Big Lake State Park sits in the northwest corner of Missouri, an oxbow lake rising unexpectedly from the surrounding farmland. The campground within the park runs along the lake's edge, where basic tent sites sit directly against the water and electric, water, and sewer hookups are available for RVs up to 50 feet. Most sites are flat, gravel pull-throughs, and the layout keeps things accessible for families with bikes or strollers. Campers looking at campgrounds near Big Lake State Park will find few alternatives this close to the water.
Fishing draws most visitors here. The lake is shallow, reaching only about 30 feet at its deepest point, and roughly three-quarters of it is privately owned, so motorized boats do share the water. Kayak and canoe rentals are available on site, and the park has a boat ramp. Playgrounds and flat roads make it a workable stop for families. Wind off the lake can drop temperatures noticeably, so layering is worth considering regardless of the season. Bring bug spray in summer.
Sites are close together, and the one-way road through the park funnels all traffic past the dump station at the back, which can create a slow-moving line on checkout days. Chad K. notes there's "not much hiking options around this park," and that holds true for the surrounding area as well. Bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained, and the camp host is consistently described as friendly and attentive. The park is a reasonable overnight stop off I-29 for anglers and families, though campers focused on trail access or backcountry experience will want to look elsewhere.
Description
Big Lake State Park is the perfect destination for a vacation or family gathering in northwest Missouri. The 407-acre state park offers everything visitors need to create a memorable vacation with a campground, camper cabins, day-use area and access to Big Lake.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Lake State Park Campground is located in Missouri near Forest City
Address
204 Lake Shore Drive
Craig, MO 64437
Coordinates
40.08136573 N
95.34335217 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/26/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/26/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 40 min from St. Joseph, MO
- 1 hr 25 min from Kansas City, MO
- 1 hr 37 min from Topeka, KS
- 1 hr 40 min from Lawrence, KS
















