Camping opportunities near Everton, Missouri center around Stockton Lake, where the Corps of Engineers maintains multiple campgrounds at elevations ranging from 850-950 feet. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, creating a camping season that typically runs April through October. Water levels at Stockton Lake fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access at certain campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Visit Crabtree Cove for easy lake access. "We had a very good weekend and will camp in this spot again," shares Phillip G., who enjoyed the "nice path down to the lake with some seating area to put your feet in the water."
Blackberry picking: Explore B Berry Farms & Co. for a unique camping experience. "We enjoyed picking black berries right next to our campsite to have with breakfast in the morning," reports Nick S., adding that "the camp site had everything we needed including a fire pit, grill, picnic table, water spout and bath room nearby."
Swimming: Access beaches at Orleans Trail where families can enjoy water recreation. "The sandy swim beach is clean and fun, even off-season," notes Kenna P., who recommends it as "a great place for boating" with "lots of places to hike and fish."
What campers like
Privacy: At Hawker Point, campers appreciate secluded sites. "This particular site was just up the hill from the lake and completely private. The walk to the lake was about 50 yards and a little steep but we managed to carry two kayaks down and up without too much trouble, and it was totally worth the effort because it was as if we had our own private cove," reports Lea B.
Clean facilities: Find well-maintained grounds at Cedar Ridge Campground. "Camp host is polite and shower house is kept clean," notes Laura H., though she cautions that the "vault toilet by the boat ramp is sketchy (where tent camping is located)."
Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping offers unique benefits. "My family has been camping here in October- after winterization, thus no water- for decades," shares a camper at Orleans Trail, noting that it's "a quiet place to camp off-season."
What you should know
Topography affects tent site selection: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Cedar Ridge, Laura H. notes that "several of the tent sites do not have level areas for your tent," while site selection at other locations requires attention to ground conditions.
Shower access varies significantly: At Hawker Point, Dean D. mentions "you have drive half a mile to get to them," while other campgrounds offer no shower facilities at all.
Train noise: When staying at Springfield - Route 66 KOA, be prepared for occasional train disturbances. Steven N. warns, "Because you're going to see and hear a lot of them, as there is a train track very close to the site," though he adds "if it wasn't for the trains coming by blowing their horns, this would easily be a favorite spot."
Tips for camping with families
Dog friendly campgrounds near Everton: Look for multiple pet-friendly options. "The kids loved watching the sailboats on this part of the lake. They also love the Sandy Beach," mentions Ashley W. at Cedar Ridge, which welcomes pets and offers family-friendly water access.
Activity options: Choose campgrounds with recreation facilities. B Berry Farms includes "a cute rec house with darts, corn hole, even a little reading nook. There is a swing on the big tree in front of the rec house as well as horseshoe pits," according to Angela M.
Family sites: Request specific loops for better family experiences. At Hawker Point, a camper advises, "A loop consists of full hookup sites and many sit right on the water. Little shade and crowded, but if you like to play on the lake all day these might be for you. B loop had pretty wooded sites but many were not close to the water. C loop is where it's at!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven sites at some campgrounds. At B Berry Farms, Angela M. reports, "The one site suitable for large RVs is not very level. We have a 40' Renegade Verona and it took 6 tries to find a place near the hookups where our auto-level would find a good position."
Hookup availability: Check services before booking. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Everton offer limited hookups. Cedar Ridge provides "power only, water and dump separate," according to cody, while Orleans Trail offers some electric sites in certain loops.
Site access considerations: Scout your location before committing. At Hawker Point, one camper found that "RV sites are very crowded and no extra space to park your car or boat," while Springfield KOA offers more spacious options for larger vehicles.