Orleans Trail Group Camp

**Introduction / Overview**

For Missouri families, organizations, or large groups seeking a dedicated, managed space to host a memorable retreat, reunion, or outdoor event, the **Orleans Trail Group Camp** on Stockton Lake offers an ideal solution. Part of the larger Orleans Trail recreation area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), this site is specifically tailored to accommodate larger parties, providing essential facilities and a level of privacy that individual sites cannot match. Situated on the scenic shoreline of Stockton Lake, a body of water famous throughout Missouri for its clear waters and excellent sailing, the Group Camp combines the natural beauty of the Ozarks with convenient, reliable amenities. Customers consistently note the park's high standard of upkeep, describing it as a "Very easy reservation online and while taken care of campground!" While one group noted minor challenges, such as the natural, rugged shoreline and the presence of wildlife, the general consensus is that it is a **shady, private place to camp** that works perfectly for its intended purpose. The availability of upgraded sanitation facilities makes this a comfortable choice for hosting groups of all ages.

**Location and Accessibility**

The Orleans Trail Group Camp is located on the eastern side of Stockton Lake in Cedar County, Missouri, near the town of Stockton. Its placement offers convenient access to the water and the surrounding natural and recreational areas.

The general address for the area is:

Unnamed Road, Stockton, MO 65785, USA

More detailed directions often involve taking State Highway 39 south from Stockton, turning onto R.B. Road, and following signs for the Orleans Trail recreation area. The Group Camp is a distinct, reservable area separate from the individual camping loops (like Loops A and B). Its proximity to the town of Stockton, including the Orleans Trail Resort and Marina, means that groups have quick access to essential services, supplies, and even a restaurant/grill. Accessibility is generally excellent via paved state roads. Although the campground itself features terrain that is noted as "fairly flat" in the main camping area, the natural shoreline along the lake is characterized by rocks and trees planted for fish cover, which, as one reviewer noted, might necessitate driving (bussing) children to the main **swimming beach** located elsewhere in the larger Orleans Trail Park area.

**Services Offered**

The Orleans Trail Group Camp is designed to be a functional hub for large gatherings, providing a specific set of services that support group needs far better than individual sites. The camp is generally available from mid-April through September.

• **Dedicated Group Capacity:** The facility includes a designated group area with **12 electric sites** (with 30 Amp hookups) primarily for the group's use.
• **Communal Shelter:** A large, covered **picnic shelter** is provided, offering a central gathering spot for dining, meetings, or activities shielded from the sun or rain.
• **Flushing Restrooms:** A highly appreciated amenity is the availability of **flushing toilets** ("The 2 flushing bathrooms were an appreciated upgrade"), ensuring modern, convenient sanitation for all group members.
• **Shower Access:** The Group Camp has access to a **shower house** within the larger Orleans Trail Campground area, a vital service for large groups on extended stays.
• **Dump Station:** Campers have access to the **dump station** located within the Orleans Trail Park for the disposal of gray and black water waste.
• **Site Furnishings:** Individual group camp sites typically include picnic tables and fire rings for communal campfires and cooking.
• **Reservations:** The group camp is **fully reservable** through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) system (Recreation.gov), which is required to secure the entire area for a group event.

**Features / Highlights**

The Group Camp’s highlights center on its ability to host large numbers comfortably and its ideal location for experiencing the unique recreational benefits of Stockton Lake.

• **Seclusion and Shaded Area:** Reviewers praise it as a "nice private place to camp" that is generally **shady**, offering a retreat-like atmosphere that promotes group focus and bonding.
• **Water Access and Fishing:** Despite the tricky shoreline for swimming due to trees (which serve a purpose by offering **excellent fish cover**—as noted, "my son caught some fish along the bank"), the lake itself is readily accessible for boaters and serious anglers.
• **Proximity to Swimming Beach:** While the immediate shoreline is not ideal for swimming, the Orleans Trail Park area includes a large, clean **swimming beach** just a short trip away, offering a safe, designated swimming area for groups.
• **Equestrian Trail Head:** The Orleans Trail area is the eastern terminus of the **15-mile Stockton Lake Equestrian Trail**, a unique feature for groups interested in horse camping and trail riding.
• **Access to Water Sports:** Stockton Lake is Missouri’s premier destination for **sailing** (hosting annual races) and offers superb conditions for general boating and fishing (walleye, bass, crappie).
• **Security and Management:** The fact that the campground is **"well taken care of"** reflects the high standards of the COE management, ensuring a safe, clean, and organized environment.
• **Convenience to Marina:** Groups can easily access the nearby Orleans Trail Marina for boat rentals, fuel, bait, tackle, and the convenience store/restaurant.

**Contact Information**

Due to the specialized nature of the Group Camp, Missouri groups must secure reservations well in advance. All administrative and operational inquiries should be directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) Stockton Lake Project Office.

Address:

Unnamed Road, Stockton, MO 65785, USA (Orleans Trail Recreation Area)

Phone (Stockton Lake Project Office - Recommended for Group Reservations):

(417) 276-3113

Mobile Phone:

+1 417-276-3113

**What is Worth Choosing**

The **Orleans Trail Group Camp** is the optimal choice for any Missouri group organizer seeking a **dedicated, specialized, and reliable venue** for a large-scale outdoor event on Stockton Lake.

The most valuable feature is the **dedicated infrastructure for large groups**: 12 electric sites, a huge covered shelter, and multiple modern flushing restrooms. This allows for a comfortable, organized, and weather-protected event, a crucial factor when managing up to 90 people. The fact that the terrain is **"fairly flat"** and the area is **"nice and private"** further enhances its suitability for communal activities.

While the immediate shoreline may be more suitable for fishing than swimming (a natural feature that benefits the lake's fish population), the easy access to the **main COE swimming beach** and the nearby marina ensures that all recreational needs are met. By choosing this camp, your group secures a clean, well-managed, and perfectly located base for enjoying the best of Stockton Lake's famous sailing, fishing, and Ozark trail systems. It provides the space and amenities needed to focus entirely on group bonding and making memories, rather than logistical hurdles.