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Having no formal destination in mind as we headed
northeast out of Oklahoma, I guess it was the lure of the lake and
fond childhood memories that steered us in the direction of Lake Of
The Ozarks. We certainly took the right turn with this decision! The
Lake, with more than 1,150 miles of meandering shoreline, is surrounded
by expansive forests, rolling hills and dramatic bluffs. There is
much to see, do and experience in this beautiful area.
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Ozark Trails Campground, our current home,
is nestled off water in the wooded hills. We highly recommend
this quiet, peaceful campground with large treed sites.
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The campground has full hook-up sites, water
and electric sites and several tent sites. There’s a bathhouse,
laundry room, game room, small store, playground, horseshoe pit
and swimming pool.
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A unique feature in the campground is the thong
tree located near the swimming pool.Thong trees are found throughout
the Lake area. Hundreds of years ago, Osage Indians roamed through
the hills and valleys of this area. As the Indian hunters moved through
the woods, they left a signal for those who follow....the thong tree.
A white oak sapling and a green forked limb from another tree would
be selected and bent together. With the sapling bent horizontal to
the ground, it would point to a spring or cave. Old-timers sometimes
referred to these trees as buffalo trees since the Indian women would
often use the trees to air buffalo hides. |
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Thong trees can also be seen at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which will be reviewed in another article. |
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Area literature references a thong tree trail
that circles four thong trees on Lake Road 5-87, three tenths of a
mile from North Highway 5 just out of Camdenton. The literature states
that a large rustic sign designates the entrance to the trail. Gerry
and I spent quite some time looking for the elusive trail, to no avail.
We didn’t even get any dust on our hiking shoes, as we never even
found the large rustic sign designating the trailhead. After inquiring
at local attractions and the Chamber Of Commerce, we were informed
the trail has not been maintained and is probably overgrown with brush
and weeds. |
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Another local attraction is Bridal Cave, located
off Highway 5 on Lake Road 5-88. Local folklore tells the legend of
an Indian wedding held inside the cave in the early 1800’s. The tradition
continues today, with over 1700 weddings having been performed in
the stalactite adorned Chapel. If you go, be sure to browse through
the wedding pictures dating back to 1949. Guided cave tours leave
every few minutes. Open all year, the cost of the tour is $12.00 for
adults and $6.00 for children. Children under four are admitted free.
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While in the area, an interesting drive is Swinging
Bridges Road, which is a gravel road located in Lake Of The Ozarks State
Park. The area is named for a wood-planked, single-lane suspension bridge
built in 1930. I will tell you, the trip across the bridge as it groans
and sways is not for the squeamish. Gerry heard a lot of “Oh My Gods”
echoing from the passenger seat as we inched our way across.
Swinging Bridges is located about ten miles down Highway 42-18. |
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While crossing a smaller swinging bridge farther
down the road, we spotted a doe grazing with her fawns.
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If you’re looking for a toe-tapping evening of
entertainment and old-fashion Ozark hospitality, be sure to stop and
see the Country Lights USA music show, located on Highway 54. Gerry
and I enjoyed this show so much, we consider it a..... “we’ll be back”
attraction. Ticket prices are $11.75 for adults, $5.00 for children;
children under four are free. Additional information is available
at www.countrylightsusa.com
or by calling 573-348-9042.
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Additional information on
Ozark Trails Campground can be obtained by logging on to www.ozarktrailscampground.com or just give Eddie and Peggy a call at 573-346-5490. Reservations recommended. |
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Lake Of The Ozarks area information can
be obtained by calling 800-386-5253 or by logging on to www.funlake.com.
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