Sara K.
Traveler
TravelerBennett Spring State Park Campground
Well maintained
Good space between sites giving nice privacy. Very helpful staff. Great spot for anglers.
Camping near Stockton Lake
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Stockton Lake in Missouri provides a variety of camping experiences with multiple campground options managed by both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Missouri State Parks. The area features established sites like Hawker Point, Orleans Trail, and Crabtree Cove where campers find a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds maintain direct access to the lake's clear blue waters, making them popular for boating and fishing activities. The surrounding landscape offers a combination of wooded areas with partial shade and open lakefront sites with views across the water.
Road conditions throughout the Stockton Lake area remain generally accessible for most vehicles, though some of the more remote campgrounds may have rougher access roads. Campgrounds typically operate year-round with peak season running from May through September when amenities like water stations are fully operational. "The campground is setup in 2 loops, non electric and electric, so if you're a tent camper you're not surrounded by noisy air conditioners running," notes one camper about Crabtree Cove. Many campgrounds offer reduced rates during off-season months, though visitors should note that water systems are often winterized after October. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when sites frequently reach capacity, especially on weekends.
Lakefront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors due to their proximity to swimming and boating access points. The Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Hawker Point offer more privacy between sites compared to the state park locations, with mature trees creating natural separation. Several visitors highlight the water quality as exceptionally clear, making Stockton Lake particularly attractive for water activities. Sites in the C loop at Hawker Point are noted for offering the best combination of lake access and privacy, with one camper describing their experience as "completely private" with "our own private cove." Bathroom and shower facilities vary considerably between campgrounds, with some requiring drives to reach shower houses while others maintain modern facilities within walking distance of most sites.
Best Camping Sites Near Stockton Lake (128)
1. Stockton State Park Campground
12 ReviewsStockton, MO2 milesWebsite$15 - $44 / night
"There was a short walk less than 5 minutes down a trail to the lake that was gorgeous."
"We camped in campground 1 right next to the play ground. Super clean, had a view of the lake. Within walking distance of the marina. Everyone was very friendly."
2. Cedar Ridge Campground—Stockton Lake
7 ReviewsDadeville, MO5 milesWebsite+1 (417) 995-2045$14 - $24 / night
"Campground has private boat ramp and parking away from public use so things stay secure overnight. Short walk to beach area is nice. Will be back again"
"The swim beach is a little far from the camp, but if you walk down the trails 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"
3. COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point
6 ReviewsStockton, MO4 milesWebsite+1 (417) 276-7266$14 - $20 / night
"While Stockton Lake itself brings a lot to the table, with beautiful blue water, cliffs to jump from, and close proximity to town if you are craving some ice cream (I suggest Squeeze Inn), the State Park"
"This particular site was just up the hill from the lake and completely private."
5. Orleans Trail
3 ReviewsStockton, MO3 milesWebsite+1 (417) 276-6948$14 - $160 / night
"Cheap full hook ups at a nice lakeside campground, they also have a hotel and cabins that are nice getaways. The food at the restaurant is pretty good as well."
"We had a view of the lake across the road. The bathroom was a several minute walk. Site D37 across from us had water access and looked really nice."
6. Crabtree Cove, Stockton Lake, MO
2 ReviewsStockton, MO2 miles"Most of the campsites have shade but some of the non electric ones by the lake do not despite what Recreation.gov says."
7. COE Stockton Lake Ruark Bluff West
3 ReviewsGreenfield, MO9 milesWebsite+1 (417) 637-5279$14 - $160 / night
"Immediate access to the lake from this site for our kayaks. Short distance from bathrooms/shower house. Plenty of showers and bathrooms (both family style and community style options available)."
"Easy walk to the lake. Best part: no cell service for the teens! Camped with other families and really enjoyed ourselves. Nice and quiet at night, too."
8. Kimmys At Caplinger
3 ReviewsStockton, MO11 milesWebsite+1 (417) 955-1233$40 - $50 / night
"If the pond on site is not big enough Stockton Lake is just minutes away or maybe you enjoy kayaking the Sac River is very close as well. Shuttle service is right up the road if needed. "
"From walking the trails, kayaking, camp fires, swings & play sets for the kids to enjoying the beautiful scenery. They have just about everything you need in the little store/welcome center."
9. Ruark Bluff East
1 ReviewGreenfield, MO9 milesWebsite+1 (417) 637-5303$14 - $200 / night
"Very cheap and they have public showers and restrooms near the entrance. We always go back every year. Beautiful place to camp in the fall as well."
