Big Cedar Lodge: The Ultimate Lake Vacation

Cliffs at Long Creek

We stayed five nights in a two bedroom condo at the Cliffs at Long Creek in July 2025.

Bass Pro owner Johnny Morris is the Walt Disney of the outdoors, and he knocked it out of the park when he bought the Big Cedar Lodge property in 1987. This slice of heaven sits on Table Rock Lake in southern Missouri. Johnny hit another home run when he opened the stunning Cliffhangers Par-3 golf course this summer.

There are all sorts of lodging options at Big Cedar, but our big family of six has always preferred a two- or three-bedroom cabin, or two-bedroom condo, so that we have a full kitchen and two bathrooms. We buy groceries on the way to the resort, so that we have breakfast and lunch items, and then we treat ourselves to dinner out every day.

Two bedroom condo living space

King bedroom suite

Our first full day, I got up early to take my 16 year-old son to golf at the brand new Cliffhangers Par-3 course. Bonus: Ages 17 and under golf for a fraction of the price at all of the golf courses attached to Big Cedar. I’m not a golfer, so I just paid a smaller fee to ride along with him and enjoy the views of the rolling Ozark hills and stunning waterfalls. Hole three, the Lion’s Den, was our favorite! The next day, he golfed at the gorgeous Buffalo Ridge. Yes, there were buffalo right next to hole one! Next time, he can hit the links at Payne’s Valley (designed by Tiger Woods), Ozarks National, or Top of the Rock.

The Lion's Den at Cliffhangers Par 3

Our first two afternoons, we floated and lazed about in the Cliffs swimming pool—we brought our own pool floats, with a fabulous view of Table Rock Lake from the infinity pool (pictured up top). We also took the free resort shuttle to the Lazy River and then the Falls Pool at the Wilderness Club side of Big Cedar.

For dinner, we made a reservation for the Osage Restaurant at Top of the Rock, where we dined with sweeping lake and Ozark mountain views. My daughter and I enjoyed the salmon with asparagus, while the boys loved the 28-day-aged 8oz filet. The next night, we ate at Buzzard’s Bar, no reservation needed, and listened to Clay, the Singing Cowboy. The hamburgers were delicious, and so was the Rockbridge Rainbow Trout, plus the house salad with spiced pecans, goat cheese, and Big Cedar blueberry poppyseed dressing has always been my favorite.

On days three and four, we hit the lake. First, we rented a pontoon boat and took turns flying across Table Rock Lake on the tube. Then, the boys tried knee-boarding with success. The next day, we spent most of the day out on a speed boat, wake-surfing and water skiing. Both the Long Creek Marina and Bent Hook Marina are part of the Big Cedar Resort. The staff happily walked us through how to get our boat-driving license for renting, and driving all kinds of boats for playing, fishing, and finding cliff-jumping spots.

Long Creek Marina

Tubing behind a pontoon boat

By tradition, we always wrap up our final morning by filling our tummies at the Devil’s Pool Breakfast Buffet. Made-to-order omelets, crispy bacon, biscuits and gravy, and fresh fruit and pastries fuel us up for the long drive home.

Truman Cafe—great for lunch and ice cream treats

Big Cedar is for everyone: couples, families, and multigenerational groups. If it’s not a lake day, you’ve got Fun Mountain, featuring an arcade, go carts, bowling, and more for all ages. We rarely ever leave the resort, but Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, Silver Dollar City amusement park, plus shopping and live entertainment are all nearby if you need a break from the lake. We usually stay for 5–7 nights, and we’re always sad to leave.

Glamping tent at Camp at Long Creek

Book well in advance to get the rooms and cabins you desire. There are so many different options available.

Families drive to Big Cedar Lodge from various locations, it’s conveniently located just south of Branson, Missouri, making it a relatively easy drive for those in states like Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and even parts of Texas and Tennessee. It’s also a popular destination for those who don’t mind flying into Springfield (SGF) and Branson (BKG) airports.

We drove 793 miles from Colorado, making a pit stop in Kansas City to visit family and eat lots of barbecue before driving south to Big Cedar in the Ozarks.

Over the years, we have stayed in the Spring View Lodge, Falls Lodge, and some cabins too. Many times we stayed at Wilderness Club at Big Cedar. They have since added glamping tents, cabins, and huts at Camp Long Creek. Free shuttles will take you everywhere—it’s a huge property!

We are already talking of going back next summer—it’s worth the drive and fantastic for all ages!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Missouri page.