Stockton, Missouri sits at an elevation of 902 feet on the northern edge of the Ozarks. The area receives 44 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush surroundings and contributing to the 24,900-acre Stockton Lake. Water levels can fluctuate seasonally, typically peaking in spring and early summer while reaching their lowest point in winter months.
What to do
Kayak marked trails: Stockton Lake offers designated water trails for paddlers. At Cedar Ridge Campground, visitors can easily access the water. "There is a very nice boat launch ramp in the camp ground. Lots of shade! Good place to go when lake level is high," notes Dean D.
Swimming at natural features: Beyond the designated beach areas, visitors find unique swimming spots. At Sparrowfoot, "if you walk further around the corner to the right, it turns into a nicer 'beach' style area with few rocks, although the mud can be a little thick after it rains," explains Devin M. "There are great places to swim near camp including 'Chicken Rock' a large island out in the lake the kids love to swim to and jump off," shares Bryan C.
Biking paved trails: The region offers paved cycling routes through forested areas. According to Daniel B., who stayed at COE Harry S Truman Reservoir Long Shoal Park, "my morning was spent cycling the 4 miles just past the welcome center, where I enjoyed some more lakeside views from Racoon Ridge. It certainly was convenient to have a paved road the entire ride lined with dense forest trees."
What campers like
Budget-friendly sites: Senior discounts and affordable rates are common at many campgrounds. Gary P. from Stockton State Park Campground shared, "Real nice park especially for what we paid. $8.00 for electric only per night. Senior rate off season, $2.00 discount." Similarly, Dan & Penny F. noted of Long Shoal Park, "With America the Beautiful Senior pass, cost of site was $10 per night."
Spacious layouts: Many sites provide ample room between neighbors. Josh S. reported about Cedar Ridge Campground: "We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of space some of the sites have between them. Some spots are right on the lake water and some are off in the woods a little bit more, which does somewhat provide a dispersed camping experience."
Private lake access paths: Some campgrounds feature direct water paths from individual sites. At Long Shoal Park, Josh S. selected "Site 47 right on the water great for kayaking and swimming." Similarly, at Pittsburg Area Campground, one camper explains: "Each site in the electric loop has a private path to the waters edge. Sites viewable by map next to water."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: At Springfield Route 66 KOA, railroad tracks run adjacent to the glamping close to Stockton, Missouri. Steven N. cautions, "If it wasn't for the trains coming by blowing their horns, this would easily be a favorite spot." Jennifer H. adds, "I did wake up several times in the night to the sound of trains or planes passing by. The train tracks are right next to the campground."
Bathroom facilities vary: Facility quality differs between campgrounds. Katie R. noted at Hermitage State Park Campground, "The main facilities are clean and showers are private." Meanwhile, at Pittsburg Area Campground, Jessica B. explained, "We had a vault toilet near our site which was nice for middle of the night trips."
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty across the region. At Long Shoal Park, one camper reports "Poor Verizon coverage, TMobile a little better." Nicole S. from Deer Run RV Park & Campground adds, "No T-Mobile service. Kinda backwoods and could definitely use some updating but pleasant all the same."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. According to Hayley G. at Stockton State Park, "Both loops had decent playgrounds for the kids." At Beagle Bay RV Haven Campground, one visitor notes, "They have everything you could want! Arcade, swimming pool, kids playground and a pond to fish."
Walk-in sites for beginners: Some campgrounds offer novice-friendly walk-in options. Hayley G. explains about Stockton State Park: "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."
Beach access locations: Multiple sandy areas exist around the lake. Ashley W. of Cedar Ridge mentions, "The kids loved watching the sailboats on this part of the lake. They also love the Sandy Beach." While at Pittsburg Area Campground, Rebecca R. shares, "The swimming beach was amazing and the bathrooms well-kept."
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds provide dump stations at entrance points. Cody notes about Cedar Ridge Campground, "Sites are power only, water and dump separate." Joe J. adds that Stockton State Park offers "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."
Leveling considerations: Site terrain varies widely across campgrounds. Laura H. observed at Cedar Ridge Campground, "I noticed several of the tent sites do not have level areas for your tent." Regarding Sparrowfoot, one reviewer noted, "The sites have a level gravel driveway; most sites are back-in."
Electric-only options: Many sites offer electrical hookups without water or sewer connections. At Stockton State Park Campground, Joe J. describes it as "Almost boondocking with electric hookup and a dump station." At Long Shoal Park, campers find "Electric only site with a View" with "Dump station and fresh water fill station at camp ground entrance."
