9 reasons to love Big Cedar Lodge

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Where to Stay at Big Cedar Lodge on Table Rock Lake

We love, love, love Big Cedar Lodge — the best Ozark wilderness resort on Table Rock Lake in southern Missouri. 

When we lived in Kansas City, we made the jaunt down there several times in the spring, summer, and fall.

As you will see, this family vacation resort is fantastic in any season, especially when you stay at Big Cedar’s Wilderness Club in a lodge condo with a full kitchen.

Sitting on the south side of Branson, Missouri, this Ozarks resort has everything adults and kids are looking for in a family vacation. You won’t need to leave the property!

Things to do at Big Cedar Resort

Hop on the free resort shuttle and hop between Big Cedar Lodge pools.

Hit the links golfing, go fishing, melt your worries away in the spa, and rent a boat for all kinds of water sports on Table Rock Lake.

Big Cedar restaurants are amazing, as are the horseback riding, fitness, hiking, biking, excursions, and year round entertainment.

Learn ALL the outdoor and indoor things to do at Big Cedar Lodge and see why with this Branson Missouri landmark is perfect for your next family reunion or vacation!

1.  Family vacation at a Table Rock Lake Resort

Big Cedar Lodge is a classy, rustic retreat for families looking for a Branson resort that’s high on outdoor adventure and luxury comfort.

For seven years, when we lived just on the outskirts of Kansas City, MO, our absolute favorite family get-away was to the breath-taking Big Cedar Lodge, an Ozark resort parked on Table Rock Lake just 10 miles south of Branson, Missouri.  

Hugging the Missouri - Arkansas border, Big Cedar Lodge sits right on Table Rock Lake. Not many resorts are built right at the water’s edge like this one.

Spring, summer, fall, and winter, by staying at Wilderness Club at Big Cedar, we had access to outdoor fun and indoor luxury without leaving the property.

See why this Table Rock Lake resort has won a slew of awards and why folks travel herefrom all over the United States for an Ozark family vacation time and again.

Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri is a just a day’s drive from the neighboring states of Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Illinois.

In fact, one-third of Americans can reach here by car in a day. You can also fly into Branson’s regional airport.

2. The history of Big Cedar Lodge

The history of Big Cedar Lodge begins in the 1920s when two different family vacation homes were built adjacent to the Long Creek arm of the White River, also called Big Cedar Hollow.  

The property eventually became an Ozark resort called Devil's Pool Ranch in the late 1940s. In 1958, Table Rock Dam was finally finished and Table Rock Lake was born.

Fast-forward to 1987 when Bass Pro Shops’ founder Johnny Morris purchased it and turned it into "America's Premier Wilderness Resort."  

Morris's commitment to excellence and preserving history can be seen in his attention to detail (flowers everywhere!) and willingness to make constant improvements and additions.  

Across the decades, families continue to experience modern luxury in this gorgeous rustic Table Rock Lake resort known as Big Cedar Lodge.  

3.  Swimming pools at Big Cedar Lodge

High on everyone’s list when we take a family vacation is access to swimming pools, indoor and outdoor.

At Big Cedar Lodge, you have many seasonal outdoor swimming options:  Devil's Pool, the Swimmin' Hole (with amazing hot tubs!), Wilderness Falls, Lazy River at Brushey Creek, and the sandy beach near the Bent Hook Marina.  

An indoor pool and outdoor hot tub are open year-round at the Brushey Creek Clubhouse.  

Adults’ favorite Big Cedar pools are the Swimmin' Hole or Devil's Pool because of the poolside adult beverage service.

Kids love pools like Wilderness Falls and the Lazy River for the fun factor.

We all love the Ozark resort's free convenient shuttles. Just call, and a shuttle will show up promptly to take you to a pool, restaurant, or wherever you want to go!   

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4.  Bent Hook Marina

When you're looking for more outdoor adventure at Big Cedar Lodge, rent a boat, like a pontoon boat or a speed boat, at Bent Hook Marina.

Usually two to four hours is plenty of time for cruising the lake, whipping around on the tube, water skiing, and finding a cove for fishing* or good-old fashioned jumping in the lake.

You can also rent WaveRunners here.

From Bent Hook Marina, you can also hop in a paddleboat or a kayak and explore the nearby cove for free! Or, gather your fishing pole and head to one of the fishing docks.

Take your inflatable paddle board for a spin around the spacious cove.

We say bring your own inflatable paddle board for the family to enjoy from sunrise to sunset on the lake too. The Isle Megalodon fits three to four people. See why it’s worth bringing your own SUP.

*Fish in Table Rock Lake predominantly include Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted Bass, White Crappie, Bluegill, Long Ear sunfish, Channel Catfish and Flat Head Catfish.

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5.  Big Cedar Lodge Family Fun Activities

The best is always yet to come since Bass Pro owner Johnny Morris owns Big Cedar Lodge. Johnny Morris is always looking to add more to Big Cedar's fabulous list of amenities.

The NEW Thunder Ridge Amphitheater is a breathtaking, nature-based outdoor venue that overlooks Table Rock Lake and the Boston Mountains of Arkansas. Look for big entertainment to happen in the future.

Today Big Cedar Lodge is spread over 4,600 acres in its own wooded paradise near the Missouri - Arkansas border on Table Rock Lake.

Fun Mountain at Big Cedar Lodge - courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge

Fun Mountain Bowling Alley - courtesy of Big Cedar

• Fun Mountain Includes a bowling alley, arcade, laser tag, outdoor ropes course, seasonal outdoor go-carts, Flip Zone (360 degree rotating bumper car ride!), indoor climbing wall, Nature Discovery Center, and billiards too!

• Kids' Adventure Club Parents can take a four hour date while kids have their own fun.

