Whether your summer plans include listening to country music in Branson, Missouri, or relaxing in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, you need to make time for a visit to Cape Fair Campground.
Cape Fair Campground, located on the shores of Table Rock Lake, is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts and water lovers alike. It’s one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a scenic, serene escape amidst the beauty of the Ozarks at any time of the year.
Cape Fair Campground can be accessed from Reeds Spring, Missouri. Simply head south on Highway 13, traveling for just under a mile and a half. Once you get to Highway 76, turn west, then follow this route for eight miles until you reach Cape Fair. Then, take a southwest turn onto Lake Road 76-82 and follow the posted signs that lead to the campground.
Cost to Book
The fees to book at Cape Fair Campground vary depending on the time of year and what sort of campsite you want to book. This campground is unique in that it has its rates posted not only for 2020, but also for 2021, 2022, and beyond, making it easier than ever to plan a trip in advance. The rates are currently the same for all three travel seasons.
If you’re booking during the peak season (which runs from April 1 until October 30) you can expect to pay $50 per night for a group shelter with electricity. Standard electric costs $21, while standard electric 67091 costs $20. A standard nonelectric site will cost only $16 per night.
These rates are consistent but do not reflect taxes, incremental charges, or discounts of any kind.
Nearby Attractions
Cape Fair Campground is open from April 1 to October 30 each year, which should give you a plenty large enough window in which to make your reservation. You can reserve a site ahead of time with individual sites released on a six-month rolling basis. For example, if you are making a reservation in February, you will be able to reserve a date into mid-August.
There are 82 campsites available here. There is also one large reservable picnic shelter. Most of these campsites can accommodate both RV and tent campers.
A shady, spacious campground, Cape Fair Campground rests along the idyllic shores of Table Rock Lake, specifically along the James River Arm. An excellent destination for nature and water lovers, it provides a serene escape into the hills of the Ozark Mountains.
Cape Fair Campground has 45 different campsites that you can reserve, in addition to a large group picnic shelter that’s perfect for large gatherings, barbeques, and events. Many of the campsites are located along the waterfront, and almost all of them provide gorgeous views of the lake.
You’ll enjoy a variety of amenities here, including drinking water, electric hookups, a dump station, and clean, hot showers. There is also a large open swim area, a boat launch, a marina, and a large playground. It’s the perfect family-friendly destination.
Other amenities include:
● Water hookup
● Fire pits
● Picnic tables
● Barbeque areas
● Lake access
● Day use area
Popular recreational activities at Cape Fair Campground include:
● Wildlife viewing
● Water sports
● Swimming
● Biking
● Boating
● Fishing
● Kayaking
● Photography
● Scuba diving
● Kayaking
Nearby Attractions
If you’re planning a vacation, it’s nice to know that your campground will be well-stocked with all the facilities and amenities you might need. However, it’s even more reassuring to know that there are things to do when you leave the premises, too. Cape Fair Campground doesn’t disappoint in any way.
While the beauty of the nearby Ozark Mountains can’t be overlooked, there are some other nearby attractions of note, too. Cape Fair Campground is located close to the Dewey Short Visitors Center.
This center is positioned at the southern tip of Table Rock Dam and is home to three different educational films about the history of the dam, the history of Lewis and Clark, and some background on the natural ecology of the area. You’ll learn about local eagles (which are endangered in the state of Missouri_ and you can engage in interactive exhibits on the area’s natural history. There is a boat dock for people who prefer to travel there from water, too.
Cape Fair Campground is located just 25 miles from Branson, too. This town offers gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and plenty of tourist attractions for you to enjoy. Here in Branson, you can visit multiple indoor and outdoor theaters or even check out unique attractions like the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Branson’s Promised Land Zoo, and the Branson Scenic Railway. There is truly something for everyone.
Don’t want to travel all the way to Branson for an adventure? Never fear. There are plenty of things to do right in Cape Fair along with the surrounding towns. You can enjoy golfing at the Buffalo Ridge Golf Course or catch a movie at the Sunset Drive-In Theater. You can even check out one of the region’s many wine cellars or boutique stores, too.
Why It’s Awesome
Outside of the campground’s amenities, there are plenty of other natural features and recreational opportunities to enjoy. Table Rock Lake is just a stone’s throw away, and is a pristine body of water that’s surrounded by towering hickory and oak trees. The waters of Table Rock travel to the hollows of the Ozark Mountains, making a journey from Branson (also in Missouri) to Eureka Springs in Arkansas.
Each year, this lake attracts more than five million visitors. Despite the fact that it is a manmade lake, originally constructed for flood control, it is now a top tourist destination with nearly 800 miles of shoreline for you to enjoy.
Table Rock Lake is an angler’s paradise. Because Cape Fair Campground is located on the upper James River Arm, you’ll have one of the best access points for a day of exciting fishing on Table Rock Lake. In order to find good fishing, you won’t even have to leave the campground in many cases!
You don’t have to fish in order to love Table Rock Lake, either. You can also enjoy activities like tubing, wakeboarding, and water skiing. There is a large swimming area on the left side of the campground, and a picnic area within walking distance nearby. The close proximity of these two facilities means you’ll be able to enjoy a day of lounging and picnicking before cooling off in the calm waters of the lake.
Don’t have a boat? Not a problem. The Cape Fair Boat Dock and Marina can provide you with everything you need, including equipment and boat rentals, storage, and fuel for your gear.
Cape Fair Campground is also incredibly scenic and a haven for hikers. The Table Rock Lakeshore Trail is a quick two-mile hike and runs from the Table Rock State Park Marina to the Dewey Short Visitor Center. Head out on this trail, and you’ll enjoy gorgeous spring scenery like serviceberry, redbud trees, and dogwood trees in gorgeous bloom. In the fall, you’ll enjoy gorgeous natural colors. The trail also offers idyllic views of the lake.
These aren’t the only hiking opportunities nearby, either. There are plenty of areas to hike or mountain bike within the nearby Mark Twain National Forest. In fact, some of these trails can be accessed right from the campground.
What to Be Aware Of
As with any campground, there are some things to keep in mind before you decide to book at Cape Fair. Although most travelers report that Cape Fair is beautiful, clean, and serene, there are some specific regulations you will need to adhere to while you are staying here.
For starters, no off-road vehicles are permitted, and you can only keep one tent and one RV or two tents per campsite. There is a $5 vehicle charge for each additional vehicle beyond the first two kept at the campsite.
While you can reserve a site ahead of time, there are also first-come, first-served sites available. The park is pet-friendly, but you need to keep your furry friend on a leash or in a cage at all times. If you bring your pets, you are responsible for any waste disposal.
You cannot camp at one or more campsites for a period longer than 14 days without express written permission for the campground management. In addition, you may not bring firewood onsite from another town. It must be purchased locally to prevent the spread of tree-killing pests.
Finally, although most of the campsites are open to RV and tent campers alike, some can be difficult to access with an RV. It pays to book ahead of time and specify that you will be traveling in an RV if that’s the case.
How to Make a Reservation
You can get in touch with campground staff by calling (417) 538-2220. It is important to note that, although guest attendants at this line are happy to answer any questions you have, they cannot make or change reservations over the phone. Instead, you will need to call the reservation-specific phone line at (877) 444-6777 to do so.
Keep in mind that it can be difficult to make a reservation with short notice, especially during the campground’s busy season. Plan a vacation as far in advance as you can, as some visitors report that it can be difficult to do so with limited notice.
A well-maintained campground that will allow you to behold the undying beauty of the Ozarks, Cape Fair Campground is one you need to see to believe! Make a reservation soon, because spots fill up fast.