Crabtree Cove A Loop

**🌅 Introduction / Overview: The Stockton Lake Gem**

For Missourians seeking an exceptional camping value paired with stunning lakeside scenery, **Crabtree Cove A Loop** on Stockton Lake stands out as a premier destination. Part of the larger Crabtree Cove Park managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), this campground is a beloved fixture in the scenic Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri. It offers the classic, well-maintained experience expected from a COE site, complete with paved roads, clean facilities, and direct access to one of the state's most popular recreational lakes.

Crabtree Cove is particularly known for its setting, nestled on the northern part of the lake near the dam, providing picturesque views and easy access to the water. The campground is praised by visitors for being “beautiful” and offering spectacular lakefront campsites. A major highlight, particularly appealing to local users and seasonal travelers, is the incredible value it provides, especially during the "shoulder season"—a time when the weather is still pleasant but crowds have thinned. This dedication to affordability and quality makes it a vital resource for the Missouri camping community.

The overall Crabtree Cove Park features a total of 59 campsites, encompassing both electric RV sites and non-electric tent-only sites, ensuring a fit for nearly every type of outdoor enthusiast. For those specifically looking at **A Loop**, this section offers a shady, established environment. As one camper noted, site A27, for example, is “a decent spot for water access and fully shaded,” highlighting the desirable features available in this specific loop.

**🗺️ Location and Accessibility: Right on Stockton Lake**

Crabtree Cove A Loop is situated within the broader Crabtree Cove Park area on the northeast side of the main body of Stockton Lake. This location places it conveniently between the towns of Bolivar and Stockton, making it easily reachable from various points in Southwest Missouri.

For navigation, visitors should note its position:

It is located just off **Highway 32**, approximately 3.5 miles east of the town of Stockton, Missouri. The entrance is marked by an access road that leads directly into the park area. The roads within the campground itself are paved, simplifying the drive for RVs and trailers, even those up to 50 feet in length.

While the specific address provided in public data is often a geographic code (M69V+2P, Stockton, MO 65785, USA), the more functional address for GPS and mapping the facility is often listed as **17630 E. CT-1, Stockton, MO 65785**. Its location near the Stockton Lake Dam offers both a great view and a strategic starting point for exploring the lake's 300 miles of shoreline. The proximity to Highway 32 ensures that restocking supplies in Stockton is a quick and simple trip.

**✨ Services Offered (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Standards)**

As a well-maintained Corps of Engineers campground, Crabtree Cove Park, which includes the A Loop, provides a robust set of services designed for both comfort and convenience.

• **Campsite Types:** A mix of sites, including **30 amp electric hookups** for RVs and designated **tent-only, non-electric** sites.
• **Sanitary Facilities:** Clean, modern **public bathrooms/showers** and **flush toilets** are available, a significant step up from many remote campgrounds. A **dump station** is also provided for RV waste.
• **Water Access:** Access to potable **water supply** points is available within the campground loops.
• **Site Amenities:** Each campsite, including those in A Loop, features a **fire pit/ring** and a **picnic table** for cooking and dining outdoors.
• **Recreation:** A **boat ramp with a courtesy dock** provides easy water access, along with a dedicated **fishing dock** for anglers.
• **Park Features:** The larger park includes **playground areas** for children and universally accessible sites and facilities.

**🌟 Features / Highlights (Why Locals Love Crabtree Cove)**

Crabtree Cove A Loop and the surrounding park offer several distinct advantages that attract campers from across Missouri and beyond.

• **Unbeatable Shoulder Season Rates:** The most highlighted feature is the deeply discounted price for campsites **WITH electric hookups** during the shoulder season (typically October 1st - November 30th and March 15th - April 15th). The rate drops significantly, making it an "absolute blessing" for those returning to Missouri for the holidays or seeking a value trip in the cooler months.
• **Direct Lakefront Experience:** Many sites, confirmed by reviews, offer **beautiful lakefront campsites** and spectacular views, especially for watching the famous Stockton Lake sailboats.
• **Excellent Shade and Water Access:** Customer feedback specifically notes that the A Loop offers **fully shaded** sites like A27, which also provides **decent water access**, a key feature for hot Missouri summers.
• **Crabtree Cove Trail:** The adjacent, family-friendly trail system offers nearly 3 miles of walking, jogging, and bike riding, including the scenic Quarry Loop along the water’s edge.
• **Boating and Fishing Hub:** Being on Stockton Lake, rated as one of the best inland lakes in America, the campground is a premier spot for **sailing, boating, and fishing** (walleye, bass, crappie, etc.).

**📞 Contact Information (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)**

For reservations, current pricing, and detailed availability for Crabtree Cove A Loop, campers should utilize the central booking and park office information.

**Address (Park Office):** 17630 E. CT-1, Stockton, MO 65785 (The general location for Crabtree Cove Park)

**Phone (Crabtree Cove Park Office):** (417) 276-6799

Reservations are typically made through the National Recreation Reservation Service via the Recreation.gov platform for all COE campgrounds. Calling the park office directly is best for specific questions about the A Loop, shoulder season status, and local conditions.

**👍 What is Worth Choosing Crabtree Cove A Loop**

For Missouri residents, choosing Crabtree Cove A Loop is a decision to prioritize **value, scenic beauty, and convenience** in one of the state’s best-loved outdoor recreation areas.

**It is worth choosing for the Budget-Conscious Camper:** The shoulder season discount is a **massive benefit**, allowing Missouri families to enjoy electric camping for a fraction of the regular price, a huge financial relief for extended stays or holiday visits. This commitment to affordability for locals is a major draw.

**It is worth choosing for the True Lake Enthusiast:** With its direct boat ramp, fishing dock, and many shaded, waterfront campsites, A Loop is designed for those whose vacation revolves around the water. From an early morning cast to an afternoon sail, the lake access is immediate and excellent.

**It is worth choosing for the Family:** The combination of paved roads (safer for walking and biking), a dedicated playground, and the option for a mix of fully shaded and easily accessible sites makes this a hassle-free choice for families with children. The proximity to the Crabtree Cove Trail also offers a safe, accessible outdoor activity for all ages.

Crabtree Cove A Loop is truly an asset to the Missouri camping scene, offering a dependable, beautiful, and highly affordable way to experience the spectacular nature of Stockton Lake.