore offers camping, a marina, and lake access.
- Table Rock State Park Address: 5272 State Highway 165, Branson, MO 65616
- Phone: (417) 334-4704
Lake Taneycomo
- Distance from Cherry St House: About 50 minutes south
- Best for: Trout fishing (cold water), kayaking, scenic views
- A unique lake that behaves more like a river, fed by the cold bottom-release water from Table Rock Dam. The upper section near the dam stays cold year-round and supports one of the best trout fisheries in the region. Over 750,000 rainbow trout and plenty of brown trout are stocked annually. The lower sections are warmer and support other fish species. Fishing guides and boat rentals are widely available in the Branson and Forsyth area.
Pomme de Terre Lake
- Distance from Cherry St House: About 1 hour north
- Size: About 7,800 acres
- Best for: Muskie fishing, water skiing, swimming, camping
- A beautiful lake set among rolling hills and wooded landscape. Best known for its muskie fishing, which draws anglers from across the region. Two public beaches, over 650 campsites, and the Pomme de Terre State Park make it a great family destination. Quieter and less crowded than Table Rock, which is part of its appeal.
- Pomme de Terre State Park Address: HC 77 Box 890, Pittsburg, MO 65724
- Phone: (417) 852-4291
Visit Pomme de Terre State Park
Bull Shoals Lake
- Distance from Cherry St House: About 1.5 hours south
- Size: Over 45,000 acres with 1,200 miles of shoreline
- Best for: Fishing (big fish), boating, swimming, solitude
- The most rugged and least developed of the big Ozark lakes. Steep bluffs and rocky ledges define the shoreline. Famous for trophy-size stripers, with fish over 50 pounds landed here. Bass in the 5 to 15 pound range are common. Commercial docks, fishing guides, and boat rentals available. If you want big water without the crowds of Table Rock, Bull Shoals delivers.
Pro tip: Lake Springfield and Fellows Lake are perfect for a low-key morning paddle. For a full day on the water, Stockton Lake offers the best combination of clear water, beaches, and activities. Table Rock is the go-to for serious boating and water sports.
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