Viola

Viola sits along the Kings River Arm of Table Rock Lake in the Missouri countryside. Boaters and water sports enthusiasts are particularly drawn to Viola for its easy access to the clear blue waters of the lake. Picnicking, swimming, scuba diving, boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing are all popular pastimes here. Kings River Marina, in the Viola Recreation Area, offers everything from fuel to equipment rentals to boat storage. Fishing licenses can also be purchased at the marina, and anglers can go from there to try their hand at the excellent bass fishing the lake provides. Adjacent to the marina are a playground, boat ramp and designated swimming area. Viola offers 56 reservable campsites. Hot showers, drinking water, a dump station and electric hookups create a comfortable camping experience. Table Rock Lake is surrounded by a forest of oak and hickory, its waters winding down through the valleys and hollows of the Ozark Mountains from Branson, Missouri to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Originally built for flood control, Table Rock Dam created a lake with 779 miles of shoreline. The Dewey Short Visitors Center at the south end of the dam shows three educational films — on the history of the dam, the story of Lewis and Clark, and the history of eagles and their endangerment in Missouri — plus exhibits about the natural history of the area. The campground is about 36 miles from Branson, which offers grocery stores, gas and additional tourist attractions.