10. Caplinger Woods RV & Campground
1 ReviewStockton, MO12 miles
Recent Camping Photos near Stockton Lake
120 Photos of 128 Stockton Lake Campgrounds
Hayley G.
Stockton State Park Campground
Phillip G.
Crabtree Cove
Hayley G.
Orleans Trail
Kimberly W.
Kimmys At Caplinger
Deana F.
Lightfoot Landing
Kevin C.
Pittsburg Area Campground — Pomme de Terre State Park
Cate S.
Hermitage Area Campground — Pomme de Terre State Park
Aloha M.
COE Pomme de Terre Lake Pittsburg Park
Seth
Pittsburg Park Campground
Ricci F.
COE Pomme de Terre Lake Nemo Park
MickandKarla W.
Osage Prairie RV Park
Laura T.
B Berry Farms & Co.
Recent Reviews near Stockton Lake
427 Reviews of 128 Stockton Lake Campgrounds
- Sara K.Traveler
Riverfront Campground and Canoe
Beautiful Site
Beautiful place, has river float drop point and pick up with kayak and raft rentals. Only reason 4 stars is the very steep grade going down to the main camping area thats on a curve. They did atleast pave the uphill side but definitely need to make sure your brakes are good.
- KKelly K.
ScoutSpringfield - Route 66 KOA
Easy (but noisy) campspot for a long day of traveling
We are on a cross country road trip in our camper van, and we are finding KOA’s to be an easy way to drive long hours, and have a safe and reliable place to sleep at night. We make the reservations on the road, our site info is ready when we arrive after hours. The bathrooms at the KOA Holidays have been so nice, and clean. This particular KOA was very noisy. Trains passed close by all night, horns and all. Bugs were loud. We were also woken up by staff mowing the lawn and weed wacking before 8am. We were making coffee and breakfast on our table, when the mowers came right into our spot. Noise is probably less of an issue in an RV, but in a van with screens, or in a tent it will be a noisy night.
- MMaggie C.
LegendBerry Bend
Nice COE campground
Had booked for over a Thursday-Sun stopover when heading out west. Had site C14 which has a beautiful view of the water but no direct access due to the brush between the campground and lakeshore. Hosts are super friendly and accommodating. Had to extend my stay for a few days due to truck issues and it was no problem booking the same site. No issue with mosquitos, but some days the flies were prolific. Showers are just okay, no bench in the handicap stall. All of the washers were out of order and I was told that they were not going to be replaced.
Jeremy W.ScoutSparrowfoot
Nice quiet spot
This is a nice quiet campground. 10 minute drive into town, plenty of shops and things to do not far away. There aren't many things to do in the campground. The campground hosts regularly drive around to check on things and fix problems quickly.
Damien E.TravelerBuck Ridge — Harry S Truman State Park
Great State Park
Boat rentals, hiking and camping. Everything in one place.
Shawn B.
GuideRiverfront Campground and Canoe
Great site
Campground was very nice. good river access and pool area. the store is nice to get a coffee or a smoothie. atv rentals make getting around a breeze. canoe raft and kayak rentals.
- Bonnie S.Traveler
Cozy Corner RV Park
Camping
Great camp ground great owner cabins pool laundry room showers truman lake near.
- FForrest C.Traveler
Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
Good little spot
Was a nice little off the way spot with a couple camping spots on the lake. The grass/clover was super soft to walk in bare foot no stickers. Great spot for families. Not the worst for bugs but mosquitoes can’t be helped. Toilets could use a good cleaning but weren’t the worst I still used em. Some broken glass on the beach but over all was a good spot to camp
Guide to Stockton Lake
Camping near Stockton Lake, Missouri, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful scenery and plenty of campgrounds to choose from, it’s a perfect spot for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.
What to do:
- Fishing: Stockton Lake is known for its fishing opportunities. One camper at Damsite mentioned, "The views were great and we even had a private staircase right down to the water." This makes it easy to cast a line and enjoy a peaceful day by the lake.
- Swimming: Many campgrounds, like COE Pomme de Terre Lake Nemo Park, have swimming areas. A visitor shared, "Clean, well kept, campsites are semi-private but close to the water," making it a great spot for a refreshing dip.
- Hiking: Explore the trails around the lake. A reviewer at Pittsburg Park Campground noted, "Having a trailhead that close to your site is awesome," highlighting the convenience of accessing nature right from your campsite.
