The Best Boat Rentals Near Table Rock Lake

For an easy rule of thumb, expect standard pontoon and tritoon rentals to run about $300–$400 for a half day and roughly $450–$750 for a full day, depending on size, horsepower, and the time of year. Fishing boats generally start around $175–$300 per day. Double‑decker “slide” pontoons and high‑horsepower wake/surf or ski boats are priced higher, often in the upper end of those ranges. Life jackets are included; fuel, taxes, and optional tow toys are typically extra. Prices climb on peak weekends and holiday weeks, so booking early helps lock in better rates.

You’ll find a wide mix to fit your group: roomy pontoons and tritoons for relaxed cruising, tow‑friendly deck boats and bowriders for tubing and skiing, dedicated wake and surf boats for riders, and fishing rigs set up for the lake’s bass bite. There are also larger double‑deck pontoons with slides that are popular for families and celebrations. Sailboat charters are limited but do exist on select schedules. Choose based on your group size, desired pace, and whether watersports are a must.

Pick a captained outing if you want to focus on the fun while a local expert handles docking, anchoring, and navigation, or if your group plans to enjoy adult beverages. Self‑operated rentals are great for confident boaters who meet age and boater‑education requirements. If you’re new to the lake, a captain can tailor a route to quiet coves, swim stops, or photo spots and keep your timeline on track, which is ideal for birthdays and family gatherings.

Common launch points include State Park Marina by Table Rock Dam in Branson, Indian Point Marina near Silver Dollar City, Port of Kimberling Marina in Kimberling City, Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina near Ridgedale on the south arm, Rock Lane Marina on Indian Point, and the marina at Chateau on the Lake. On the Arkansas side of the lake, Cricket Creek Marina is another convenient departure on the Long Creek arm. Your exact pickup can vary by the boat you book, and many owners can deliver to a nearby dock or slip when arranged in advance.

From the lake you’ll cruise past rugged Ozark bluffs, wooded coves, and long open reaches with views toward the Ozark Mountains. Highlights include Table Rock Dam, the Kimberling City Bridge, the lakeside visitor center overlook near the dam, sandy Moonshine Beach, and the resort-lined shores along the State Park and Indian Point areas. Keep an eye out for herons and ospreys in summer, and in colder months you may spot bald eagles around the dam and the south arm of the lake.

Yes, state boater‑education rules apply on Table Rock. In Missouri waters, operators born after January 1, 1984 must carry a NASBLA‑approved boater education card. In Arkansas waters, the threshold is operators born on or after January 1, 1986. Many marinas offer guidance on getting a temporary Missouri permit online if you need one. If you book a captained trip, you won’t need a card because you won’t be operating the vessel yourself.

Absolutely—families are welcome and life jackets are provided in a range of sizes, including youth and infant. Children must wear properly fitted life jackets while underway, and most rental teams will help ensure each child is in the right size before leaving the dock. If your child has a favorite USCG‑approved life jacket, bring it along. Strollers and car seats aren’t recommended on deck; a soft bag with snacks, sun protection, and towels keeps things simple.

Most rentals welcome coolers with snacks and drinks. For safety and to protect the lake, many marinas prohibit glass containers and open‑flame grills on boats, and operators must remain alcohol‑free. Pack cans or plastic, premix what you need, and plan to picnic at anchor or stop at a lakeside eatery. If you want the most flexibility with beverages, choose a captained charter so a licensed pro is at the helm.

Pet policies vary. Some owners allow dogs with prior approval and a cleaning or damage deposit, while others don’t permit pets on their boats. If bringing a dog, choose a pet‑friendly listing, bring a leash and waste bags for marina areas, and consider a canine life jacket for swim stops. Note that certain lakeside beaches and park swim areas restrict pets, so plan your on‑land breaks accordingly.

Summer in the Ozarks can bring pop‑up thunderstorms and gusty winds. Rental teams monitor conditions and may delay departures or advise an early return if lightning or unsafe winds develop. Most local policies allow date changes or credits for unsafe weather on the day of your trip; standard cancellations typically follow a 48–72‑hour window. For the calmest water, mornings are usually smoother than afternoons, especially on busy weekends.

Yes—this lake is tailor‑made for celebrations. Spacious pontoons and tritoons fit most groups comfortably, and double‑decker “slide” boats are a hit with families. Keep your headcount within the boat’s rated capacity, plan a simple route with a swim cove and a scenic cruise by the dam or bridge, and consider a captained option so you can relax. If your date falls on a holiday weekend, reserve well in advance and build in extra time for marina traffic.

Peak boating season runs May through September, with the busiest days on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th week, and Labor Day weekend. July brings multiple fireworks shows viewable by boat—especially near the Kimberling City Bridge and along the south end of the lake—so those evenings are magical but crowded. For fewer boats and calmer water, go on weekdays, choose morning departures, or consider late September and October for crisp air and fall color. Spring weekends fill early when the weather warms, so book ahead if you need a specific date.

If it’s your first time, pick an easy departure with services on site, like State Park Marina, Indian Point Marina, or Port of Kimberling Marina, where staff can review safe routes, no‑wake zones, and suggested swim coves. The lakeshore visitor center by the dam offers maps and a great overview of the lake’s layout, and captained trips are an effortless way to learn the area on your first day out.

Two standouts are fireworks nights in early July that boaters watch from the water near the Kimberling City Bridge and the south arm, and classic cruise experiences that run on select schedules near the dam and State Park area. You can also plan a sightseeing loop that combines the dam, the visitor‑center overlook, Moonshine Beach, and the bridge for a “greatest hits” tour in a single outing. Book early for special dates, arrive before sunset to secure a good anchoring spot, and bring a flashlight for safe docking after dusk if your rental allows evening returns.