Swimming

Question

We are heading into town next week. We are pretty familiar with the area. We have been many times. This time though, we are looking for a good place to sit in and possibly float in the clear water. We love Current River and love to just take chairs and sit or swim a little. Something like that would be perfect.

Answer

For a relaxing float or swim experience near Branson, you’re looking for clear, calm waters with easy access for chairs and sitting. While Branson itself doesn’t have the same natural spring-fed rivers as the Current River, there are still several options in the region that provide similar experiences for a leisurely day in the water.

Here are some good places to consider:

Table Rock Lake: Clear water, plenty of public access points, and some small beaches where you can set up chairs and wade in. The lake has coves that are quieter and less crowded, ideal for floating and relaxing.
Lake Taneycomo: This lake is cooler and very clear. Some areas allow for sitting in the water and gentle wading. Public access spots like Roark Creek or the State Park areas are great for a peaceful experience.
Mark Twain National Forest – Clear Creek or other small streams: A little farther from Branson, but you can find natural pools and smaller rivers where floating or sitting in clear water is possible. Bring your own chairs as amenities are minimal.

If you want a more managed or public area with amenities, consider these:

Moonshine Beach at Table Rock Lake: Picnic tables, sand areas, and easy water access. Water is usually calm near the shore for sitting and floating.
Hollister City Park or Lakefront: Small lake area, quiet in midweek, suitable for relaxing and dipping in the water.
Roark Creek or Bennett Springs State Park: While not directly in Branson, these are about an hour away and offer crystal-clear springs and shallow pools ideal for sitting and wading. Spring-fed water is cooler and very clear.

Tips:

Arrive early if visiting popular spots like Moonshine Beach, as parking can fill up quickly.
Bring chairs or a small cooler, as some natural areas don’t have facilities.
If floating, a small inflatable tube or raft works well, especially in calmer coves.

In summary, for the experience closest to Current River within a reasonable distance of Branson, Table Rock Lake’s quieter coves, Lake Taneycomo, and nearby spring-fed areas like Bennett Springs provide excellent opportunities to sit, float, and enjoy clear water.