Things to Do

Splash Into the Best Summer Ever at Big Cedar Lodge

Whether you’re looking for ways to cool off this summer or find adventure on land, there’s a little bit of everything at Big Cedar Lodge.

By Jordan Blomquist

Jun 2024

Picture this: It’s a warm, sunny day in the Ozarks, and you’re spending it golfing at Top of the Rock, kayaking in Table Rock Lake, hiking the local trails or sunbathing by the pool at Big Cedar Lodge.

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“Summer at Big Cedar Lodge feels like a return to what matters most,” says Madison Horner, Big Cedar public relations manager. “It’s where families reconnect, time slows down and the days end with breathtaking sunsets over Table Rock Lake and stories around the campfire.”

Big Cedar Lodge has a little bit of everything for you to enjoy this summer. They have private cabins and glamping experiences, kids’ adventure areas, boating and kayaking, lake cruises and date night activities. You can tailor your stay to fit exactly what you need, whether that’s a couples getaway, a family vacation or just a quiet weekend to recharge.

At night, the glamping tents glow in the moonlight.
Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge offers glamping experiences in addition to its lodge rooms, cottages and private log cabins.

The inside look of a glamping tent at Big Cedar Lodge.
Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge offers glamping experiences in addition to its lodge rooms, cottages and private log cabins.

The glamping tents have a beautiful view overlooking the lake.
Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge offers glamping experiences in addition to its lodge rooms, cottages and private log cabins.

Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge Big Cedar Lodge offers glamping experiences in addition to its lodge rooms, cottages and private log cabins.

Summer Your Way: Lodging for Every Style 

Big Cedar Lodge offers a range of unique lodging experiences for multigenerational travelers, couples and families that combine rustic charm with luxurious comfort. For a more adventurous stay, Camp Long Creek features dog-friendly glamping tents, shepherd huts and camp cabins—all just minutes from the main lodge.

Set on Table Rock Lake near Long Creek Marina, Camp Long Creek offers easy access to fishing, water sports, an infinity pool, a beach, and laid-back extras like bocce ball and campfires—perfect for a nature escape without roughing it.

Big Cedar Lodge offers lodge rooms, cottages and private log cabins, all with the comforts of home and a touch of rustic style.

Family adventure is at every corner at Big Cedar Lodge.
Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge offers summer camp vibes with fun, family-friendly adventures.

There are pickleball courts at Big Cedar Lodge.
Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge offers summer camp vibes with fun, family-friendly adventures.

Mini golfing is available to guests at Big Cedar Lodge.
Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge offers summer camp vibes with fun, family-friendly adventures.

Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge Big Cedar Lodge offers summer camp vibes with fun, family-friendly adventures.

Adventure-Filled Days on Land

Big Cedar Lodge brings the spirit of summer camp to life with family-friendly adventures. These activities offer a mix of guided and self-led options. 

Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail: Take an unforgettable journey through Top of the Rock’s Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail. This self-guided electric cart tour winds through rock formations, waterfalls and landscapes, leading into a four-story cave with a cascading waterfall and underground bar. This is one Ozarks experience you don’t want to miss.

All aboard for the Big Cedar Hoop-Dee-Doo: Start with a boat ride from Bent Hook Marina, hop a tram to the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn, then dig into a barbecue feast, bonfire, lawn games and more. It costs $65 for adults, $30 for kids ages 3–12 and is free for ages 2 and under. 

Ozark Olympics: Test your skills in a lineup of down-home challenges behind Fun Mountain. Compete in archery, BB gun target shooting, Spam carving and other quirky contests for $15 per person.

Camp-themed activities: Get into the camp spirit with classic, hands-on activities for all ages. Try your hand at tie-dye ($15–22), kids’ bingo ($10), paint and play ($32), pottery painting ($22–27) or create a keepsake at the Cozy Critters workshop ($25). All of these activities are open to the public.

Kids adventure club: Open to the public, the club packs four hours with nonstop fun for kids ages 4–12. Activities include crafts, outdoor games, fishing, archery, dinner and more for $85 per child.

