Stockton State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Enjoy a water play day at Stockton State Park near Dadeville, Missouri. This park sits on a peninsula between the lake's Big and Little Sac arms. Gently rolling hills surround the lake, where southwest breezes almost constantly blow. The Army Corps of Engineers built Stockton Lake in 1970, and the park was opened shortly thereafter to allow public access to it. Nearby, in Springfield, MO, about 28 miles away, you can find many things to do, including touring the Fantastic Caverns, exploring history at the Pythian Castle and learning about marine life at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.
Spring 35-74 F
Summer 63-89 F
Fall 47-80 F
Winter 22-48 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Stockton State Park
There are two campgrounds at Stockton State Park, which are named East and West Campgrounds, based on their location. While the campgrounds are open year-round, the shower house and water are unavailable from November 1 to April 1. Campers can choose between primitive sites and electric-only sites. This state park also has two special-use campgrounds that can be reserved by organized groups that want to boondock together. The nearby marina offers basic supplies, in case you forgot to pack something.
What to Do at
Stockton State Park
Sailing is a popular activity at Stockton State Park. There is a marina where you can rent sailboats and take sailing lessons. You can also rent fishing boats and pontoons. Consider following the Stockton State Park Water Trail when on the water, but you can also hike along four trails. The grill is a fantastic place to get catfish, and they also offer a variety of sandwiches. There are many places to enjoy a picnic.
Fishing
Stockton Lake is a terrific place to go fishing for white bass, crappie, walleye, catfish and bluegill. Anglers regularly catch white crappie over 10 inches long on jigs and minnows. State officials stock this lake annually with walleye, and anglers often catch them on suspending jerk baits during the cooler months and minnows and nightcrawlers during the warmer months.
Nature Watching
Lucky visitors may see deer, but most will see rabbits and squirrels. Visitors often see various birds, including turkeys, doves, quails and waterfowl. Often, visitors spot bald eagles in the winter.
Flora and Fauna
You can see open grasslands, timbered areas, glades and old fields at Stockton State Park. In the spring and summer, you may see woodland spiderwort, Fremont's leather flower, little-flower Ozark witch hazel, coneflowers and Ohio horsemint blooming.
Hiking
There are four hiking trails at Stockton State Park. The Nyblad Trail is an excellent option to see lake views. You will love hiking past the blooming redbud and dogwood trees in the spring, while in the fall, the elm, hickory and oak trees often put on a colorful display. If you are hiking after recent rainfall, there are two small creeks to ford.
Swimming
Head to the park's north end to cool off at the gravel beach on a hot summer day. Bring along your favorite picnic foods to enjoy at the nearby picnic area.
Boating
There are two boat launches at Stockton State Park. One is at the marina, while the other is at Hartley Cove. Pontoons, bass and fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, WaveRunners and sailboats are available to rent at the marina. The marina has a large boat dock where you can tie up vessels during your stay. Sailing is especially popular at this state park because of the constant winds from the west.
How to Get to
Stockton State Park
It is easy to get to Stockton State Park from Stockton, MO. Start by heading south on MO-39. Turn left on MO-215. Continue until you reach the park.
Entering Stockton State Park
This park is open from sunrise to sunset. Park staff are available daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lincoln's Birthday and Presidents Day. The beach is only open during warmer months.
Stockton State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Stockton State Park
Summer is a terrific time to visit Stockton State Park because you can go swimming, boating, fishing and hiking.
The most common animals you might spot at the park include deer, rabbits and squirrels. You may also see waterfowl throughout the year and bald eagles in the winter.
There are two campgrounds with RV camping spots at Stockton State Park. In both campgrounds, primitive and sites with electrical hookups are available.
You can make camping reservations up to a year in advance at Stockton State Park, but they are not always necessary. Primitive sites start at $8 a night during the off-season, while electric sites start at $12 per night.
Well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome to explore Stockton State Park with you. They cannot enter some park buildings, so check before you enter them with your four-legged friend.