Where the Stockton Recreation Area meets Stockton Lake, Cedar Ridge Campground sits on a hillside overlooking the water. Managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, this established campground provides electric hookups with separate water and dump station access. The boat ramp within the campground offers secure overnight parking away from public areas.
Sites vary significantly in layout and proximity to the lake. Some spots sit directly on the water while others nestle back in wooded areas, creating more separation between neighbors. Josh S. notes the campground provides "a dispersed camping experience, although you are still at a camp site near an access road." Several tent sites lack level ground for setup, particularly site T01 which requires using handicap parking due to limited site access.
The swim beach requires a walk from most campsites, though trails lead to closer swimming spots including Chicken Rock, a large island popular with kids for jumping. A camp host maintains the facility and keeps the shower house clean. The vault toilet near the boat ramp receives mixed reviews from tent campers. Firewood is not sold on-site, with campers directed to gather their own from surrounding woods.
For additional camping options in the area, see campgrounds near Stockton Recreation Area. Reservations are recommended when lake levels are high.
Description
Overview
Cedar Ridge is located on Stockton Lake in the scenic Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri. The lake and surrounding landscape offer countless recreational opportunities along nearly 300 miles of shoreline, providing visitors with many ways to explore one of the most sought-after natural areas in the state. Fishing, hunting, camping, sailing, boating and scuba diving are popular activities.
Recreation
Boating is a popular pastime at the lake. Sailing is especially popular and the lake hosts several races each year. The campground provides two boat ramps for easy access to the water. A swimming beach and an accessible fishing dock are also on-site. The waters of Stockton Lake are home to several species of fish including small and largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, walleye, catfish and sunfish, making it an ideal destination for anglers.
Facilities
Cedar Ridge Park is open year round. It offers 54 campsites, many of which have electric hookups. Twelve sites have been established for tent camping only. Flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station are provided.
Natural Features
The land surrounding the lake contains hundreds of acres of native prairie grasses, rolling hills and thick forests that turn crimson in autumn. An abundance of wildlife lives around the water, including wild turkey, Great Blue heron, deer and Bald eagles. Visitors can learn about the lake's Bald eagles at the area's annual eagle-watching event hosted each winter.
Nearby Attractions
Three full-service marinas are located around the lake, offering a wide range of services and supplies, including boat rentals, fuel, fishing tackle and restaurants.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCedar Ridge Campground—Stockton Lake is located in Missouri
Directions
From Bona, Missouri, take Highway 245 north for 0.5 miles to RA Highway. Turn left (north) on RA Highway and continue for 0.7 miles to the park.
Address
21680 E. CR-1
Aldrich, MO 65601
Coordinates
37.5755556 N
93.6813889 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/12/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/12/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 46 min from Springfield, MO
- 1 hr 25 min from Joplin, MO
- 2 hrs 13 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 2 hrs 25 min from Fayetteville, AR
