Quick Definition
Lake of the Ozarks State Park is Missouri's largest state park at 17,626 acres along the south shore of Lake of the Ozarks near Kaiser, MO. The park offers two RV campgrounds with electric and water hookups—Jacomo and Chamois—making it an accessible base for exploring the lake, its trails, and nearby attractions like Ha Ha Tonka State Park. If you're looking for other options in the region, check out Lake of the Ozarks RV parks for additional properties.
TL;DR
- Two state park campgrounds: Jacomo (60+ sites, electric/water) and Chamois (40+ sites, 35 ft length limit)
- No full hookups: Neither campground offers sewer—only electric and water available
- Reservation system: Recreation.gov for both; book early in peak season (May–September)
- Rate range: $28–35/night at Jacomo; $28–32/night at Chamois
- Lake access: Direct fishing for bass and crappie; public boat launch on-site
- Outdoor activities: 15 miles of hiking trails, equestrian trails with horse camp, swimming beach
- Close proximity: 5 miles from Ha Ha Tonka State Park (day-use only); 4 miles from Lake Ozark city center
Campground Options at the State Park
Jacomo Campground is the larger of the two, with 60+ RV sites offering electric and water hookups. It's the main hub for day-use activities and serves as the primary destination for longer stays. Sites range from $28–35 per night depending on the season and site type. All reservations run through Recreation.gov, and the system fills fast during summer weekends.
Chamois Campground provides 40+ additional sites with the same electric and water setup but enforces a 35-foot RV length limit—important to verify before booking. Rates are slightly lower at $28–32 per night. This campground suits smaller RV rigs and offers a quieter alternative if Jacomo is full.
Both campgrounds operate year-round, though peak season (May through September) fills weeks in advance. Neither offers sewer hookups, so you'll need to use dump stations or make the 4-mile trip to Lake Ozark for waste disposal if your rig needs it mid-stay.
For comparisons with nearby regional parks, see Missouri RV parks.
Park Attractions & Activities
The park itself is the main draw. Fishing is excellent year-round on the Grand Glaize arm of the lake, where RV campers land bass, crappie, and channel catfish. The public boat launch is free and well-maintained for RV travelers who bring their own boats or jet skis.
Hiking covers 15 miles of maintained trails ranging from short loops to full-day adventures. The park's terrain offers bluffs, coves, and lake overlooks. Equestrian trails run throughout the property, and a dedicated horse camp is available for campers with trailers.
A swimming beach operates seasonally (summer months), and cave tours at the park cave run seasonally with ranger-led options. Just 5 miles away, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a day-use destination famous for its hilltop ruins and scenic overlooks.
For more options in the Lake Ozark area, browse Lake Ozark RV parks.
RV Logistics
Arrival & Parking: Most RV sites handle up to 40-foot rigs without issue at Jacomo; Chamois caps out at 35 feet. Both have paved pull-in or back-in options.
Hookups: Electric (20–30 amp) and water are standard. No sewer—plan waste dumps before arrival or during your stay using the main dump station near the park office.
Cell service: Signal is adequate (Verizon, AT&T) but not guaranteed in all campground areas. Wi-Fi is available at the park office and select facilities but not in all RV sites; assume mobile hotspot for reliable internet.
Dumping & Water: The park provides a central dump station. Filling fresh water at site taps is permitted; bring hoses rated for potable water.
Pet policy: Pets are allowed on-leash in campgrounds and on designated trails. Keep waste bags with you on all park trails.
Firewood & propane: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office. Propane refill service is available at nearby Lake Ozark stations within the 4-mile distance.
For similar logistics at nearby parks, check Camdenton RV parks.
Cost Math
Campground fees: $28–35/night at Jacomo; $28–32/night at Chamois.
Multi-day breakdown (5-night stay, Jacomo at average $31/night): $155 for campground.
Dump station: Free.
Boat launch: Free.
Activities: Hiking trails are free. Cave tours run ~$10–15 per person (seasonal). Ha Ha Tonka State Park day-use is $3–5 per vehicle.
