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Hotels · Missouri, Missouri

Big Cedar Lodge

  • Price$$$$
  • CategoryResort / Luxury
  • Rating★ 4.7

Big Cedar Lodge is a celebrated luxury wilderness resort on the south shore of Table Rock Lake in Ridgedale, Missouri, approximately ten miles south of Branson. Created by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, the resort spans more than 4,600 acres of rolling Ozark terrain and is consistently ranked among the finest resort experiences in the American Midwest.

Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge is a celebrated luxury wilderness resort on the south shore of Table Rock Lake in Ridgedale, Missouri, approximately ten miles south of Branson. Created by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, the resort spans more than 4,600 acres of rolling Ozark terrain and is consistently ranked among the finest resort experiences in the American Midwest. Access roads wind through dense forest, and the property's naturalistic architecture — employing native limestone, heavy timber, and hand-crafted details — blends seamlessly into its lakeside landscape.

Accommodations range dramatically in style and scale. Standard rooms and suites occupy the main lodge, while lakeside cabins, Falls Cottages perched above an Ozark creek, luxury villas, and the multi-bedroom Presidential Suite offer elevated privacy and space. Most categories feature stone fireplaces or wood-burning hearths, rustic-luxe furnishings, and views of either Table Rock Lake or the surrounding Ozark forest.

Golf is a signature draw, with six distinct courses on property, including Top of the Rock — a spectacular par-three short course designed by Tom Watson set above limestone bluffs overlooking Table Rock Lake — and Buffalo Ridge Springs, an Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole championship course. A waterpark serves as a summer destination for families, while the marina offers boat rentals, fishing guide services, and sunset lake cruises.

Dining is a destination experience in its own right. Devil's Pool Restaurant, carved into the natural bluffs with sweeping lake panoramas, features a menu of Ozark-inspired American cuisine anchored by local proteins and seasonal produce. Worman's Mill Bakery, Arnie's Barn, and casual lakeside options provide additional choices across the resort. The Big Cedar Spa offers therapeutic and relaxation treatments, and multiple outdoor pools, a fitness center, miles of hiking trails, and organized kids' activities make the resort a comprehensive all-season destination for families, couples, and golfers across Missouri and beyond.

Room types

  • Lakeside Cabin
  • Falls Cottage
  • Standard Room
  • Suite
  • Luxury Villa
  • Presidential Suite

Amenities

  • Multiple pools
  • Spa
  • Golf (6 courses)
  • Waterpark
  • Marina
  • Hiking trails
  • Multiple restaurants
  • Fitness center
  • Kids' activities
  • Housekeeping

Location

190 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739

36.5448, -93.2851 View on map

Highlights

  • Six-course golf campus including Top of the Rock par-three course designed by Tom Watson above Table Rock Lake
  • Lakeside cabins and luxury villas set within 4,600 acres of Ozark wilderness directly on Table Rock Lake
  • Devil's Pool Restaurant carved into natural bluffs with panoramic lake views and Ozark-inspired cuisine
  • Full waterpark, spa, marina with boat rentals, and miles of Ozark hiking trails on the resort property
  • Johnny Morris's signature naturalistic resort design with native stone and timber architecture

Tips for visiting

  • Reserve golf tee times at Top of the Rock well in advance — it is among the Midwest's most popular par-three courses and books months ahead.
  • Cabin and villa accommodations offer far more privacy than lodge rooms; request lakeside categories for the best Table Rock Lake views.
  • Spring and fall offer better rates and fewer crowds than summer; Ozark foliage peaks in mid-October.
  • Pontoon boat rentals from the marina should be reserved at check-in during summer and holiday weekends.
  • Dinner reservations at Devil's Pool Restaurant are strongly advised, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
  • The resort is about 10 miles south of Branson — plan a half-day on the entertainment strip as a day trip from the lodge.

Accessibility

Big Cedar Lodge offers accessible room options with roll-in showers and ground-floor cabin configurations for guests with mobility limitations. The main lodge, dining rooms, and spa are accessible via ramps and paved pathways. Some areas of the naturalistic property involve uneven terrain and slopes; guests should inquire about accessible route options when booking.

Frequently asked questions

Is Big Cedar Lodge suitable for families with children?

Yes — the resort is highly family-friendly, offering a waterpark, multiple pools, organized kids' activities, guided fishing, and boat rentals on Table Rock Lake. Lakeside cabins and villas provide additional space for families.

How far is Big Cedar Lodge from Branson, Missouri?

The resort is approximately ten miles south of Branson, a 15-minute drive from the Branson entertainment strip and major theater venues.

How many golf courses are at Big Cedar Lodge?

The resort offers six distinct golf experiences, including Top of the Rock (Tom Watson par-three), Buffalo Ridge Springs (Arnold Palmer 18-hole championship course), and four additional courses. Golf packages combining accommodations and rounds are available.

What is the best time of year to visit Big Cedar Lodge?

The resort operates year-round. Summer is peak family season with the waterpark in full operation. Fall is widely considered the finest season for scenery, with Ozark foliage peaking in October and cooler temperatures ideal for hiking and golf.

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Big Cedar Lodge

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