9 Amazing Lakes in Missouri That Have Sandy Beaches

Sep 02, 2023

Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day.

Did you know that the Show Me State is full of dreamy, sandy beaches that make you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise? The Missouri shores are well-maintained and have beautiful scenery and clear water.

Missouri beaches offer a variety of enjoyable activities, including boating, paddle boarding, scuba diving, floating, beach games, and more. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation spot or just a place to cool off in the summer, here are our top picks for the best sandy beaches in Missouri!

©Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz/Shutterstock.com

Moonshine Beach is a popular swimming spot with a wide, welcoming beachfront and gorgeous water. One of the best sandy beaches in Missouri for people of all ages. Kids and older folks can have fun in the fine sand along its endless shoreline, which has a slight slope.

At Moonshine Beach, your kids may swim in the calm waters without fearing about getting carried away by large waves or strong currents. Your children may take a break from splashing around at the nearby Moonshine Beach playground. It features swings and a jungle gym.

Due to its clean, clear water, Moonshine Beach ranks as one of the best places to go scuba diving in Missouri. It’s also a great spot to rent a beach pavilion for events such as birthday parties.

©Unknown employee(s) of the United States Army Corps of Engineers / This file is a work of a U.S. Army soldier or employee, taken or made as part of that person’s official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, it is in the public domain in the United States. – License

The nicest beach getaways in Missouri may be had at Long Branch State Park Beach. There are little to no waves and a smooth shoreline there. Visit Long Branch State Park Beach during your holiday in Missouri to truly take in the beauty of Mother Nature.

Boat ramps are available at Long Branch State Park Beach in case you desire to bring your watercraft. There is a volleyball court is available for group games of volleyball. You will find a wide variety of hiking paths close by Long Branch State Park Beach. This is a great spot for people of all ages can go for a bit of exercise.

The trails are covered in a profusion of wildflowers and gorgeous birds!

©Ekaterina Govorina/ via Getty Images

Another one of the best sandy beaches in Missouri is Fugitive Beach. It is among the most popular beach getaways in Missouri since it has a clean shoreline and a ton of amenities fit for people of all ages. If you’re traveling with younger children, you’ll love the separate shallow area that’s roped off, intentionally for kids to play in!

Something that sets this beach apart from others in the state is that it has several beach toys and flotation devices are available for rent. Teenagers and adults may enjoy a variety of things to do at Fugitive Beach. These include sliding down huge water slides, leaping off cliffs, beach volleyball, paddling kayaks, diving into the water, and much more!

Because life jackets are required and there are attentive lifeguards on duty, Fugitive Beach is the safest beach in the Show Me State. Officials test the water on a biweekly basis, and the elements in the rock formations help eliminate microorganisms naturally.

©iStock.com/stammphoto

Every year, thousands of migratory ducks are drawn to the six lakes in Wakonda State Park by its clean waters, making the area a haven for birdwatchers. Anglers can also reel in largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish in the lakes.

Boat ramps are available on two of the lakes, making entry into the water considerably simpler. The park is a terrific area to spend some time in because it has campsites and a swimming beach where you can cool down.

The 20,000-square-foot beach has plenty of space for sunbathing and playing sand volleyball. It is important to note that there are no lifeguards at Wakonda State Park, so swim at your own discretion.

©Scenic Corner/Shutterstock.com

On the lovely, clear Elk River, Shady Beach offers grassy, shaded campgrounds. There’s a quarter-mile of beachfront that can be used for swimming, fishing, or simply unwinding. Shady Beach is where you need to be if you’re looking for a spot to unwind, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

Near Noel, MO on the Elk River sits the Shady Beach Campground. There are a variety of accommodations available at Shady Beach. They include air-conditioned cabins, holiday rentals, rustic tent sites, and RV sites with water and electricity.

One of the most popular activities here is floating on the water. Whether you prefer an inflatable or a water vessel like a canoe, this place is the ultimate summer getaway.

©iStock.com/scgerding

Grand Glaize Beach is our sixth pick for one of the best Lake Ozarks shorelines. It has a smooth sandy beach and clear water. When visiting with young children, it is highly advised to take Grand Glaize Beach into consideration.

This place is one of the swimming locations in the state for small children. It boasts shallow, still waters without rushing waves that are safe for your kiddos to play around in. The soft shoreline is ideal for making unique sand castles, creative forts, and art from surrounding nature.

Prior to going for a swim, set down a towel, and spend some time tanning while your kids are wearing themselves out in the sun. If you want to unwind while floating the lake, there is a marina next to Grand Glaize Beach where one may rent a variety of boats!

The marina also has shops where you can purchase frozen treats, fishing equipment, and various other items.

©iStock.com/jwdorris

The simplicity and luxury of vacationing are enhanced by the amenities at Stockton Lake Public Beach, a favorite among locals.

Along this magnificent beachfront sits one of Missouri’s top family-friendly sandy beaches. Devote the whole day sunning, watching the kids make sandcastles, relaxing on the shore, and having an enjoyable meal while taking in the breathtaking environment.

In addition, Stockton Lake Public Beach is the perfect place to go paddle boarding, boating, scuba diving, jet skiing, canoeing, pontooning, fishing, and enjoying other thrilling water activities with your group.

©Shooty Photography/Shutterstock.com

A sandy beach, gorgeous blue water, and towering oak and maple trees can be found at Mark Twain State Park Beach, which is situated on the edge of Mark Twain Lake. During your trip, you can unwind with your friends at this peaceful beach, which is quite uncrowded.

Mark Twain State Park Beach is a quiet place to soak up the sun or peruse a book thanks to the lack of people there. The calm, shallow waters and roped-off swimming area at Mark Twain State Park Beach make it a good choice for families.

Additionally, there aren’t any little rocks or pebbles that hurt to step on. There is a convenient campground at Mark Twain State Park to make your visit even more memorable!

©Maridav/Shutterstock.com

The 1128-acre park that surrounds Finger Lakes State Park Beach has a golden shoreline. Spend a relaxing day at the beach tanning, spending quality time with your kids creating sandcastles, tossing a baseball, or relaxing with them in the shallow water.

You can savor your freshly prepared meals at the picnic areas at Finger Lakes State Park Beach. There are roped-off sections that act as barriers to keep the low and deeper parts of the water separate.

Visitors can enjoy an afternoon kayaking, boating, exploring, and fishing while on visiting this lake. There is also a great mountain biking trail and track for ATVs!

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.