Propane refill (typical 30 lb): $25–35 in nearby Lake Ozark.
Groceries & dining: Lake Ozark city center (4 miles) has grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. Budget $50–80/day for food depending on dining preferences.
Total estimated 5-night budget (two adults): $155 (camp) + $15 (cave tour) + $10 (park entry) + $60 (propane) + $250 (food) = ~$490–550 for a week, excluding fuel.
RV Parks: At a Glance
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacomo Campground | Kaiser, MO (on-site) | No (E/W) | Yes | $28–35 | Yes (leash) | Limited |
| Chamois Campground | Kaiser, MO (on-site) | No (E/W) | Yes | $28–32 | Yes (leash) | Limited |
| Osage Village Resort | Osage Beach, MO | Yes | Yes | $50–75 | Yes | Yes |
| Old Kinderhook | Lake Ozark, MO | Yes | Yes | $45–70 | Yes | Yes |
| Cape Fair RV Park | Cape Fair, MO | Yes | Yes | $35–50 | Yes | Yes |
| Sycamore Creek RV Park | Lake Ozark, MO | Yes | Yes | $38–58 | Yes | Yes |
| Valley View RV Resort | Camdenton, MO | Yes | Yes | $40–65 | Yes | Yes |
| Bagnel Dam RV Park | Lake Ozark, MO | Yes | Yes | $35–55 | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get full hookups at Lake of the Ozarks State Park? No. Both Jacomo and Chamois offer only electric and water. Sewer is not available at either campground, so plan your waste management accordingly.
How far is the campground from Lake Ozark city center? Jacomo and Chamois are located in Kaiser, MO, approximately 4 miles south of Lake Ozark's downtown area, where you'll find groceries, dining, and services.
Do I need to book in advance, or can I show up and camp? Reservations through Recreation.gov are required year-round. Both campgrounds fill quickly during peak season (May–September), so book 4–8 weeks ahead for summer weekends.
What's the difference between Jacomo and Chamois campgrounds? Jacomo is larger (60+ sites) with slightly higher rates; Chamois is smaller (40+ sites) but enforces a 35-foot RV length limit. Both offer electric and water hookups only.
Is Ha Ha Tonka State Park accessible from here? Yes, it's only 5 miles away and popular for day trips. It's day-use only, so you'll return to your RV site for the night.
What's the best time to visit for weather? Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (June–August) is peak season with hot days and full campgrounds. Winter is quiet but some trails may be muddy.
Can I fish directly from the park? Yes, fishing from shore is permitted in designated areas. The Grand Glaize arm of the lake is known for bass, crappie, and catfish. Bring your Missouri fishing license.
Are there cell service and Wi-Fi at the campgrounds? Cell service (Verizon, AT&T) is usually adequate but not guaranteed in all areas. Wi-Fi is available at the park office and some facilities but not in RV sites; assume you'll need a mobile hotspot for reliable internet.
What activities are included with my campground reservation? Hiking trails, beach access, and boat launch use are free with your site. Cave tours ($10–15) and Ha Ha Tonka State Park entry ($3–5) are separate fees.
Can I bring my horse to the campground? Yes, the park has dedicated equestrian trails and a horse camp area. Reserve the horse camp separately through Recreation.gov if you're traveling with a trailer.
Seller CTA
If you own an RV park in Missouri or are considering selling an RV property, we'd like to talk. At rv-parks.org, we focus on acquiring well-positioned parks with solid fundamentals and long-term cash flow potential. Whether your park is a seasonal operator, a year-round destination, or a turnaround opportunity, we take a professional, data-driven approach to valuation and partnership.
Reach out at /sell to discuss your property. No pressure, no rush—just a conversation about what your park might be worth and what comes next.
Last updated: March 2025. Recreation.gov rates and availability are subject to change. Contact Lake of the Ozarks State Park directly at 573-348-2694 for current conditions or policy updates.