Map showing campground location near Branson, Missouri

Camper submitted image from Moonshine Beach Rec. Area

Moonshine Beach Rec. Area

Army Corps of Engineers manages this day-use recreation area along Table Rock Lake, charging $5 for access to facilities that include drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables with rental options for larger gatherings. Despite being listed as a campground on some maps, overnight camping is not permitted here, and gates restrict evening access.

The main draw is a large sandy beach that provides flat shoreline access to Table Rock Lake for swimming and water activities. During peak season, the beach area fills quickly with day visitors. Spring rains can reduce usable beach space when water levels rise. Campers seeking overnight stays can find campgrounds just outside Branson or explore Table Rock State Park Campground nearby for full camping amenities.

Description

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.

Nearby Attractions

The Dewey Short Visitor Center features interactive exhibits, great lake views, a film about the area and construction of Table Rock Dam. For more information please call 1-877-444-6777. The visitor center also contains exhibits about the natural history of the area. Those visitors arriving by boat can take advantage of the courtesy dock. Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is just outside of Branson, Missouri, which offers grocery stores, gas and additional tourist attractions.

Fee Info

Day use fees $5.00 per car.

Day use fee $2.00 per person walk in.

Gate attendants are happy to help you with your inquiries, but cannot make reservations over the phone. Please call (877) 444-6777 for reservations.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Camping The Route 66 Road Trip

Route 66 Road Trip Segment: St Louis, MO to Oklahoma City, OK

St. Louis to Oklahoma City: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

Moonshine Beach Rec. Area is located in Missouri

Directions

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

Address

3778 SOUTH HWY 165
Branson, MO 65616

Coordinates

36.6077778 N
93.31 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 3/9/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 3/9/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

51 min from Springfield, MO
1 hr 44 min from Fayetteville, AR
1 hr 49 min from Joplin, MO
2 hrs 29 min from Fort Smith, AR

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

2.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

This day-use only recreation area features a popular sandy beach resembling Atlantic shores and rental picnic facilities. Several guests observed crowding on weekends and seasonal water level changes affecting beach access.

Crystal C.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 1, 2020

Draws a pretty big crowd

This space is day use however is classified on most maps as camping. You cannot camp here however and they do close the gate to restrict access.

The beach area is nice, but with that said during most warmer months does quickly get congested. During spring when rains are common the same beach ends up engulfed in water and is very limited.

You can rent the picnic structures here for larger gatherings and it is a great access point to Table Rock. For those just wanting to have a day at the lake without renting a big boat this is the best place I can find with a flat shoreline.

Jarrod L.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 21, 2018

Great Beach

Always good through the week, little crowded on the weekends, State park is around thr corner, lots of attractions nearby.

Dan N.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Not a campsite, but you can rent picnic tables.

Not a campsite, but you can rent picnic tables. Main attraction is a big sandy beach that doesn’t even feel like MO, it’s more like the Atlantic shore. The park is close to Branson and a state park, not far from all the huge parks along the AK border, so you can find camping nearby if you want to use this park for day use (the only option here).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Moonshine Beach in Branson, MO open year-round?

Moonshine Beach is not open year-round. The park has seasonal operations with gates that close to restrict access during off-seasons. The beach is typically open during the warmer months, particularly summer when swimming and beach activities are most enjoyable. For specific opening dates and hours, contact the Army Corps of Engineers who manage the recreation area or check their official website for current operational schedules.

What facilities and amenities are available at Moonshine Beach Park?

Moonshine Beach Park features a large sandy beach area reminiscent of an Atlantic shore experience, making it unique in Missouri. The park offers rentable picnic tables, restroom facilities, and a designated swimming area. The beach is spacious with ample room for sunbathing and water activities. While the amenities are focused on day use enjoyment, the beautiful shoreline and water access make it a popular destination, especially during summer months.

How much does it cost to visit Moonshine Beach Park?

Moonshine Beach Park charges a day-use fee for visitors. While exact fees may vary seasonally, there is an entrance fee for access to the beach and facilities. The fee structure likely includes options for individual visitors or vehicles. For current and specific pricing information, check with the Army Corps of Engineers or look for fee signage posted at the entrance to the recreation area.

Can you camp overnight at Moonshine Beach Park?

No, overnight camping is not permitted at Moonshine Beach Park. This is strictly a day-use recreation area, despite sometimes being incorrectly classified as a campground on some maps. The gates close at the end of the day to prevent overnight access. If you're looking to camp nearby, Table Rock State Park is just around the corner, and there are numerous other camping options in the Branson area and along the Arkansas border.

Is there boat access at Moonshine Beach on Table Rock Lake?

Moonshine Beach provides access to Table Rock Lake, though specific details about boat ramps aren't extensively documented. The recreation area is primarily known for its beach access to the lake, making it popular for swimming and shoreline activities. Boaters can likely access the area from the lake side, while nearby Table Rock State Park offers additional boat launching facilities. For specific boating regulations or launch information, check with the Army Corps of Engineers who manage the recreation area.

How do I get to Moonshine Beach from Branson?

Moonshine Beach is conveniently located close to Branson, making it an easy trip from the city. From Branson, take Highway 165 south toward Table Rock Dam. The beach is situated just off this route, near Table Rock State Park. The drive typically takes about 15-20 minutes from central Branson, depending on traffic. Watch for signs directing to Moonshine Beach Recreation Area as you approach Table Rock Lake.

Keep Exploring