Branson, Missouri has built a strong reputation as a Midwest tourist destination. While it is an urban center with many of the shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities associated with city life, it also has a number of campgrounds just outside city limits. Visitors can have the best of both worlds, as they explore the city while also camping to save money and be closer to the walking, biking and water sports opportunities in the area.
About Branson
Branson, Missouri, is a four-and-a-half hour trip by car from the state's largest city, St. Louis, but one third of all Americans can drive to the city in less than one day, a fact that Branson touts as it cultivates its thriving tourist industry. There are numerous festivals throughout the year in Branson, which the city strives to keep family-friendly. The city's location along the Mississippi River and liberal sprinkling of lakes gives it great views and opportunities for water sports, while a walking tour of the city's sights can also give visitors a workout.
Outdoor Activities
The city has plenty to entertain visitors, as they can shop, eat on a boat as it cruises the Mississippi, and see a play in one of its 50 theaters. Walking and biking around the city are a good way to stay fit while sightseeing, but visitors will certainly want to explore the hiking opportunities in the nearby scenic Ozark Mountains. Campers should also take advantage of the area's lakes for swimming, fishing, boating and jet- and water-skiing.
Table Rock State Park
Table Rock State Park was created as a recreational preserve around Table Rock Lake. Boats, jet-skis, Waverunners and pontoons are available if visitors don't bring their own. Along with boating, fishing and swimming, campers can parasail or scuba dive. Therefore water sports enthusiasts will certainly enjoy staying close to the lake. There are two campsites, which take reservations, have running water, showers and dump stations, but only March through November.
Closer to Town
Staying closer to the city gives visitors quicker access but still puts them in close to the area's picturesque rural settings. Ozark Country campground sits between Branson city center and Table Rock, making each readily accessible. Campers will be able to climb a mountain trail that begins on the grounds to get a feel for the scenic Ozarks, while children enjoy the playground. Swimmers can stretch their limbs in the Olympic-sized pool.
RV Parks
Many people now choose to camp in their RVs for added comfort, and Branson has a number of campgrounds that can accommodate these vehicles. One option is the Branson Shenanigans RV Park. It is a popular choice because guests can walk to theaters and other area attractions--this is not only healthier but easier considering the difficulty of driving an RV in crowded areas. A wet-weather stream in on-site, and visitors that hike around the woods surrounding the campground are likely to bump into some of the resident deer.
Member Comments