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Big Lake State Park Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

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.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsBig Lake State Park Campground is located in Missouri near Forest City

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Address

204 Lake Shore Drive
Craig, MO 64437

Coordinates

40.08136573 N
95.34335217 W

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Connectivity

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    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/26/26

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/26/26

Access

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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


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Reviews10 Camper Reviews - Big Lake State Park Campground

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4.0

out of 5

10 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the well-maintained lakeside sites and clean facilities at this family-friendly park. Guests frequently mentioned helpful staff and good amenities for kids, though some noted close site spacing and occasional construction.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2022

Nice sites on the lake

Both back in and pull through sites available with electric, dump site, and fresh water fill station. Hosts are very friendly and drive around with firewood right on the back. Easy to reserve online and nice, level, shaded gravel sites, and primitive sites right by the lake. Bring your bug spray in the summer.

Site20
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 27, 2022

It’s fine, this is fine.

So, decent state park (when it’s not flooded), on a small (not that big) oxbow lake, which about 3/4 of is privately owned… so there are boats.

Site30
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Big Lake State Park Campground by Grant M., May 27, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2018

nice, basic campground

The state park is well maintained but doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles! Sites are flat, mostly pull through. Bathrooms and showers are nice and clean. Pool was closed for construction when we stayed, but looked nice. They have really nice little cabins for rent is camping isn’t your strong suit! Not much in the area to visit if fishing isn’t your thing though! There is a drive through nature preserve fairly close but we didn’t go do it. Kayak rental is available but if fishing isn’t your thing this might not be the park for you. Lots of flat roads for biking though!

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2018

Good damp ground quite lake

Nice lake, campground was good, there are basic sites up against the lake and the rest are electric. Basic sites are large and some of the electric are also. The majority are pull through sites. Everything is fairly level and they have nice park, picnic areas and boat ramp. You can kayak, canoe, jet ski, and boat. Its olny 30ft at the deepest point.

  • Review photo of Big Lake State Park Campground by Jason C., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake State Park Campground by Jason C., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake State Park Campground by Jason C., September 27, 2018
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2018

Good damp ground quite lake

Nice lake, campground was good, there are basic sites up against the lake and the rest are electric. Basic sites are large and some of the electric are also. The majority are pull through sites. Everything is fairly level and they have nice park, picnic areas and boat ramp.

  • Review photo of Big Lake State Park Campground by Jason C., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake State Park Campground by Jason C., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake State Park Campground by Jason C., September 27, 2018
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Sep. 25, 2018

Small quiet park

Small park.sites are right next to each other. Picnic tables and fire pits are on site gravel. All roads are narrow one way with the dumpstation at the back end of park with trash dumpsters there. So on a sunday you will get stuck in the dumpstation line to drop off your trash even if you don't need to dump. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Sites are pretty level. Great playground area for the kids.

Site34 no shade, pull through
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 19, 2018

Family friendly

Spmewhar small but quaint.....very family friendly there are not a lot of "party people" that frequent here. It is a well kept park and we love it!

Site42
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2017

Interesting

This state park is a unique are. It is literally a big lake in the middle of farm land. At the time of our visit, improvements were being made to the pool and restrooms. The campsites are spaced and right on the lake. Fair warning the wind blows off the lake and can be very chilly. Not much hiking options around this park but the camp host was very friendly.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Big Lake State Park Campground by Chad K., August 31, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Lake State Park Campground by Chad K., August 31, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Lake State Park Campground by Chad K., August 31, 2017
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2016

Clean and Friendly off I-29

My husband and I tent camped one night at this park. We arrived around 8 pm and even though the office was getting ready to close, the woman behind the counter was very kind and helpful. She helped us with finding our spot and with getting firewood. Our basic tent site was lakeside and had a fire pit and picnic table. The site was so well maintained it was hard to find small sticks for kindling.

The grounds have private bathrooms with toilets and showers. There are two nice playgrounds and a swimming pool. Most campers were enjoying fishing in the small lake. Kayaks were available to rent for a small fee. Kids enjoyed riding bikes around the flat roads.

This is a great spot off I-29 to set up camp and have a rest. It's also a good spot to take young kids fishing.

  • Review photo of Big Lake State Park Campground by Sarah H., September 19, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitors say in reviews about Big Lake State Park?

Visitors generally have positive experiences at Big Lake State Park, with many appreciating the lakeside camping opportunities. The park is described as well-maintained, family-friendly, and relaxing with good views of the water. Campers note that it's a small but quaint park, with sites right on the lake. Some mention the unique setting of a lake surrounded by farmland. While most enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, a few mention limitations like narrow roads, closely spaced sites in some areas, and potential wind off the lake that can be chilly. The park hosts are frequently mentioned as friendly and helpful.

Are there cabins available at Big Lake State Park?

Yes, Big Lake State Park offers cabins for rent. These are described as nice little cabins that provide an alternative for visitors who prefer not to camp. The cabins are a good option for those who want to enjoy the park but don't have camping equipment or prefer more solid accommodations. For specific cabin amenities, availability, and reservation information, it's recommended to contact the park directly or check the Missouri State Parks website.

What camping facilities are available at Big Lake State Park?

Big Lake State Park offers diverse camping options including both back-in and pull-through sites with electric hookups, as well as primitive lakeside sites. The campground features level, shaded gravel sites, fire pits, and picnic tables. Facilities include clean bathrooms and showers, a dump station, and fresh water fill stations. The park has a swimming pool (though it undergoes occasional maintenance), boat ramp, and picnic areas. Most sites are fairly level, and many are pull-through style. The park also offers recreational opportunities like kayaking and canoeing on the lake. Campground hosts sell firewood on-site, and bug spray is recommended for visitors.

Where is Big Lake State Park located in Missouri?

Big Lake State Park is located in northwest Missouri. It sits in an area characterized by farmland, featuring an oxbow lake (a curved lake formed from a cutoff portion of a river). The park provides access to this lake, which is partially surrounded by private property. While the exact county isn't specified, it's a distinctive natural area in Missouri's agricultural region.