Party Lake
There’s no “right way” to party by boat at Lake of the Ozarks, other than to always designate a sober captain. The not-so-secret ingredient to a righteous party and day of hopping is all about location.
The days of Party Cove are all but dead, but cove partying is alive and well. The epicenters have split into two main swells branching off the main channel at two confluences 13 miles apart – the Gravois and Glaize arms. Here’s how to spend a party-day on each.
THE GRAVOIS ARM & TOAD COVE
The Gravois Arm, dubbed by dock owners as the “Coconut Freeway” is the hottest run north of the Toll Bridge.
Indian Creek Cove
Gravois 6MM
It’s the cove-out spot of choice on Saturday afternoons. A hot spot for more than a decade, it started as OPPC (Old People’s Party Cove), but now attracts non-nude youthful antics amidst family fun. Hit the tire swing launch into the Lake on the starboard side.
Coconuts
7MM Gravois
The pioneer of the mega pool-bar party at more than a decade ago at Lake of the Ozarks. Dock before noon on Saturdays, slips fill early. Frozen drinks are legendary. DJ runs the party.
Jolly Rogers
4MM Gravois
The must-stop, open-air restaurant and boat bar boasts bartenders that rival the best around. The food is scratch superb and dock dudes go above and beyond saving captains from “the wind.”
Stick around for early-evening Live Music.
Millstone Marina
7MM Main Channel (Westside)
History Made Modern. The revived marina is THE Destination for boat provisions. The Super “Sea” Store has all the party-boating staples: Quick food, ice, beer and booze. You’ll even find Advil. There are many good marina c-stores, but Millstone has the closest to a supermarket you’ll find by boat.
Shady Gators
7MM – Main Channel
Notorious Nightlife. Foam parties, bikini contests, shallow pool bar, private cabanas, live music. The venue is aptly named.
Evening cover charge.
The Horny Toad
7MM – Main Channel
credit Lake Shots
Camden On The Lake has billed The Horny Toad Entertainment Complex as the place for Lakefront concerts. The summer lineup rocks from Memorial Day Weekend to September’s Bikefest. Docks are protected and immaculate, and the marina has one of the few 24-hour-pay pumps in case the boat runs in on fumes during odd hours. The food is delicious, as expected from a world-class resort of its caliber.
MAIN CHANNEL & THE GLAIZE
Evergreen Cove
18MM
It started as an upscale cruiser spot, but has swelled to rival any cove party at the Lake in a key location, only a few miles from a triad of the most popular pool bars — Backwater Jacks, Dog Days and Redhead Yacht Club.
Backwater Jack’s
18MM
A lakefront staple for two decades, Backwater Jack’s uniquely combines the styles and ingredients of the South Florida and Caribbean cultures with traditional favorites of the Midwest. Newly remodeled with a large pool bar, Backwater has turned up the party vibe with live music from regional and local bands mixed with a great menu for sushi, oysters and more traditional grub.
Dog Days
19MM Main Channel/.5MM Glaize
The host the most grandiose boat party of the year Aquapalooza, the Spring In-Water Boat Show, the White Party, and Canine Cannonball, The Dog knows how to throw an event right. A new pool bar only three seasons young, the party kicks it next level and the food has undergone a major upgrade.
Redhead Yacht Club
20MM
The ultimate complement to the powerboat crowd relying on the Performance Boat Center for fun on the water, Redhead Yacht Club impeccably nets imbibing and culinary delight in a relaxed, upscale way. While inviting to all boaters, Redhead is the clear poolside, waterfront hangout of the “go-fast” crowd at Lake of the Ozarks.
Shorty Pants
20MM Main Channel
It’s the Lake’s Cajun Restaurant at the water’s edge. The answer to taste buds longing for New Orleans’ French Quarter, the Shorty Pants menu features world famous crab cakes, gumbo, crawfish etouffee, shrimp, catfish, and more traditional fare like signature steaks and baby back ribs. Shorty Pants is the place to dine and lounge outside with laid-back ambiance.
Paradise Tropical Restaurant & Bar
24MM Main Channel
Looking for a lakefront spot to dock and watch the big game? Paradise’s lakefront sports bar expansion on the top deck is the optimal destination. Long known as a family favorite for lunch and dinner, Paradise has been dubbed by SHORE Magazine to serve The Best Frozen Rum Runner at the Lake – it’s hand-blended and perfect every time (the way it should be).
Family Lake
The Four Corners is the last truly rough water at Lake of the Ozarks by most measures. Below the 31MM boaters find a different Lake. Sure, there are still cruisers that plow, but below the Four Corners boats get smaller and shoreline becomes less dense with homes and more lush with beauty. While the Lake is family friendly almost everywhere, below the Four Corners nature and waterfront venues cater to kids and the active family particularly well.
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Our family is looking for the tire swing at Indian creek cove, but haven’t had any luck. Would someone be able to provide a more specific location?
Thanks!
Kelly s Resort is a boutique resort located on the South Shore of Lake Chelan that has been in operation since 1948. We are located on 20 wooded acres with 200 of waterfront, approximately 12 miles up lake from the town of Chelan. We have 11 cottages located in the woods and 4 lakeside condos at waters edge. The 11 individual cottages have pine paneled living rooms, one or two baths, a full kitchen, and one, two or three bedrooms. All have air conditioning, TV, barbecues, private decks and most have fireplaces. All cottages are spaced well apart to insure privacy. The four lakeside condos are located at waters edge with decks and beautiful views. They have a living room, bath, full kitchen and one or two bedrooms. All have air conditioning, TV, and barbecues. Two have fireplaces. Our lobby is located in our iconic, ivy covered main lodge right next to the lake. We have a small provisioning shop for forgotten items and treats as well as a coffee bar on the deck. Our waterfront property offers enclosed lake swimming, docks, diving board and complimentary boat moorage. We have rowboats, canoes and kayaks, paddle boards paddle boats available for the use of our guests. In the upper cottage area we have woodland walking trails, a grassy play yard and gorgeous heated swimming pool. We are able to offer exclusive experiences for weddings and private parties as you have the entire property to yourselves while being able to accommodate up to 75 guests on site.