7 Secluded Towns In The Ozarks
As far back as the region’s earliest Indigenous inhabitants, the Ozarks have embodied a sense of serenity. This tranquil essence endures today, attracting introverted travelers, nature lovers, and those seeking refuge away from crowds. This vast alpine region, covering 47,000 square miles, spans five states and is dotted with a diverse range of secluded towns whose charms and quirks are well worth an out-of-the-way trip. These small communities, tucked away from busier towns and cities, provide a welcomed escape from the noise and hustle of daily life with their breathtaking natural landscapes. If you are looking for a peaceful Ozarks retreat with spectacular mountain vistas, mirror lakes, waterfall hikes, and ancient caverns, these seven secluded towns are proof that the road less traveled can also be the most memorable.
Jasper, Arkansas
With a little over 500 locals, Jasper is one of the smallest towns on this list but also one of the most serene. If you are someone looking to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature, this Ozarks town is the perfect retreat. Its proximity to the Buffalo National River makes it a popular outdoor playground, and there are countless kayak rental services in the area, like Buffalo River Canoes.
Jasper is also known as the best starting point for driving past the Arkansas Grand Canyon. The lush wooded valley features fabulous vistas spread across seven different mountain ranges, known as a “1.3 million acre view.” To take in every inch of this stunning scene, Jasper’s Cliff House Inn & Restaurant has some of the best views in town. For a more active bluff adventure, scenic hiking paths like the Round Top Mountain Trail are worth every step.
Ponca, Arkansas
Around 20 minutes west of Jasper, Ponca is an even more secluded Arkansas community with some of the prettiest natural scenes in the country. With just 130 residents, this tiny town is perfect for introverted travelers looking to savor a remote Ozarks getaway out in nature.
Similar to Jasper, the town’s vicinity to the Buffalo River makes it a popular place for paddling. For travelers looking to enjoy more than a day on the water, Ponca is home to cozy accommodations like Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging. Along with its cabins, treehouse yurts, and bunkhouse, this Ponca outfitter provides all the gear you need to explore the Upper Buffalo National River.
For land-based recreation, the Buffalo Outdoor Center is another great overnight option. The resort hotel offers ziplining, mountain biking, hiking, and elk viewing experiences. If this last part intrigues you, make sure to also check out the nearby Ponca Elk Education Center. Beyond the Elk Center’s walking trails, Ponca is also a gateway to tons of scenic hiking routes. Paths like the Hideout Hollow Trail are super popular for their waterfalls (one of which is 50 feet tall), while longer hikes like the Hawksbill Crag are preferred for their vistas.
Camdenton, Missouri
As the “Hub City of Lake of the Ozarks,” Camdenton’s backyard is nothing short of spectacular. The town dates back to the 1930s when the Lake of the Ozarks was first created with the construction of the Bagnell Dam. Back then, the 54,000-acre reservoir was the largest manmade lake in the United States. While it is no longer the largest of its kind, today, the Lake of the Ozarks is no less breathtaking.
Although much of the reservoir’s 1,150-mile shoreline is privately owned, the town offers public access at places like Ha Ha Tonka State Park. In addition to fishing, boating, and postcard strolls, this stunning state park is famous for its geological wonders. This includes an enchanting natural bridge, sinkholes, and Missouri’s 12th-largest natural spring. After a lakeside picnic, hikers can also take on the famous Castle Trail for panoramic views and a glance at the ruins of a 20th-century castle.
Elsewhere in town, adventure awaits belowground. Camdenton is a gateway to the Bridal Cave, described as “The Underground Adventure You’ll Never Forget.” The family-friendly tour takes you through the cavern’s intricate chambers, showcasing a range of ancient Ozark cave formations.
