Big Lake State Park Campground, near Craig, Missouri, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy some time by the water. With a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, it caters to various camping styles, making it a convenient choice for families and solo adventurers alike.

The campground boasts well-maintained sites, many of which are shaded and level, perfect for setting up camp. Visitors have noted the friendly hosts who are quick to help with firewood and other needs, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. Clean bathrooms and showers add to the comfort, making it easy to freshen up after a day of outdoor activities.

Fishing and boating are popular here, with a small lake that’s great for kayaking and canoeing. If you’re not into fishing, there are flat roads ideal for biking, and kids will love the playgrounds scattered throughout the park. As one camper put it, “It’s a great spot off I-29 to set up camp and have a rest.” 

While the park is small and some sites are close together, the peaceful vibe and family-friendly environment make it a nice getaway. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a longer stay, Big Lake State Park Campground offers a relaxing escape with plenty of opportunities for fun.

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.

Big Lake State Park Campground

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Forest City, MO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Missouri camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Forest City. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Forest City

The Best Camping Near Forest City, Missouri

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. 



Clean and Friendly off I-29

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.

Interesting 

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!

Family friendly

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.

Small quiet park 

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.

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.

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!

nice, basic campground

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.

It’s fine, this is fine.

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. 

Photos of Big Lake State Park Campground

Real photos from real campers