Missouri may be known for its rolling hills, forested bluffs, and winding rivers — but it’s also one of the most underrated paddle-boarding states in the country. Whether you prefer peaceful flatwater laps, spring-fed rivers with towering cliffs, or massive lakes with endless coves to explore, Missouri delivers a little bit of everything.

This guide highlights 13 of the best places to paddle board in Missouri, giving you a mix of easy beginner spots, scenic wilderness water, and classic Ozark SUP adventures. Grab your inflatable or hard board, pack a cooler, and let’s explore where to paddle board in Missouri.

Located in central Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks is a sprawling reservoir that covers over 54,000 acres. This iconic vacation spot is known for boating and fishing, but it’s also a fantastic place to paddle board.

Early mornings and weekdays are ideal for calmer water and lighter boat traffic. You’ll get sweeping views of forested hillsides and limestone bluffs while you explore quiet coves or use a longer touring board for fitness paddles.

Another Ozarks favorite, Table Rock Lake is famous for its clear water and scenic shoreline. Paddle boarders can tuck into secluded coves and hidden beaches or head out to the main lake for a longer, more challenging paddle.

The clean, deep water is great for swimming off your board, and the rolling hills surrounding the lake make it a gorgeous backdrop for sunrise or sunset sessions.

Flowing through the heart of the Ozarks, the Meramec River is a classic Missouri paddling river. It offers a mix of calm stretches and mild riffles, making it friendly for beginners while still fun for more experienced paddlers.

As you float, keep an eye out for beavers, otters, herons, and other wildlife. The lush river corridor and occasional bluffs make this a very “Missouri” feeling SUP experience.

The Current River, within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, is one of the most beautiful waterways in the state. Its spring-fed, crystal-clear water and towering bluffs make it a bucket-list SUP destination.

You’ll glide past gravel bars, caves, and forested banks while spotting fish beneath your board. Choose shorter, beginner-friendly sections or plan a longer downriver paddle if you’re more experienced and comfortable with moving water.

Located in St. Louis County, Creve Coeur Lake is a great urban-access option for paddle boarding. Calm, flat water and easy launches make it friendly for first-timers and quick after-work paddles.

The lake sits in a big park with trails and green space, and you’ll often see herons, egrets, and ducks along the shoreline. It’s a solid choice if you live in or are visiting the St. Louis area and want hassle-free SUP time.

Nestled below Table Rock Dam in the Branson area, Lake Taneycomo has the feel of a wide, cold river. It’s known for trout fishing, but its calm stretches are also enjoyable on a paddle board.

Cool water and misty mornings give it a unique vibe compared to warm Ozark lakes. This is a relaxing, scenic paddle—just be mindful of boat traffic and changing flows related to dam releases.

In northeastern Missouri, Mark Twain Lake offers big views and laid-back paddling. Calm waters and rolling countryside make it a peaceful SUP spot, and you might spot deer, eagles, and waterfowl along the shores.

You can explore coves, paddle along wooded shorelines, or use the open water for a more fitness-oriented session.

Just outside Columbia, Finger Lakes State Park is a fun and convenient destination for outdoor lovers. The park’s 4.5-mile-long lake is ideal for paddle boarding, with clear water, small coves, and a natural-feeling shoreline despite being close to town.

Pair your paddle with a hike, picnic, or mountain bike ride to make a full day of it.

In the northwest corner of Missouri, Big Lake State Park centers around a 440-acre oxbow lake that’s perfect for a quiet paddle. It has a relaxed, wildlife-rich vibe, with birds, turtles, and other critters often visible from your board.

This is a great choice if you’re looking for a mellow, low-traffic SUP destination away from busier metro areas.

Echo Bluff State Park, deep in the Ozarks, is as pretty as its name suggests. A clear, calm river runs through the park, offering a gentle, scenic waterway for paddle boarding.

Steep bluffs, forested hillsides, and ultra-clear water make this a favorite for photos. After your paddle, hike the park’s trails or relax at the lodge and soak in the views.

Near the Mississippi River in northeast Missouri, Wakonda State Park boasts a chain of former quarry lakes with clean, clear water. The main lake is ideal for paddle boarding, with plenty of room to roam and a peaceful setting.

You’ll find beaches, campsites, and trails nearby, so it’s easy to turn your SUP session into a full weekend escape.

In south-central Missouri, Sinking Creek offers clear water, gentle current, and beautiful Ozark scenery. It’s a great choice if you like smaller, more intimate waterways rather than big lakes.

Enjoy short, relaxing paddles along forested banks, and pair it with hiking or wading on hot summer days.

Meramec State Park wraps around one of the prettiest sections of the Meramec River, making it a natural hub for paddling. On a paddle board you’ll enjoy limestone bluffs, shady banks, and frequent wildlife sightings.

Multiple river access points, hiking trails, and campgrounds make this an excellent base for a SUP weekend in the Ozarks.

Missouri is a true paddler’s playground, offering everything from quiet morning paddles on metro lakes to bucket-list Ozark river runs and sprawling reservoir adventures. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler with your SUP strapped to your roof, there’s a Missouri waterway perfectly suited to your style.

With so many launch points, rental locations, and easy-to-access state parks, exploring Missouri by paddle board is simple, scenic, and rewarding year-round. Grab your board, check the weather, and experience why the Show-Me State continues to surprise paddlers with its beauty, variety, and warm hospitality.

Located just outside of Columbia, Finger Lakes State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a 4.5-mile-long lake that is perfect for paddle boarding. Paddle boarders can explore the lake's clear waters, secluded coves, and scenic shoreline.