For us, nothing beats summer in the Show-Me State, especially when spending a day at one of the clearest lakes in Missouri. What do you like best? Catching lightning bugs then setting them free? Leisurely picnics at the park? Or long lazy days at the beach? If you can’t think of a better place to spend a summer day than the beach, you’re in luck. Missouri’s got quite a few of them. These five crystal-clear lakes in Missouri, for example, will help you stay cool all summer long.

  1. Lake Lincoln – Troy

Facebook/Cuivre River State Park You won’t lack for fun activities at Cuivre River State Park in Troy. One of the gems of the park, in fact, is Lake Lincoln, the perfect summertime destination and one of the clearest lakes in Missouri. Soak up the sun as you sink your feet into the sand of the beach that leads into the crystal-clear water of the 55-acre lake. If you prefer spending time on the lake instead of in it, go kayaking or canoeing. Fishing is also allowed in the lake. Can you imagine a better way to spend a day? Lake Lincoln, Snow Hill Township, MO 63379, USA

  1. Stockton Lake – Dadeville

Facebook/Stockton State Park Marina Nestled in Stockton State Park, Stockton Lake is an idyllic summertime destination, complete with a beach. However, the beach is gravel, so it’s not quite as cozy as a sand beach. Bring along a beach chair if you really want to be comfortable. This clear and pristine lake in Missouri is perfect for floating or swimming, although there isn’t a lifeguard. Once you’re cooled off, consider renting a sailboat, a kayak, or a canoe for some fun on the water. State Highway A, State Hwy A, Missouri, USA

  1. Long Branch Lake – Macon

Missouri State Parks Pack all of your beach gear - umbrella, towel, and chair - for a day on the sandy beach at Long Branch State Parks. If you close your eyes, you might swear you’ve landed oceanside. Play a game or two of beach volleyball before jumping into the crystal-clear water of Long Branch Lake. You can also rent a kayak, a paddleboard, or a tube right at the park. Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon, MO 63552, USA

  1. Table Rock Lake – Branson

Trip Advisor/Heidi Float, tube, or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Table Rock Lake when you visit Moonshine Beach. You might want to bring a picnic along too, and spread out at one of the picnic tables overlooking the water. The beach also features a volleyball net and plenty of space to drop your beach chair or towel. When you get a bit too hot, you’re just a few steps from the cool water of Table Rock Lake. Table Rock Lake, United States

  1. Wakonda Lake – La Grange

Wakonda State Park You’ll have a ton of space to spread out at the beach at Wakonda State Park, which we think is one of the best all-around parks in MO. It spans 20,000 sandy square feet and is perfect for relaxing on when you’re not splashing in the crystal clear water. Bring a ball for a game of beach volleyball. The beach area also features restrooms and showers. Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Road, La Grange, MO 63448, USA

What are your picks for the clearest lakes in Missouri? Join the conversation in the comments! For more summertime fun, go kayaking on the Jack’s Fork River or the Current River with Windy Canoe Rentals in Eminence.

Facebook/Cuivre River State Park

You won’t lack for fun activities at Cuivre River State Park in Troy. One of the gems of the park, in fact, is Lake Lincoln, the perfect summertime destination and one of the clearest lakes in Missouri. Soak up the sun as you sink your feet into the sand of the beach that leads into the crystal-clear water of the 55-acre lake. If you prefer spending time on the lake instead of in it, go kayaking or canoeing. Fishing is also allowed in the lake. Can you imagine a better way to spend a day?

Lake Lincoln, Snow Hill Township, MO 63379, USA

Facebook/Stockton State Park Marina

Nestled in Stockton State Park, Stockton Lake is an idyllic summertime destination, complete with a beach. However, the beach is gravel, so it’s not quite as cozy as a sand beach. Bring along a beach chair if you really want to be comfortable. This clear and pristine lake in Missouri is perfect for floating or swimming, although there isn’t a lifeguard. Once you’re cooled off, consider renting a sailboat, a kayak, or a canoe for some fun on the water.

State Highway A, State Hwy A, Missouri, USA

Missouri State Parks

Pack all of your beach gear - umbrella, towel, and chair - for a day on the sandy beach at Long Branch State Parks. If you close your eyes, you might swear you’ve landed oceanside. Play a game or two of beach volleyball before jumping into the crystal-clear water of Long Branch Lake. You can also rent a kayak, a paddleboard, or a tube right at the park.

Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon, MO 63552, USA

Trip Advisor/Heidi

Float, tube, or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Table Rock Lake when you visit Moonshine Beach. You might want to bring a picnic along too, and spread out at one of the picnic tables overlooking the water. The beach also features a volleyball net and plenty of space to drop your beach chair or towel. When you get a bit too hot, you’re just a few steps from the cool water of Table Rock Lake.

Table Rock Lake, United States

Wakonda State Park

You’ll have a ton of space to spread out at the beach at Wakonda State Park, which we think is one of the best all-around parks in MO. It spans 20,000 sandy square feet and is perfect for relaxing on when you’re not splashing in the crystal clear water. Bring a ball for a game of beach volleyball. The beach area also features restrooms and showers.

Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Road, La Grange, MO 63448, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Clearest Lakes in Missouri May 19, 2022 Sarah M. What are the most beautiful beaches in Missouri? If you’re looking to take a dip in one of the clearest lakes in Missouri and visit an amazing beach all at once, you’ll definitely want to check out these glorious spots. Looking for the ultimate beach day? Sunbathe on the beach before cooling off in Table Rock Lake at the pristine Moonshine Beach in Branson. The beautiful beach also features picnic areas, restrooms, and a volleyball court. Bring food of your own, or stop by the vendors on hand during your visit! Another beautiful beach in Missouri we love is Fugitive Beach, a lovely little spot with a sandy beach that is perfect for relaxing in the sunshine… or join the kiddos on the slide that zips straight into the water! Finally, for a Missouri beach day twofer, check out Lake of the Ozarks State Park, where you’ll find two beautiful beaches. You can do it all here: relax on the sandy beach; have a picnic in the picnic area; and watch the kiddos play on the playground. The beaches also feature changing and restrooms, too, making it one of the most family friendly summer destinations in Missouri. Are there any clear water lakes in Missouri? Boasting the clearest and most beautiful waters in Missouri, Lake Lincoln is an absolute slice of paradise. It’s located in Cuivre River State Park, a place Missourians love exploring all year round. However, the masterpiece of the 6,400-acre state park is arguably Lake Lincoln, which spans 55 acres and often boasts crystal clear water, which is used for all sorts of amazing outdoor recreation. If you prefer spending time on the water, Lake Lincoln is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. You can even rent a kayak or a canoe right at the state park. You might also want to find a quiet space along the water for a bit of fishing. The lake is generally stocked with a variety of fish, including channel catfish, large mouth bass, and blue gill. A sandy beach, snuggling up to Lake Lincoln, is open annually from May through September. It’s a fun way to soak up the sun and to stay cool. (The water at the beach is the only place you are permitted to swim in the lake.) Lake Lincoln really is the ultimate destination for water recreation in the Show-Me State!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Clearest Lakes in Missouri

May 19, 2022

Sarah M.

What are the most beautiful beaches in Missouri? If you’re looking to take a dip in one of the clearest lakes in Missouri and visit an amazing beach all at once, you’ll definitely want to check out these glorious spots. Looking for the ultimate beach day? Sunbathe on the beach before cooling off in Table Rock Lake at the pristine Moonshine Beach in Branson. The beautiful beach also features picnic areas, restrooms, and a volleyball court. Bring food of your own, or stop by the vendors on hand during your visit! Another beautiful beach in Missouri we love is Fugitive Beach, a lovely little spot with a sandy beach that is perfect for relaxing in the sunshine… or join the kiddos on the slide that zips straight into the water! Finally, for a Missouri beach day twofer, check out Lake of the Ozarks State Park, where you’ll find two beautiful beaches. You can do it all here: relax on the sandy beach; have a picnic in the picnic area; and watch the kiddos play on the playground. The beaches also feature changing and restrooms, too, making it one of the most family friendly summer destinations in Missouri. Are there any clear water lakes in Missouri? Boasting the clearest and most beautiful waters in Missouri, Lake Lincoln is an absolute slice of paradise. It’s located in Cuivre River State Park, a place Missourians love exploring all year round. However, the masterpiece of the 6,400-acre state park is arguably Lake Lincoln, which spans 55 acres and often boasts crystal clear water, which is used for all sorts of amazing outdoor recreation. If you prefer spending time on the water, Lake Lincoln is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. You can even rent a kayak or a canoe right at the state park. You might also want to find a quiet space along the water for a bit of fishing. The lake is generally stocked with a variety of fish, including channel catfish, large mouth bass, and blue gill. A sandy beach, snuggling up to Lake Lincoln, is open annually from May through September. It’s a fun way to soak up the sun and to stay cool. (The water at the beach is the only place you are permitted to swim in the lake.) Lake Lincoln really is the ultimate destination for water recreation in the Show-Me State!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

If you’re looking to take a dip in one of the clearest lakes in Missouri and visit an amazing beach all at once, you’ll definitely want to check out these glorious spots. Looking for the ultimate beach day? Sunbathe on the beach before cooling off in Table Rock Lake at the pristine Moonshine Beach in Branson. The beautiful beach also features picnic areas, restrooms, and a volleyball court. Bring food of your own, or stop by the vendors on hand during your visit! Another beautiful beach in Missouri we love is Fugitive Beach, a lovely little spot with a sandy beach that is perfect for relaxing in the sunshine… or join the kiddos on the slide that zips straight into the water! Finally, for a Missouri beach day twofer, check out Lake of the Ozarks State Park, where you’ll find two beautiful beaches. You can do it all here: relax on the sandy beach; have a picnic in the picnic area; and watch the kiddos play on the playground. The beaches also feature changing and restrooms, too, making it one of the most family friendly summer destinations in Missouri.

Are there any clear water lakes in Missouri?

Boasting the clearest and most beautiful waters in Missouri, Lake Lincoln is an absolute slice of paradise. It’s located in Cuivre River State Park, a place Missourians love exploring all year round. However, the masterpiece of the 6,400-acre state park is arguably Lake Lincoln, which spans 55 acres and often boasts crystal clear water, which is used for all sorts of amazing outdoor recreation. If you prefer spending time on the water, Lake Lincoln is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. You can even rent a kayak or a canoe right at the state park. You might also want to find a quiet space along the water for a bit of fishing. The lake is generally stocked with a variety of fish, including channel catfish, large mouth bass, and blue gill. A sandy beach, snuggling up to Lake Lincoln, is open annually from May through September. It’s a fun way to soak up the sun and to stay cool. (The water at the beach is the only place you are permitted to swim in the lake.) Lake Lincoln really is the ultimate destination for water recreation in the Show-Me State!