2 vacation rentals

Question

Our family is looking to rent 2 homes for a family reunion 8/3 - 8/10/24. We need each home to have 5 bedrooms - 3 -4 bathrooms. We have small children and so would like a grassy area for activities and a pool at one home. Lakefront would be perfect. Finally would like them within walking distance of each. Thank you.

Answer

The Lake of the Ozarks is an excellent location for a family reunion, especially during early August when the weather is warm and perfect for lake activities. Finding two vacation homes close together with five bedrooms each, multiple bathrooms, lakefront access, and family-friendly amenities like a pool and grassy area is feasible, particularly in the Bagnell Dam Strip, Osage Beach, and Horseshoe Bend areas, which have clusters of vacation rentals designed for large families.

Here are some tips and suggestions for finding the right homes:

Lakefront homes with multiple bedrooms: Look for properties marketed as “large family homes” or “group vacation homes” in Lake of the Ozarks. Many properties have 5+ bedrooms and 3–4 bathrooms, often with two living spaces to accommodate larger families.
Pool and outdoor space: Choose at least one home with a private pool for children to play safely. A lawn or grassy area is ideal for outdoor games and activities. Some lakefront homes offer both pool and lake access.
Proximity: To keep the two homes within walking distance, focus on clusters of homes near Bagnell Dam or Osage Beach. Certain condo-style communities and resort neighborhoods have multiple large homes within the same development, which can be booked together.
Family-friendly features: Look for homes with fenced yards, safe decks, and child-friendly furniture if traveling with small children. Some rentals even provide cribs or high chairs.

Specific areas to consider for your search:

Bagnell Dam Strip: Popular for lakefront homes, easy access to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Some large homes are grouped close together, making it possible to rent two nearby properties.
Osage Beach: Central location with many rental homes offering private docks, pools, and outdoor spaces. Close enough to shopping and dining for convenience.
Horseshoe Bend & Camden County: Offers quieter lakefront neighborhoods with larger lots and homes that are often grouped close together. Ideal if you want more privacy while still being able to walk between homes.

When booking, here are additional considerations:

Check with rental agencies or platforms that specialize in large family or group rentals—they can often block two adjacent or nearby homes for the same week.
Confirm the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and verify that the pool is private and suitable for small children.
Ask about lake access and the slope of the yard—some lakefront properties have steep drops, which may be challenging for children.
Book early, especially for early August, as peak summer weeks fill quickly.

By focusing on these areas and rental criteria, you should be able to secure two adjacent or nearby lakefront homes that meet your family’s needs for bedrooms, bathrooms, a pool, outdoor play space, and proximity to each other, ensuring a memorable family reunion at the Lake of the Ozarks.