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Stockton State Park Campground said, "The cleanest restrooms I’ve seen," which is a big plus for many.
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A camper at Hawker Point Stockton Lake mentioned, "The sites are spacious and shaded," making it comfortable for families and groups.
- Friendly Staff: Good service can make a trip memorable. A guest at Cooks RV Motor Park said, "The hosts make this place amazing," which adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
What you should know:
- Train Noise: Some campgrounds, like Springfield - Route 66 KOA, are near train tracks. A reviewer noted, "You will hear a train horn on occasion," so if you're a light sleeper, consider bringing earplugs.
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Cedar Ridge Campground—Stockton Lake mentioned, "The campground has private boat ramp and parking away from public use," but noted that water and dump stations are separate.
- Mosquitoes: Depending on the season, bugs can be a nuisance. A camper at Pittsburg Area Campground mentioned, "The mosquitos are thick," so be sure to pack some bug spray.
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A family at Stockton State Park Campground enjoyed, "They have a small gated dog park and a huge open field," perfect for kids to run around.
- Plan for Rain: Be prepared for changing weather. A camper at Pittsburg Park Campground said, "Even though it rained, the scenery was wonderful," so bring waterproof gear just in case.
- Group Sites: If camping with a larger group, consider reserving sites close together. A visitor at Hawker Point Stockton Lake noted, "There is plenty of room and the trees make your site feel much more private," which is great for family gatherings.
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your reserved site. A reviewer at Missouri Damsite advised, "All sites have good picnic tables and fire rings," but noted that some sites can be tight for larger rigs.
- Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds, like Cedar Ridge Campground—Stockton Lake, don’t sell firewood. A camper mentioned, "Disappointed in that," so stock up before you arrive.
- Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at COE Pomme de Terre Lake Nemo Park highlighted, "Easy access to dump station," which is crucial for RV travelers.
Camping near Stockton Lake, Missouri, has something for everyone, whether you're fishing, swimming, or just enjoying the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available at Stockton Lake, Missouri?
What campgrounds are available at Stockton Lake, Missouri?
Stockton Lake offers several excellent camping options managed by the Corps of Engineers and other entities. COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point is a highly-rated campground with beautiful blue water views and convenient proximity to town for amenities. Cedar Ridge Campground—Stockton Lake is situated on a hill overlooking the lake and features a nice boat launch ramp with plenty of shade, making it ideal when lake levels are high. Other options include Crabtree Cove, Orleans Trail, and Ruark Bluff East, each offering various amenities and access points to the lake. These campgrounds typically provide a mix of tent and RV sites with varying levels of facilities.
Where is Chicken Rock located at Stockton Lake?
Where is Chicken Rock located at Stockton Lake?
Chicken Rock is a popular cliff jumping spot at Stockton Lake known for its beautiful blue water and scenic views. It's located near the cliffs along the shoreline of the lake, making it accessible by boat. While the exact coordinates aren't specified in reviews, Chicken Rock is a well-known landmark among regular visitors to the lake. Crabtree Cove campground provides relatively close access to this area of the lake. For safety, it's best to ask local campground hosts or marina staff for precise directions to Chicken Rock, especially if you're planning to visit for recreational activities.
Are there private campgrounds on Stockton Lake for RV camping?
Are there private campgrounds on Stockton Lake for RV camping?
Yes, there are private campgrounds that accommodate RV camping at Stockton Lake. Kimmys At Caplinger is a highly-rated private campground known for being clean, friendly, and offering various outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and swimming. It's just minutes away from Stockton Lake and provides good accommodations for RV campers. Another option in the broader region is The Happy Camper by THC LLC, which offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water, and toilets suitable for RVs. These private options typically provide more amenities than public campgrounds, making them attractive for RV campers seeking additional conveniences.
What amenities are available at Stockton Lake campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Stockton Lake campgrounds?
Amenities at Stockton Lake campgrounds vary by location. Crabtree Cove offers RV and tent sites arranged in sub-loops with some shade trees, though sites are fairly close together with limited privacy. During off-season (starting October 1st), camping may be free at this Corps of Engineers campground. Orleans Trail provides reservable sites with toilet facilities. Most campgrounds include basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and access to the lake. Some offer electrical hookups, boat ramps, and shower facilities. Water access varies by location, so it's advisable to check specific campground details before your visit, especially if you require full RV hookups or specific amenities.
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