How much does camping cost at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA?

Camping fees at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA range from $5-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA first-come first-served or reservation?

MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA before I book?

Yes! MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA?

MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA is open May 15 to September 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA?

MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA?

Fire policies at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA?

Pets are not allowed at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA?

Popular activities at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA include Hiking, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA

4.37

41 reviews

Top 4% in MOSummer

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsStargazingSwimming

Featured in:Beach Camping

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

988 ft

Price

$5 - $100/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

988 ft

Price

$5 - $100/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Official Website

Get Directions

MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA

$5.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day Use Fee: $5.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $100.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1-877-444-6777

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA

36.6078, -93.3100

Weather at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA

Current alerts(11)

$5 fee per vehicle
ALL occupants must occupy vehicle at all times. Foot traffic is prohibited from entering beach area.
Any and all Garbage, trash, litter or any other kind of waste must be removed from the project lands or disposed of in proper trash receptacles. All project lands will be kept free of trash and litter during periods of occupancy.
Failure to pay day use fees, and or properly display applicable receipt, permit or pass is prohibited.

Best Time to Camp at MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Moonshine Beach because the sandy shoreline and Table Rock Lake are at their warmest and most inviting for swimming, boating, and sunbathing. Expect daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s F (roughly 80–95°F) and water temperatures typically in the mid-70s to low-80s°F, ideal for long lake days and water sports. All visitor services and trail access are generally open, but weekends and holiday weeks can be busy—reserve campsites and plan for afternoon pop-up t-st Peak months: June, July, August, May

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 4% in MO

Summer temps and water temps ideal for swimming; site is busiest and most appealing in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA

Moonshine Beach Recreation Area sits on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri, operated by the Dewey Short Visitor Center as a seasonal campground with campers-only access to a sandy swimming beach. The site caters to families and groups seeking lakefront recreation during the warmer months, with outdoor showers, picnic shelters, and clear water for boating and swimming. Hiking and biking trails extend from the campground into the surrounding low-elevation terrain.

Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is presented as a day-use lakefront recreation area with a large group picnic shelter, sandy swim beach and boating access; no campground site types, RV facilities, cabins or glamping accommodations are described in the provided information.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Moonshine Beach because the sandy shoreline and Table Rock Lake are at their warmest and most inviting for swimming, boating, and sunbathing. Expect daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s F (roughly 80–95°F) and water temperatures typically in the mid-70s to low-80s°F, ideal for long lake days and water sports. All visitor services and trail access are generally open, but weekends and holiday weeks can be busy—reserve campsites and plan for afternoon pop-up t-st Peak months: June, July, August, May

Elevation988 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTable Rock Lake stretches through oak and hickory forests at 988 feet elevation, its 800-mile shoreline creating coves and quiet inlets. The beach itself is a wide, groomed sandy expanse, unusual for this region where rocky shorelines dominate. Clear water meets forested hills, and the surrounding Ozark landscape shifts from spring wildflowers to summer green to October's red and gold foliage reflecting on the lake.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Dewey Short Visitor Center features interactive exhibits, a film about the area and the construction of Table Rock Dam, and interpretive exhibits on the area's natural history.

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Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Recommended SitesFacilities include a sand swim beach, volleyball court, boat ramp, picnic area and a large group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 guests; the area is well suited for large parties and family functions. Hikers can access the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail from the Dewey Short Visitor Center, which begins on the grounds.

Amenities available

Day-use recreation area amenities include a large group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 guests, a sandy swim beach (the only sand swim beach at Table Rock Lake), a volleyball court, a boat ramp and picnic areas. The adjacent Dewey Short Visitor Center provides a courtesy dock for boaters and interpretive exhibits and a film about the area.

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Moonshine Beach Recreation Area supports a wide range of day-use recreation including picnicking, swimming, scuba diving, boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. The beach, shoreline and nearby visitor center trails provide opportunities for both water- and land-based activities.

Hiking

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

41 reviews

Recommended

MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly describe Moonshine Beach Rec Area as a beautiful, family‑friendly sandy beach that’s great for spending a full day by the water. They appreciate the clean, groomed sand, pleasant swimming conditions, and convenient facilities like restrooms, showers, and pavilions. A few negatives include occasionally dirty bathrooms and one poor experience with a reserved pavilion being dirty and informally used by others.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors love the large sandy beach, clear/nice water, and overall scenic setting, often calling it a great local spot and a fun place for families and groups. Amenities get strong praise:...

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

A couple of reviewers mention cleanliness issues: one notes the bathrooms were “not clean at all,” and another describes the reserved pavilion area as dirty with many flies, making it hard to set...

Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Multiple Rec.gov reviews focus on the Group Shelter/Pavilion area and report that it’s very close to the water with room for large families (17 people in one group), easy vehicle access for...

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers suggest bringing your own snacks, lunch, and drinks (no glass or alcohol allowed) so you can stay all day. One advises bringing sandals because the sand can get very hot. Be aware the...

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

“This was a great little beach to spend the day with the family!” “Great local beach. They groomed the sand earlier this morning. Everyone was nice and kept to their space.” “The pavilion worked...

Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer notes that there is a ramp from the main parking area down to the beach, as well as a set of stairs, and that there is closer handicap parking located right by the beach. This suggests...

Based on 41 reviews

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Campgrounds

MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA

About Table Rock Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding MOONSHINE BEACH REC. AREA, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Winding through the valleys of the Ozark Mountains, from Branson, Missouri to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Table Rock Lake is a paradise for boaters, scuba divers, campers and fishermen alike. Camping enthusiasts choose from 13 modern campgrounds located adjacent to the lake. Full-service marinas provide service and convenience to boaters. Resorts located adjacent to Table Rock Lake provide visitors with numerous water-related activities and five commercial boat cruises operate on Table Rock Lake seasonally.

Directions

From Springfield, MO. 40 miles south on US 65 to Branson, MO. Then take US 165 west approximately 7 miles to Table Rock Dam.