• Cedar Creek Spa Indulge yourself with a massage, facial, mani-pedi, and relax and rejuvenate - the gorgeous Big Cedar spa also includes a unique Grotto pool and an ice room.

• Ridge Top Pickleball A brand-new Pickle Ball court is open for Big Cedar guests! Guests can check out equipment at the Guest Services desk within the Registration building.

• Bonfires Big Cedar is great at cultivating cozy evenings around a campfire with s’mores and lawn games. You never know who you might meet!

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Cedar Creek Spa - courtesy of Big Cedar

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Grotto Pool Cedar Creek Spa - courtesy of Big Cedar

Some of our other favorite resort activities have been simple pleasures like the walking trail, BINGO, playing yard games by Truman Cafe, geocaching, playing mini-golf (brand new course!), the morning fishing derby, kayaking, sand volleyball, shuffleboard and more!  

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6.  Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve

Johnny Morris's Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve is a sight to behold.  

Top of the Rock is just a five minute drive up from Big Cedar Lodge, and once there, you can visit the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, cruise the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail via golf cart, or golf the par-3 Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.  

My favorite activity up there is dining at the scrumptious Osage Restaurant. There’s also Arnie’s Barn, Buffalo Barn, and the All-American End of the Trail Wine Cellar.

Johnny Morris’ Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve is a must-see in America’s heartland. Plan to stay up there a while so you can discover the unique attractions - like the the giant sinkhole and the beautiful chapel.

NOTE: Now you can buy inexpensive tickets to take a round trip shuttle to and from Top of the Rock. Don't forget your camera!

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7.  Cabins and lodging

The first time we vacationed at Big Cedar Lodge, we stayed in a room in the sweet Spring View Lodge.  

Since that first time, we've stayed in a room at Falls Lodge and in a home located just down the road on the Cliffs at Long Creek (pictured above).

The large homes at the Cliffs are lovely and great for two large families to share, but they can be somewhat difficult to get into unless you are a Bluegreen Timeshare owner.

Wilderness Club at Big Cedar

We've always had the best luck booking a two bedroom lodge or cabin at Wilderness Club at Big Cedar Lodge.  Yes, this is the Bluegreen timeshare side of Big Cedar, but you don’t have to own a timeshare to stay over here.  

We've always had success booking a two bedroom cabin or lodge room for a budget friendly price.

If you're spontaneous like us, look for last-minute deals and you may score big on an awesome stay on the cheap!

Plan your family vacation or anniversary getaway between Sunday and Thursdays, and the rates are even better.  

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Camping and Glamping at Camp Long Creek

Looking for where to stay at Big Cedar Lodge when you’re on a tight budget?

Your family can now enjoy camping in comfort by choosing from the shepherds huts, camp cabins or glamping tents.

Bring your dog and also enjoy everything Long Creek Marina has to offer: some of the best fishing and water sports on pristine, family friendly Table Rock Lake.

Rent a boat to take the kids water-skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing, or take out a WaveRunner.

You can also rent fishing gear. Big Cedar has thought of it all!

Camp Long Creek offers a pebbled beach where you will find picnic tables, benches, and complimentary life jackets for your family to enjoy Table Rock Lake.

NEW Big Cedar Campground planned

Big Cedar plans to add a new campground space in the area of New Thunder Ridge, providing more nature-based experiences and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Glamping at Big Cedar - photo courtesy of Big Cedar

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8.  Dining at Big Cedar Lodge restaurants

Our favorite tradition is filling our tanks at the breakfast buffet at Devil's Pool Restaurant.  

While we typically eat most of our meals in our cabin (big families are expensive to feed!), we save one or two nights for dining out at one of the fabulous restaurants at Big Cedar Lodge.  

Besides Devil's Pool, we love the Worman House, Buzzard Bar, and the Osage Restaurant.  

Favorite dish at the Osage: brown sugar glazed salmon with steamed greens, creamed baby potatoes with chives, and the wedge salad.

9. Dogwood Canyon for nature-lovers

Opt outside and take the forty-five minute drive from Big Cedar Lodge to Dogwood Canyon. All kinds of fun to be had horseback riding, fishing, hiking, biking and more.  

Check their website for hours of operation. Take a picnic lunch and consider staying for the day.

We love Dogwood Canyon in Spring and Fall especially.

Family fun near this Branson Missouri resort

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Silver Dollar City

As if there isn't enough fun to keep you busy at Big Cedar Lodge, head over to Silver Dollar City!  

We went to Silver Dollar City a few years back and had a blast, especially at the water attractions.

An 1880s theme park, there are some pretty fun rides there too!  Many people spend more than one day there, but we are usually anxious to get back to Big Cedar Lodge.  

Branson Landing 

Branson Landing is a great option if you are looking for shopping, dining, and entertainment.  

The free Branson Landing Waterfront Fountain Show is fun for all ages with top-of-the-hour shows typically from noon to 10pm.  

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Winter Activities in Branson

Besides all the thrills you can have at Big Cedar Lodge’s Fun Mountain, there are attractions near this Ozark resort that are great for cold winter days or rainy afternoons.

Our two favorites are the interactive, family-friendly Titanic Exhibit and the Sight and Sound Theatre, where they magically bring the Bible to life.  

We happened to see Jonah performed at the Sight and Sound, but their stage has also shown Moses, Joseph, and Miracle of Christmas.  

My family has enjoyed Big Cedar Lodge so many times over the years!  My husband often suggests future travel destinations based solely on pictures he's seen online.  

We hope you and your family experience this fabulous resort on Table Rock Lake. Chances are it’s only a day’s drive or less for you.

What else would you like to know about this Branson Missouri resort?

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