How big is Lake of the Ozarks?

Nestled in the heart of Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks is not just one of the most popular lake destinations in the Midwest—it’s also one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. With its vast, serpentine shoreline, hidden coves, and expansive waters, Lake of the Ozarks often surprises visitors with its immense size and unique layout. But just how big is Lake of the Ozarks? Let’s dive into the details.

A Lake with Impressive Dimensions

Lake of the Ozarks covers an expansive 54,000 acres (about 85 square miles) of surface area. To put that in perspective, it’s nearly the size of the entire city of St. Louis. The lake was created in 1931 by impounding the Osage River with Bagnell Dam, and it quickly became a recreational haven for boaters, anglers, and vacationers.

However, what really makes the lake stand out is not just its surface area—but its incredibly long and winding shoreline.

How Long is the Shoreline?

One of the most astonishing facts about Lake of the Ozarks is its shoreline length, which stretches approximately 1,150 miles. That’s longer than the entire coastline of the state of California! This complex network of arms, coves, and inlets gives the lake its nickname: “The Magic Dragon.” When viewed from above, the lake’s twisting shape resembles a serpentine creature.

This unusually long shoreline means there are countless secluded spots, residential areas, vacation homes, and resorts that have direct lake access—making it ideal for water recreation and real estate development.

Depth and Elevation

Lake of the Ozarks has an average depth of around 55 feet, but in some areas, especially near Bagnell Dam, depths can reach up to 130 feet. The lake's elevation at full pool is about 660 feet above sea level.

These depth and elevation levels play an important role in managing water flow, generating hydroelectric power, and ensuring consistent water levels for recreation and shoreline living.

Length and Reach

From end to end, Lake of the Ozarks stretches roughly 92 miles, making it one of the longest reservoirs in the U.S. It spans several counties—including Camden, Miller, Morgan, and Benton—and touches numerous towns and communities such as Osage Beach, Lake Ozark, Camdenton, and Sunrise Beach.

The main channel of the lake follows the course of the Osage River, but the lake also has numerous tributaries, including the Niangua River and the Grand Glaize Arm, both of which add significant length and volume to the lake’s reach.

Created for Power, Enjoyed for Recreation

Originally constructed by Union Electric Company (now Ameren Missouri) to produce hydroelectric power, Lake of the Ozarks has evolved into a year-round tourist magnet. Today, it offers boating, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, and some of the best lakefront resorts and restaurants in the region.

The surrounding area is also home to two state parks—Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park—offering hiking trails, caves, historic ruins, and stunning overlooks of the vast water body.

In Summary: Just How Big is It?

To summarize the size and scale of Lake of the Ozarks:

• Surface area: 54,000 acres (85 square miles)
• Shoreline: 1,150 miles
• Length: Approximately 92 miles
• Maximum depth: Around 130 feet
• Average depth: About 55 feet
• Elevation: 660 feet above sea level

Whether you're marveling at its shoreline from a high bluff or navigating its winding waters by boat, Lake of the Ozarks is a massive and mesmerizing destination that continues to captivate millions of visitors each year.