Crabtree Cove, near Stockton, Missouri, is a straightforward campground that caters to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. With sites arranged in loops, it offers a mix of open fields and some shaded areas, making it a decent spot for a quick getaway.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings at each site, perfect for evening gatherings. While there are no hookups in Loop B, visitors appreciate the access to Stockton Lake, which is great for boating and fishing. As one camper noted, “This campground is suitable for an overnight stay,” highlighting its practicality for those just passing through.

For families, the layout helps keep tent campers away from the noise of RVs, although some amenities like playgrounds are located on the electric side. The vault toilets are available, but cleanliness can vary, so be prepared for that. Campers have mentioned that the views of the lake are a nice bonus, especially in the early morning when the water is calm.

If you’re looking to explore, the surrounding area offers scenic trails and shoreline spots for swimming. Just keep in mind that the campground can get a bit windy in the afternoons, which might make docking a challenge for boaters. Whether you’re here for a weekend or just a night, Crabtree Cove provides a no-frills camping experience with easy access to the lake.

## Overview

 Crabtree Cove is a shady campground located on Stockton Lake in the scenic Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri. The lake and surrounding landscape offer countless recreational opportunities along its nearly 300 miles of shoreline, providing visitors with many ways to explore one of the most sought-after natural areas in the state.
## Recreation

 Boating is always a popular pastime at the lake. Sail boating is especially popular and the lake hosts several races each year. The facility provides a boat ramp for easy access to the water. 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 area for anglers. Several trails wind around the lake shore and through the landscape. The Stockton Lake Equestrian Trail continues approximately 15 miles between Hawker Point and Orleans Trail Campgrounds.
## Facilities

 Crabtree Cove Park offers 58 campsites, most of which have electric hookups. Amenities like showers, flush toilets and a dump station create a comfortable camping environment.
## 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 both in and around the water, including wild turkey, great blue heron, deer and bald eagles. Visitors can learn about the lake's bald eagles by attending an annual eagle-watching event during the winter. 
## Nearby Attractions

 There are three full-service marinas located around the lake, which offer a wide range of services and supplies, including boat rentals, fuel, fishing tackle and restaurants.

Crabtree Cove

Stockton, MO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Stockton, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Missouri camping adventure.

Stockton

The Best Camping Near Stockton, Missouri

Im not what you would call a fancy person, I have a humble boat, and no name brands, however on this water, i felt like i was being judged for not having all of the fancy things, or the million dollar boats. this place is absolutley beautiful, and i think that is the reason that so many sailors and yacht clubs are around these waters. I hate to give in and give the rich people another piece of beautiful land, however i felt unwelcomed.

Too fancy for me

Stockton is about a hour north of Springfield Mo.  The campground is well maintained but a little tight.  We did the Lake View trail and it was a well maintained easy trail.  The views are fantastic and the shade was welcomed on a hot day.  

Stockton SP

We stayed at campsite 13 gravel lot site and a little uneven where the picnic table and sitting area had a good view of the lake and the plus was we faced away from other campers so it was like you were the only ones there at times. our friends used the bathrooms and said they were very clean.

Windy lake for sure in the afternoon and had trouble docking and loading. If you get back in a cove it was great for swimming and calm. Best time is in the early morning before the lake gets rough.

Nice path down to the lake with some seating area to put your feet in the water.

We had a very good weekend and will camp in this spot again.

Windy Stockton

The campground is setup in 2 loops, non electric and electric, so if your a tent camper your not surrounded by noisy air conditioners running. Although the nicer facilities and playground are situated on the electric side. The camp doesn't have a swim beach, but there are some shoreline areas you can swim. The sites are all fairly decent and shady and not too bunched together.

Good for families

Don't go there on a Monday or Tuesday!!!! We camp here all the time and enjoy it. We went on Monday and it was the first time meeting the new part time camp host. We pulled up and there was a grumpy old man sitting on the bench would not wave or smile, the lady inside the both opened the window and just looked at us. We asked if there was any tent camping and she said in a short snippy voice for how many night. No welcome to Crabtree or great day!  So the only site was 29 we pull in and look around  put a few things on the table to hold that site and down comes grumpy ( Ray Millard) told us all the things we couldn't do. That he was the host and we were not following his rules .  We drove on the road pass the cones to turn around and we would have to pay if we did any damage.  We were on the road !!!! There was no water or damage to anything.  He was just being a jerk!  We left and will not go back until The regular camp host Terry is there. She really makes the place nice  and relaxing to go to

Don't go on Monday and Tuesday!!!!

We love this place always kept up and great park management 

Great place

Camped in Loop B on Oct 4, 2023. Camping was free at this Corp of Engineer campground since off season began on Oct 1st. The Loop B campground has several RV/tent sites arranged in sub-loops in an open field; some trees for shade. Sites are close to each other; no privacy between sites. Sites appear to be level. Each site has a metal fire ring, table and lamp pole. The loop road is paved and the sites were gravel. There were no hookups in Loop B. The water station was shut off, but the vault toilet, which wasn't very clean, was open. No camp host on duty during our stay. There is access to Stockton Lake from the loop road. There was nothing special about this campground, but has good lake access for boats.  Otherwise this campgrund is suitable for an overnight stay.

Photos of Crabtree Cove

Real photos from real campers