While the Show Me State is nowhere near the coast, there are still plenty of great Missouri beaches where you can spend your summer. (Even better? You can visit all year round, even though you can only swim during the warmer months.) Take a trip up or down the east side of the state, and enjoy long sandy lakeside spots and quiet rocky river beaches. Just hit the road on this epic road trip that will take you to five of the best hidden beaches in Missouri. To access an interactive map of this road trip, visit our Google Maps link.

Map out your trip!
Google Maps
Ready to visit some of the best hidden beaches in Missouri? Then follow this road trip! Add and delete stops to fit your interests and your needs.
1. Echo Bluff State Park - Eminence
Echo Bluff Drive, Echo Bluff Dr, Newton Township, MO 65560, USA
Echo Bluff State Park/Facebook
Echo Bluff State Park is Missouri's newest park, joining the ranks in early 2017. Sinking Creek in Echo Bluff State Park in Missouri is the prefect place to cool off this summer. Don't forget your water shoes for this rocky beach, one of the best secret beaches in Missouri.
2. St. Joe State Park - Monsanto Lake - Park Hills
2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills, MO 63601, USA
mostateparks.com
St. Joe State Park is a well known spot for riding dirt bikes, ATVs, and mountain bikes. After a day on the trails, it's nice to unwind at the two lakes. Find a shelter and volleyball courts at Monsanto Lake Beach in Missouri and picnic tables at the smaller Pim Lake Beach in Missouri. You'll love these hidden beaches in Missouri.

Related Stories

The Ultimate Missouri Waterfall Road Trip Will Take You To 7 Scenic Spots In The State

The Ultimate Missouri Waterfall Road Trip Will Take You To 7 Scenic Spots In The State

 The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Missouri Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Missouri Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

 The Incredible Road Trip Through Missouri That Leads You To 7 Stunning Lakes

The Incredible Road Trip Through Missouri That Leads You To 7 Stunning Lakes
3. Wakonda State Park - La Grange
State Park Road, State Pk Rd, Union Township, MO 63448, USA
mostateparks.com
Wakonda Beach in Missouri is located at Wakonda State Park. This 20,000-square-foot sand beach has plenty of room and rarely gets too crowded. Join a game of sand volleyball and then clean up at the on-site shower house.
4. Thousand Hills State Park - Kirksville
20431 MO-157, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA
Thousand Hills State Park/Facebooki
Thousand Hills State Park has a beautiful sand beach to relax on and soak up the sun. Then, when you need a break from the heat, jump into the shimmering lake. The beach also offers dressing rooms and showers and is one of the most pristine secret beaches in Missouri.
5. Long Branch State Park - Macon
28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon, MO 63552, USA
Missouri State Parks/Facebook
Alas, we've arrived at our final stop on this road trip to the best hidden beaches in Missouri. Long Branch State Park has a long sandy beach perfectly located next to the campgrounds. Spend your day on the beach and play a game of volleyball. Cool off at the marina store with ice cream before you hit the road.

Have you spent time at any of these hidden beaches in Missouri? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below. If you are looking for more swimming destinations, check out these other amazing Missouri beaches.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Beaches Near Me

Beth Price-Williams | June 14, 2019

What are the prettiest beaches in Missouri?

Discover an assortment of pretty beaches in Missouri. Let your feet sink into the soft sand at Fugitive Beach in Rolla, for example, or soak up some rays at Creve Couer Beach in Creve Coeur. Or, if you want to feel as though you’re dipping your feet in the ocean, set off for such beautiful beaches as Moonshine Beach in Branson, the beach at Long Branch State Park in Macon, or Mark Twain State Park in Florida.

What are the best beach towns in Missouri?

Many people may be surprised to find out that Missouri is brimming with beautiful beaches. In fact, Branson – a popular tourist destination – features the breathtaking Moonshine Beach at Table Rock State Park. Kansas City also lays claim to some picture-perfect beaches, including Longview Lake Swim Beach and Blue Springs Lake Swim Beach. Longview Lake Swim Beach in Missouri, in fact, has earned recognition as the longest beach in the state at 43,560 square feet.

What beaches have the clearest water in Missouri?

Spend a leisurely day at one of the beaches in Missouri that have the clearest water. Wakonda Lake in La Grange, for example, boasts the largest natural sand beach – at 20,000 square feet – in Missouri. Sunbathe on the beach, play an impromptu game of beach volleyball, or swim in the crystal clear waters of Wakonda Lake.

Other Missouri beaches known for their clear water include Stockton Lake at Stockton State Park in Dadeville and Moonshine Beach’s Table Rock Lake in Branson.

Related Articles