Caves around Lake of the Ozarks at a glance
The Lake of the Ozarks is a large lake in central Missouri, and the limestone and dolomite under the hills around it are full of caves. Thick carbonate rock and underground drainage explain why. Four caves matter for a visit: Bridal Cave near Camdenton, Stark Caverns near Eldon, Ozark Caverns inside Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Jacob's Cave near Versailles.
They do not sit next to each other. Camdenton is the base for Bridal Cave and Ha Ha Tonka, Eldon for Stark Caverns, and Versailles and Gravois Mills for Jacob's Cave. Allow time to drive around the lake, and check the season before you go, because one cave is closed for renovation and another only runs regular tours in summer. If you want a guided option first, compare Missouri cave tours across the whole state.
Lake of the Ozarks caves compared
Adult prices in US dollars for 2026. Stark and Ozark Caverns prices are before tax.
| Cave | Town | Adult price | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Cave | Camdenton | $30 (13+) | Daily, closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas |
| Stark Caverns | Eldon | $30 (13+) | Daily, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas |
| Ozark Caverns | Lake of the Ozarks State Park | $13 | Mid May to mid September, no regular tours September 16 to May 14 |
| Jacob's Cave | Versailles | Private tours on request | Closed for renovation; private tours with 48 hours notice |
For most visitors Bridal Cave or Stark Caverns is the simple choice, because both run for much of the year and take walk-ins. Choose Ozark Caverns if you visit in summer and want a lantern tour in a state park.
Our pick: Osage 8 zipline in Camdenton
For a lake day without a cave, this two-hour zipline course in Camdenton is the activity we found; it is not a cave tour.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Cave tours and day trips in Missouri
Guided cave tours, Branson tickets and day trips with live prices and availability.
Stark Caverns
Stark Caverns is at 125 Cave Drive in Eldon, 1 mile from Highway 54. The standard tour takes 1 hour and covers about three quarters of a mile. Visitors aged 13 and older pay $30, ages 4 to 12 pay $19, ages 0 to 3 are free, and seniors and military pay $27, all plus tax. About 80 percent of the tour is suitable for wheelchairs, but not the whole route.
In autumn the cave is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first tour starts at 10 a.m. and the last at 4 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The black light tour, for ages 8 and older, costs $34, or $32 for seniors and military. Special evening offers need a prior online booking.
The last stretch of the access road is gravel with a fairly steep final descent. In snow or ice, call before you go, because the cave can close in bad weather. Wet paths can be slippery, so wear shoes with grip.
Jacob's Cave
Jacob's Cave is at 23114 Hwy TT in Versailles, between Versailles and Gravois Mills on Highway 5 at State Road TT. It is closed for renovation. Private tours are possible with at least 48 hours notice, arranged by phone or text. The path inside is paved and without steps. The cave stays at 53 °F (11.7 °C).
Do not plan a walk-in visit. Contact the cave first and ask for current hours and prices. If your plan depends on Jacob's Cave, keep Bridal Cave or Stark Caverns as a backup.
Ozark Caverns
Ozark Caverns lies in Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The lantern tour takes about 1 hour and covers half a mile, and its best-known formation is Angel Showers. The cave stays at 56 °F (13.3 °C). Adults pay $13, ages 13 to 17 pay $10, ages 6 to 12 pay $8 and children under 6 are free, plus tax. You can book online or at the park.
Regular tours follow a seasonal calendar:
- May 15 to 31: Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- June 1 to August 15: daily at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- August 16 to 31: Tuesday to Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
- September 1 to 15: Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- September 16 to May 14: no regular tours
Bags, backpacks, strollers and similar items are not allowed in the cave, to protect the bats from white-nose syndrome. Do not wear clothing, shoes or gear that were in another cave. Education groups can book by arrangement from April 15 to October 15, which does not mean tours for individual visitors in winter.
Bridal Cave and Ha Ha Tonka
Two stops that share a base in Camdenton.
Bridal Cave
Standard tours cost $30 for ages 13 and older, with walk-ins welcome. There are lantern tours on summer Saturdays and wedding ceremonies in the Bridal Chapel.
Bridal Cave guide →Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Entry to the park is free, but the caves are closed. Come for the castle ruins, the spring and the trails, not for a cave tour.
Ha Ha Tonka guide →Plan the rest of your trip
More pages for a Missouri cave trip.
Lake of the Ozarks caves: frequently asked questions
Which caves can you visit at the Lake of the Ozarks?
Bridal Cave, Stark Caverns and, in summer, Ozark Caverns take regular visitors. Jacob's Cave is closed for renovation and offers private tours only.
Is Jacob's Cave open?
It is closed for renovation. Private tours need at least 48 hours notice by phone or text. Contact the cave before you drive out.
When does Ozark Caverns run tours?
Regular tours run from May 15 to September 15, with the most departures from June 1 to August 15. From September 16 to May 14 there are no regular tours.
How much does Stark Caverns cost?
Adults and visitors aged 13 and older pay $30, ages 4 to 12 pay $19, and ages 0 to 3 are free in 2026. Seniors and military pay $27. Prices are before tax.
Can you visit all the caves in one day?
No. The caves are in different towns around the lake, and some run on limited seasons. Pick one or two for a day and allow time to drive.
Is this an official Lake of the Ozarks site?
No. MissouriCaves.org is an independent travel guide. It is not connected to Missouri State Parks, any cave or tour operator, or any hotel.