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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA

Point Lookout, Missouri · Taney County · Campground

Overview Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is a very popular sandy swimming beach along the shores of Table Rock Lake.Unlike the smaller swimming areas at the campgrounds surrounding Table Rock Lake, Moonshine beach is spacious enough to make visitors forget they are actually on a lake and not at the ocean.Recreation Whe…

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About MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA

Overview Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is a very popular sandy swimming beach along the shores of Table Rock Lake.Unlike the smaller swimming areas at the campgrounds surrounding Table Rock Lake, Moonshine beach is spacious enough to make visitors forget they are actually on a lake and not at the ocean.Recreation Whether on water or land, Moonshine Beach Recreation Area offers visitors countless recreational activities. Picnicking, swimming, scuba diving, boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing are all popular pastimes at the park. Soaking up the sun and cooling off in the bright blue waters of Table Rock Lake are the most popular activities at Moonshine Beach. For visitors looking to spend some time exploring the shore, the adjacent Dewey Short Visitor Center offers a hiking trail leaving from the grounds. Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, about 2 miles long, runs from the Dewey Short Visitor Center to the Table Rock State Park Marina. During the spring hikers will see dogwood, serviceberry and redbud trees in bloom as well as many wildflower species. During the autumn months, visitors are treated to nature's colorful fall foliage. The trail also offers beautiful views of Table Rock Lake.Facilities Moonshine Beach Recreation Area offers a large group picnic shelter and can accommodate up to 75 guests. Moonshine Beach is the only sand swim beach at Table Rock Lake, and with the beach, a volleyball court, boat ramp and picnic area all provided, it's the perfect destination for large parties or family functions.Natural Features Table Rock Lake is a beautiful body of water surrounded by a forest of oak and hickory trees. Its waters wind down through the valleys and hollows of the Ozark Mountains, from Branson, Missouri to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. More than five million visitors per year take advantage of this recreational oasis. Originally built for flood control, the Table Rock Dam has created a lake that boasts 779 miles of shoreline for the public to enjoy. Nearb

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA

Heading to MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA?

No central reservation system listed for MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234371) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA?

From Branson, Missouri, take Highway 165 to Table Rock Dam. The park is just north of the dam.

How do I contact MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA?

You can reach the park at phone: 1-877-444-6777.