Orleans Trail Campground A Loop

🌲 **Introduction / Overview: Experience the Natural Beauty of Stockton Lake**

For residents across the Missouri region, the name Stockton Lake is synonymous with exceptional clear water and outstanding recreational opportunities. Nestled on the lake’s shoreline, the **Orleans Trail Campground A Loop**—part of the larger Orleans Trail Campground complex managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)—offers a premier, peaceful basecamp for enjoying this natural jewel. This is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s an immersive, authentic outdoor experience in the scenic Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri.

The A Loop at Orleans Trail is specifically known for being one of the campground’s several distinct areas, each offering a slightly different flavor of the camping experience, though all are united by the proximity to the lake. The campground is consistently praised for being a well-maintained facility, with local customers describing it as a "Nice clean campground" and simply "amazing." These high marks reflect the commitment to providing an enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing environment for all visitors. The USACE management ensures that the focus remains on the conservation of the natural landscape while providing critical amenities and easy access to the water.

Orleans Trail Campground as a whole is extensive, offering 118 campsites across its loops, and A Loop itself is typically a desirable area that provides essential electric services, making it a comfortable choice for campers who want the beauty of nature without sacrificing convenience. Whether you are an angler looking for a quick launch point, a family eager for a swim, or simply a Missourian seeking a peaceful retreat, Orleans Trail A Loop provides a beautiful, reliable, and highly rated option on the shores of Stockton Lake.

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🗺️ **Location and Accessibility: Lakeside Convenience in Stockton, MO**

Orleans Trail Campground is located near the city of Stockton, Missouri, offering convenient access to local services while maintaining a tranquil, lake-front setting. The physical address for the overall complex is simply listed as **Stockton, MO 65785, USA**, on the eastern side of the lake. The USACE Stockton Lake Project Office, which manages the facility, can be found nearby.

The campground’s accessibility is a key draw. It is positioned near State Highway 39, allowing for reasonably easy travel from major metropolitan areas like Springfield or Joplin. Clear signage directs visitors along RB Road East and Blake Street South to reach the site. This accessibility is vital for local users planning a quick weekend escape.

The true highlight of the location is the direct access to Stockton Lake. The entire Orleans Trail complex is located right on the water, featuring its own **boat ramp with a courtesy dock** and a **swimming beach**. This close proximity means less time spent traveling and more time enjoying the state's famous clear waters. For campers in A Loop, being able to walk a short distance to the water’s edge or the public beach is a major advantage, making it a prime location for all forms of water recreation. The area is also noted for its shady, wooded setting, which provides a welcome respite from the hot Missouri summer sun.

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amenity **Services Offered**

As a well-maintained USACE campground, Orleans Trail offers a strong range of essential services and facilities that ensure a comfortable stay for both short-term and extended visits. While specific amenities can vary slightly between loops (A, B, C, D), the following services are generally provided or accessible within the immediate Orleans Trail area:

LI **Electric Campsites:** A Loop typically features sites equipped with electric service, which includes 30-amp and potentially some 50-amp hookups, accommodating various RV sizes.

LI **Non-Electric Campsites:** Primitive sites are also available within the overall complex for those who prefer tent camping or a more traditional experience, although A Loop often focuses on electric access.

LI **Sanitary Dump Stations:** Two central dump stations are available within the Orleans Trail Park complex, offering convenience for RV and trailer owners.

LI **Shower Houses and Flush Toilets:** The park provides up to three shower houses with hot and cold running water and flush toilets, enhancing comfort for all campers (these facilities are typically winterized and closed during the off-season).

LI **Potable Water Access:** Sites have access to fresh, potable drinking water sources.

LI **Picnic Tables and Fire Rings:** Each individual campsite is generally equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring or grill grate for cooking and campfires.

LI **Reservations:** Reservations are available through the government's official platform, Recreation.gov, allowing local users to secure their spot, especially during the busy summer season.

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✨ **Features / Highlights**

Orleans Trail Campground, and specifically its A Loop, offers several appealing features that make it a favorite destination for Missouri outdoor enthusiasts:

LI **Designated Swimming Beach:** A clean, sandy swimming beach is a major highlight, providing a safe and enjoyable place for families and visitors to cool off in the clear waters of Stockton Lake.

LI **Direct Lake Access:** The presence of a dedicated **boat ramp with a courtesy dock** means boaters and anglers have immediate, hassle-free access to the lake for fishing (known for bass, crappie, walleye) and sailing.

LI **Wooded and Shady Sites:** The campground is characterized by its heavily tree-covered setting, offering ample natural shade—a key factor for comfort during hot summer days.

LI **Equestrian Trail Access:** The campground serves as a starting or ending point for the **Stockton Lake Equestrian Trail**, an approximate 15-mile trail system, making it unique for campers with horses (with dedicated staging areas available in the south portion).

LI **Clean and Well-Maintained:** Customer feedback consistently emphasizes the facility's cleanliness, which is a testament to the high standards of the USACE management.

LI **Proximity to Orleans Trail Marina:** The campground is located near the privately operated Orleans Trail Marina, which offers additional conveniences such as boat rentals, bait and tackle, and a restaurant, enhancing the overall vacation experience.

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☎️ **Contact Information**

For reservations and detailed information about the Orleans Trail Campground A Loop, local Missouri residents should use the following official contact points:

Address:

Stockton, MO 65785, USA (on Stockton Lake)

USACE Project Office Phone (for general inquiries):

417-276-6948 or 417-276-3113 (Stockton Project Office)

Reservations:

Sites must typically be reserved through the official federal platform, Recreation.gov.

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👍 **What is Worth Choosing: The Best of Stockton Lake Recreation**

The Orleans Trail Campground A Loop is worth choosing for Missouri users because it represents the **ideal marriage of rugged Ozark beauty and essential modern convenience**, all backed by the reliable management of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

First and foremost, the **direct, comprehensive access to Stockton Lake** is the compelling factor. Few campgrounds offer a combination of electric-ready campsites, a boat ramp, and a designated swimming beach within the same facility. This makes Orleans Trail a one-stop destination for a complete lake vacation—you can dock your boat, take a refreshing swim, and then retire to a comfortable campsite all in one area.

Furthermore, the positive customer reviews highlighting the "clean" and "amazing" nature of the campground provide strong assurance of a quality experience. The sites in A Loop are generally spacious and shady, providing a much-needed retreat during the warm months. Whether you are coming to fish for the day, set sail, ride the equestrian trail, or simply relax with a fire under the stars, Orleans Trail A Loop provides a beautiful, reliable, and convenient setting. For those who value clean facilities, easy lake access, and a well-managed public park environment, this Corps of Engineers facility remains a top-tier choice among the many excellent campgrounds on Stockton Lake.