Pedal boats are another courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge.
Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge

Visitors fish from a pedal boat for $30 an hour.

Fun is around every corner at Big Cedar Lodge.
Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge

Endless outdoor fun awaits at Big Cedar Lodge, from sand volleyball to a variety of pools to choose from.

A Lady Liberty river cruise, hosted by Big Cedar Lodge.
Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge

The Lady Liberty is a 62-foot luxury yacht offering a variety of lake cruises.

Photos courtesy Big Cedar Lodge

Lake Adventures and Water Activities on Table Rock Lake and at Big Cedar Lodge

Make the most of summer days with lake excursions and water activities on Table Rock Lake. “At Big Cedar Lodge, summer is all about embracing adventure and making memories,” Horner says. “From world-class golf and fishing on Table Rock Lake to exploring the Ozarks’ winding trails, every moment here is an opportunity to reconnect and enjoy nature at its best.”

Lady Liberty cruises: Hop aboard a 62-foot luxury yacht for a daytime cruise, brunch, dinner or an unforgettable Fourth of July or Labor Day fireworks voyage. After-hours cocktail cruises are also available for guests 21 and older.

• Day cruise: $70 per adult, $35 per kid aged 4–11
• Brunch cruise: $70 per adult, $35 per kid aged 4–11
• Dinner cruise: $120 per adult, $70 per kid aged 4–11
• Holiday fireworks dinner cruise: $200 per adult, $100 per kid aged 4–11
• After-hours cocktail cruise: $70 per person (21+ only)

Goin’ Jessi Table Rock Lake Tour: Relax aboard a replica 1934 Chris Craft named after Waylon Jennings’ wife, Jessi, and cruise the lake with a Big Cedar guide on a one-hour outing. It costs $199 on weekdays and $250 on weekends (based on two people; $15 for each additional guest, up to six).

Pedal boats, canoes and kayaks: Enjoy complimentary non-motorized rentals, and explore the scenic shoreline at your own pace. You can also cast a line from a pedal boat and try for the big one for $30 per hour, per boat (fishing license required).

Stand-up paddleboards: Glide across 43,000 acres of crystal-clear water with rentals from Bent Hook Marina.

Cool off at one of Big Cedar’s seasonal outdoor pools or unwind in a hot tub with views of the lake and surrounding hills. Guests enjoy the indoor pool at Brushy Creek, the Devil’s Pool Hot Tub & Pool, the Swimmin’ Hole Pool, Bar & Grill, the Lakeside Pool and the Camp Long Creek Pool.

A sunset at Big Cedar Lodge.
Photo courtesy Big Cedar LodgeChoose one of the restaurants at Top of the Rock, and enjoy the sunset while dining.

Evening Events and Summer Night Experiences at Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge makes summer nights unforgettable with activities for families, couples and anyone looking to soak up the season. Watch a movie under the stars, share a handcrafted date night or toast the sunset with dinner.

Family movie on the lawn: Relax under the stars with a family-friendly flick. This activity is free for overnight guests.

Summer date night: Sip two drinks (wine or soda) and make edible crafts with your special someone for $160 per couple.

Family date night: Feast on a full Italian meal before playing family-style games for $95 per family, including two drinks per person.

Sunset ceremony at Top of the Rock: Experience a Civil War cannon firing and a glass-raising toast as the sun sets over the horizon. Dine at Osage Restaurant, Buffalo Bar or the “End of the Trail” Wine Cellar. The event takes place daily at sunset. (Entry fee applies for non-resort guests.)

Sunset celebration dinner: Enjoy the sunset ceremony with a four-course meal, house wine pairings, and the signature Sunset Cannonball Cocktail. $138 per person. Open to the public.

Private poolside cabana fireworks viewing: Enjoy front-row seats to fireworks from your own poolside cabana. Includes a snack basket, ice bucket and beverages for $250 per cabana (up to six adults). 

From serene lakefront mornings to breathtaking sunset dinners, summer at Big Cedar Lodge is equal parts relaxation and discovery. With one of a kind activities, world-class lodging and endless adventure, book your stay today and experience your Best Summer Ever at America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. 

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