Where Is “Ozark” Filmed?

The Lake of the Ozarks may be beautiful, but what the locals in this fictional TV series do just below the surface will surprise tourists and views alike. If you’re a fan of the popular Netflix series, “Ozark,” you have probably asked the question, where is “Ozark” filmed? We can tell you that while you might think it is Missouri, you’ll be surprised to learn that it’s actually filmed in Georgia. We’ll discuss the series and its pertinent filming locations ahead.

But first, if you’re looking for your own Ozark-inspired production space, rely on Peerspace. As the largest online marketplace for hourly rental venues, you can find everything from cabins, bars, mansions, and waterfront retreats on our platform. Check out what we have near you or your filming destination. Like with the actual “Ozark” filming locations, you’re bound to be surprised!

Something fishy is happening just below the surface

“Ozark” stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney as Marty and Wendy Byrde, a couple who suddenly move their family from the suburbs of Chicago to remote Osage Beach, Missouri, near the popular summer resort called Lake of the Ozarks. Marty, a financial planner, has messed up a major money-laundering deal for a Mexican drug cartel. To redeem himself (and not face retaliation), he agrees to facilitate an even bigger money laundering scheme in the Lake of the Ozarks area of central Missouri.

As soon as they arrive, he tangles with local crime families who are small-town thugs yet incredibly ruthless. The series follows the lives of Marty and Wendy Byrde for four seasons as they attempt to gain control of as many small businesses as they can, through which they intend to launder Mexican cartel drug money.

Why is Lake of the Ozarks so popular?

The Lake of the Ozarks region has 1,100 miles of freshwater shoreline, which is more than the entire coast of California. The area is equidistant from the large metro areas of Kansas City to the west and St. Louis to the east. A major midwestern resort industry developed around the lake since thanks to summer tourists. The fictional resort in Ozark is called the Big Cat Lodge, inspired by the real Alhonna Resort and Marina in Lake Ozark, Missouri.

If you are wondering where is “Ozark” filmed or are interested in throwing an event or securing film or video shoot locations in the Lake of the Ozark region, Peerspace is an excellent option for booking locations by the hour. On Peerspace, you can rent restaurants, bars, residences, party rooms, and more. 

For example, this Bright, Modern, Lake House with Swimming Pool is near a lake and would be an excellent stand-in for a Lake of the Ozarks film shoot. The description is alluring: “Bright open spaces–plenty of backdrops including Great Room with stunning lake views, eight bedrooms, five bathrooms. Large meadow leading down to the lake, surrounded by woods; no other houses in sight.” Doesn’t this sound lovely for a vacation?

Where was “Ozark” actually filmed?

It is interesting to get a glimpse into how the film and TV industry works. Where is “Ozark” filmed is a question that’s easy to answer. Since Georgia gave tax breaks to the “Ozark” production, they filmed the series entirely in Georgia at Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier, rather than in Missouri at Lake of the Ozarks.

After the production crew studied the Alhonna Resort in Ozark, Missouri, they meticulously built a film set copy on the shores of Lake Lanier, GA. Other Georgia filming locations include Norcross, Peachtree Corners, and the city of Savannah.

Here are some of our favorite Peerspace venues in Georgia you can use for your production:

A stylish chapel in Buford

Suppose you are searching for film and video locations in Georgia. In that case, Peerspace offers hundreds of options in and around the Atlanta area and on the shores of the popular Lake Lanier resort nearby. Consider this Picturesque 1940’s Church Renovated to Unique, One-of-a-Kind Event Space Located in Historic Downtown District in Buford, Georgia near Lake Lanier.

The host describes it thusly: “Our venue has maintained its beautiful historic elements; you can enjoy the sunlight streaming through the original stained-glass windows and the dappling shadows on the original hardwood floors. Venue has 2 distinct floors. The comfortable lounge area on lower level with a Speak-Easy vibe, offers exposed brick accents and a unique bar area. The main room upstairs has a full stage with full AV and a loft area enabling you to sit and enjoy your show below. 3/4 kitchen area including refrigerator, freezer, microwaves, prep tables, warmers and sink.  Entire venue is handicap accessible.”

A woodside retreat in Cumming

For a smaller gathering or a corporate meeting, consider this Private Meeting House Outside the City near Cumming. “Indoor & outdoor meeting areas. Full kitchen with stocked beverage fridge and coffee station. Interior living room space for groups up to 12 people. Interior dining table for 10, high-bar dining for 3, and outdoor dining for 11 additional people. Open the glass garage door for an indoor/outdoor space–enough for gatherings up to 40 people. Whiteboards and Apple TV for meeting use.  Large outdoor area with fire pit and an 85″ TV.” That sounds like a meeting we’d like to attend!

Something for everyone and tax breaks too

So we finally have an answer to our question, where is “Ozark” filmed. Georgia has been a filming location for all kinds of movies. It has become even more popular as a filming location since the state started to offer tax breaks for film and video production. The state can stand in for many different kinds of locations, whether it be the Atlantic coast beaches or the mountainous interior. In fact, production crews have used the city streets of Atlanta in movie shoots set in New York City.

So even though Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri is 700 miles away, a skilled Georgia production crew can lead us to believe that we are actually there. As we described in the opening paragraph, the Byrde family isn’t on a vacation in this fictional series, but the surroundings certainly make it look like a nice place to visit. One bit of advice? Avoid the money laundering crime families on your next visit!

Bring your production to life with Peerspace

On Peerspace, you can find and rent production venues by the hour in cities and towns across the country. Whether you’re looking for a remote lakeside cabin in Georgia or a skyhigh penthouse in the heart of Las Vegas, we have it all. Use our simple search engine to find venues near you and narrow down the results by amenities. Each venue has its own listing that includes a detailed description, high-def photos, reviews from past renters, and upfront pricing. When it comes to booking one-of-a-kind venues without all the red tape, Peerspace helps you make it happen!

Find unique film shoot locations on Peerspace