Stockton Lake spans 25,000 acres in southwest Missouri with a shoreline elevation of 867 feet above sea level. The Corps of Engineers manages most camping facilities around this reservoir, which maintains stable water levels throughout summer camping season. Campsites experience temperature ranges from 55°F to 85°F during peak summer months, with higher humidity levels in July and August.
What to do
Kayaking designated water trails: At Stockton State Park Campground, paddlers can explore marked routes with varying difficulty levels. "The kids loved watching the sailboats on this part of the lake. They also love the Sandy Beach," notes a visitor to Cedar Ridge Campground, highlighting the variety of watercraft visible from shore.
Fishing from shore: At Pittsburg Area Campground, anglers can access the water directly from numerous sites. "Each site in the electric loop has a private path to the waters edge. Sites viewable by map next to water," explains a camper who appreciated the convenient fishing access at the Pomme de Terre location.
Swimming at maintained beaches: Multiple swimming areas provide safer alternatives to open water swimming. A camper at Sparrowfoot notes, "Further past Loop B the road turns to gravel and there is a parking lot with a walkway to the lake. This offers some small bluffs with deep water for jumping off."
Biking on paved paths: Bennett Spring State Park offers family-friendly cycling options on maintained roads. "The roads are all paved so it made biking for our kids easy and enjoyable," mentions a visitor who appreciated the accessible terrain for younger riders.
What campers like
Level, well-spaced sites: At Cedar Ridge Campground—Stockton Lake, campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. "We camped overnight here on a bit of a whim and we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of space some of the sites have between them," reports one visitor who enjoyed the semi-private camping experience.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain consistently high across park facilities. At Stockton State Park Campground, one camper observed, "Great state park. Cleanest restrooms I've seen. Great trails. Bring the kayaks. They have some pretty cool kayak marked trails on the lake."
Yurt camping options: The yurts at Pomme de Terre State Park offer an alternative to traditional tent or RV camping. "Outstanding park! Huge sites, brand new power poles, shaded, and well patrolled for an extra feeling of safety," notes a Sparrowfoot visitor, highlighting amenities similar to those found in the yurt camping areas around Stockton Lake.
Shade coverage: Many campsites feature mature tree canopies that provide natural cooling. "Stayed in the East Loop which looked less popular than the West Loop," mentions a Stockton State Park camper, noting the varying levels of shade between camping areas.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Truman Lake and connected waterways can experience significant level changes. A Long Shoal visitor noted, "The weather is not under control of Long Shoal unfortunately. Our plans included some kayaking however the relentless rain and wind did not allow it."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. At Bennett Spring State Park Campground, a visitor observed, "In the A and B loops, very minimal cell service and very little opportunity to stream on the TVs," describing their experience at Sparrowfoot that reflects conditions at multiple area campgrounds.
Reservation windows: Popular sites book quickly, especially yurts and lakefront spots. "I had never even heard of this lake. The grounds are nice and clean. The restrooms and showers are decent for a public area," shares a camper at Stockton State Park, highlighting the importance of planning ahead.
Firewood restrictions: Policies on collecting or bringing firewood vary by location. At Cedar Ridge, a camper noted, "They do not sell firewood and tell you to go to the woods to get your own - Disappointed in that."
Tips for camping with families
Playground locations: At Sparrowfoot, families can select sites near play areas. "Loop B also has the playground which is right behind site B47. It's a newer playground and all equipment was nicely maintained. There are no swings," details a visitor who appreciated the clean facilities.
Walk-in tent sites: Stockton State Park offers beginner-friendly walk-in options. "We did check out the walk in sites here, but were not able to stay in them. They looked awesome and were a short 5 minute walk from the parking. A great beginner site for walk in camping and there were carts at the start of the trail for your gear."
Best swimming beaches: Cedar Ridge features a particularly family-friendly swimming area. "They also love the Sandy Beach," mentions a parent, indicating the preference children showed for this specific beach compared to others around the lake.
Yurt camping with kids: For families new to outdoor experiences, the yurt camping at Stockton Lake provides a gentle introduction. "Great place for camping with the family and dogs! everyone is very pleasant and I felt comfortable letting the kids ride their bikes around," shares a Hermitage camper describing experiences similar to those at yurt locations.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup options: Long Shoal Park provides electric-only sites that appeal to self-contained units. "Flat level gravel site with plenty of space to spread out with an amazing view of Truman Lake and Long Shoal Marina. Lakeside site with view of the open sky," reports an RVer who appreciated the spacious layout.
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds provide centralized dump facilities rather than full-hookup sites. "Great camping spot with easy access to the lake and marina however there isn't any water or sewer hookup on the camp site. Almost boondocking with electric hookup and a dump station," explains a Stockton State Park visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling RVs. "I noticed several of the tent sites do not have level areas for your tent," notes a Cedar Ridge camper, highlighting terrain issues that affect both tent and RV campers similarly.
50-amp availability: Several campgrounds now offer upgraded electrical service. "Sites were spacious with 50 Amp hook ups. Some sites had been recently redone, new grass, rock pads and elec pedestals," details a Sparrowfoot visitor, providing useful information for RVers with higher power requirements.