Osage Beach, Missouri
A 15-minute drive from Camdenton will bring you to Osage Beach, “The Heart of Lake of the Ozarks.” Beyond having classic resort town attractions like Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and the Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park, Osage Beach promises the solitude of Missouri's largest state park. With 89 miles of pristine shoreline and over 17,000 acres of land, it is easy to enjoy an undisturbed day out in nature at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
During the warmer months, the park's two beaches come alive with swimmers and sunbathers. Summertime is also popular with visitors taking advantage of the three paved boat ramps. But there is plenty to do in the cooler months as well, including hiking the park’s 23 trails. Spread across over 30 miles, paths range from easygoing wooded strolls to more strenuous climbs with rewarding views.
The Woodland Trail and Lake Trail are great options for a more laid-back hike, while more experienced adventures may want to take on paths like the Trail of Four Winds. This 14-mile trail is the longest in the park and offers a range of landscapes, including seasonal streams, dense woodlands, and thrilling overlooks.
Calico Rock, Arkansas
Returning to Arkansas, Calico Rock is another picturesque Ozarks town with thrilling hikes and spectacular scenes. Its location on the White River is enchanting in itself, but the best views call for hikes to the City Rock Bluff. Despite being one of the most beautiful overlooks in Arkansas, this hiking trail is not super well known, so visitors can enjoy the scenes in seclusion. Along with views of the powerful river below, you will see where Calico Rock earned its name, its bluffs marked with splashes of gray, red, black, blue, and orange.
Before it became a world-class hiking destination, Calico Rock was a river port for steamboats in the 1800s. Stretching back even further, the City Rock Bluff served as an Indigenous lookout. To learn more about this fascinating past, the Calico Rock Museum is a great follow-up to your hike, showcasing relics and items dating from prehistoric eras all the way up to 1967. Following that, the Calico Rock Ghost town paints a picture of what this early-20th-century boomtown once looked like, showcasing an abandoned tavern, funeral parlor, theater, barber shop, and an array of other historic structures.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Tucked away in the heart of the Ozarks, Mountain View offers a unique retreat for those who love music, nature, and the warmth of southern hospitality. Home to just under 3,000 residents, sharing music is a treasured tradition in this “Folk Music Capital of the World.” This musical spirit shines the brightest at annual events like the Arkansas Folk Festival and the Mountain View Bluegrass Festival. But visitors can also catch live shows year-round at charming venues like the Jimmy Driftwood Barn.
Along with preserving their folk heritage, Mountain View locals are all about conserving the town’s natural surroundings, especially at the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. Out-of-towners can enjoy a range of sights and experiences here, including hikes to the namesake Blanchard Springs waterfall. Anglers, on the other hand, may prefer taking the Mirror Lake Trail or fishing for rainbow trout right from the boardwalk or pier. Similar to Camdenton, Blanchard Springs Cavern tours are also an exciting way to explore the Ozarks’ ancient underground.
Grove, Oklahoma
Home to around 7,400 residents, the vibrant Oklahoma town of Grove is one of the more populated communities on this list. But thanks to its natural surroundings and setting near the mighty Neosho River (or “Grand River), it is still easy to enjoy a sequestered retreat away from crowds. Local boat rental services like Water Trix make exploring this massive tributary a breeze, along with Cherokee Queen Riverboat Rides.
The adjacent Grand Lake O' the Cherokees (“Grand Lake” for short) is an even more popular boating destination at Grove’s Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park. This year-round 38-acre park is an angler’s paradise, whether fishing from a boat, the 1,300-mile shore, or right from the park’s prized fishing dock. Although the park's annual Pelican Festival for 2024 has come and gone, the parade, carnival rides, and murder mystery dinner make it a must-add to your 2025 calendar.
Why Visit These 7 Secluded Towns In The Ozarks?
When searching for the ideal weekend getaway or vacation destination, it is easy to get drawn to the most popular spots. However, if you want a refreshing escape from the crowds, these seven secluded Ozark communities offer the perfect refuge to unwind and disconnect out in nature. From the breathtaking lakeshores of Camdenton to the stunning mountain vistas of Jasper, these Ozark towns are a haven of beauty and tranquility that are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
