Branson is blessed with three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake, providing it with a variety of water related activities, that when added to all the rest Branson has to offer, shows, attractions, golf, shopping and other activities, makes Branson unique among travel and fun destinations. Table Rock Lake, conveniently located to Branson area visitors, is Branson’s major lake for water activities.
Towering high above the lake is the majestic and regal Chateau on the Lake, one of the area’s most complete and luxurious resorts while enjoying her waters are boats of all kinds and sizes. Some are filled with people and families just boating, fishing or water skiing and one, the Show Boat Branson Belle is filled with people eating and enjoying a show and a cruise. Yet, down on the water’s edge, according to Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center, in the shadow of the Chateau, is one of the neatest water activities of all “Moonshine Beach.”
Miller said, “Although most people are aware of the great fishing, boating and other recreational uses of Table Rock Lake, a lot of Branson’s tourists are not aware of the fact that it has a major beach that is readily accessible for them to use.” It is located just north of Table Rock Dam on State Highways 165/265 and is operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. In addition to its large swimming beach Moonshine Beach’s amenities include a play ground, showers, picnic areas, a boat launch ramp, flush toilets and showers. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and, normally, there is a daily charge of $4.00 per vehicle.
Miller points out that the Army Corps of Engineers has recently announced that they will be waiving all day use fees Aug. 1 through 9 at its parks nationwide. Although the waiver does not apply to fees for camping, group shelters or special event permits, it does include fees collected at boat launch ramps and swim beaches including Table Rock’s Moonshine Beach.
The timing of the Corps actions comes during one of the normally hottest times of the year in the Ozarks and when a lot of families will be visiting Branson. Miller says that Moonshine Beach is a wonderful place for families to beat the heat, relax and bask in the wonders of the Ozarks and suggests that even at $4.00 per car Moonshine Beach is one of Branson’s greatest entertainment values, but for free between August 1 and August 9 it’s just about unbeatable.
