Big Bay Recreation Area

The Basics

Big Bay Recreation Area
State Highway YY
Shell Knob, MO

Phone: (417) 683-4428 (Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs District Office)

Closest Towns: Shell Knob

Directions: From Shell Knob, head East on MO Hwy YY for approx. 2.9 miles to Big Bay Rd (sign). Turn Left and go about ½ mile to the recreation area.

About Big Bay

Located on the beautiful shores of Table Rock Lake, Big Bay Rec Area offers a campground, picnic area and boat ramp, all nestled amongst a dense cedar and hardwood forest, surrounded by the majestic Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri. If you are looking for a more secluded and quiet area to relax on Table Rock Lake, you have come to the right place at Big Bay.

Big Bay's campground offers 34 primitive campsites. The lake is visible from most campsites, and most have a short trail/path that leads to the lake's shoreline. The campground is designed for tent or small camper trailers, with minimal impact on the National Forest. Alhough ther is a centrally located restroom with flush toilets, there are no shower facilities available. No hookups or drinking water is available, either. Campsites do offer a large gravel tent pad, picnic table, lantern post and fire ring. Natural vegetation screening is maintained between campsites, both for privacy and for a more natural setting. The campground is typically open from April through September, and reservations for most sites can be made through www.recreation.gov.

Over in the Day Use portion of the recreation area, the picnic area offers numerous picnic tables and pedestal grills, with plenty of shade and a scenic view of the lake. Nearby, a concrete boat launch ramp with paved parking area offers anglers access to Table Rock Lake. There are also other areas in the recreation area where boaters can pull right up to the shore. Although there is no designated swimming beach, swimming is allowed anywhere along the shoreline. A full service marina and beach are located nearby at Campbell Point.

The 53,000-acre Table Rock Lake is famous for its bass fishing. Other species include sunfish, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and many others.

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