Stockton State Park Campground #1

Introduction / Overview: Your Perfect Lakeside Retreat in Southwest Missouri

For Missouri residents seeking a pristine and activity-filled camping destination, Stockton State Park Campground #1 offers an outstanding experience on the peninsula between the Big and Little Sac arms of the beautiful Stockton Lake. Managed by Missouri State Parks, this campground is celebrated throughout the region for its commitment to cleanliness and its remarkable access to one of the state's most popular bodies of water. Surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Ozarks' Springfield Plateau, the park provides a refreshing blend of wooded forests and open prairie views, creating a serene backdrop for your next outdoor adventure.

Visitors consistently rate the facilities highly, with numerous reviews highlighting the amazingly clean restrooms and showers—a feature that elevates the comfort level for all campers, especially those traveling without their own on-board plumbing. Whether you arrive in a fully-equipped RV or a simple tent, Campground #1 is designed to ensure a smooth, worry-free stay, from its reliable online reservation system to its clearly marked, accessible sites. This Missouri State Park truly caters to the local user, serving as the ultimate gateway to the clear waters, consistent breezes, and diverse recreational opportunities of Stockton Lake.

Location and Accessibility

Stockton State Park Campground is ideally situated in Southwest Missouri, placing it conveniently near the city of Stockton, known as the Black Walnut Capital of the World. The park occupies a distinct peninsula on the lake, offering unparalleled water access and views.

Address: State Hwy J, Stockton, MO 65785, USA

The campground’s strategic location off State Highway J ensures straightforward accessibility for all types of vehicles. The park is a popular choice for those coming from Springfield and other regional hubs in Missouri.

Accessibility Highlights:

• Easy Navigation: The park roads are easy to navigate, accommodating RVs of various sizes, with many sites offering electric hookups.
• Clear Reservation System: The Missouri State Parks online reservation system is reliable, providing campers with confirmation and clearly marked reserved signs upon arrival, ensuring a smooth check-in process.
• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open and reservable year-round, although certain services like running water and showers are typically available only during the on-season (April through October).

Services Offered

Stockton State Park is dedicated to providing a comfortable stay by maintaining essential and well-regarded amenities. The two main camping loops—East and West Campgrounds—offer a variety of site types to suit different needs.

• Campsite Hookups: The park offers a mix of electric-only sites (30-amp and 50-amp options) and basic non-electric sites for both RVs and tents. Note that there are no individual water or sewer connections at the sites.
• Sanitary Facilities: The campground is famous for its exceptionally clean, modern restrooms and hot showers located in the comfort stations. While occasional seasonal wildlife encounters (such as spiders or ticks) are a natural part of being outdoors, the facilities themselves are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness.
• Water Access: Potable water spigots are conveniently spaced throughout the campground during the on-season. During the off-season (November to March), potable water is still available from a spigot near the park office.
• Waste Disposal: A centrally located dump station is available for RV and trailer use.
• Additional Facilities: The campground offers a laundry facility in the East Campground area, a great convenience for longer stays. Firewood is available for purchase at the nearby marina store.
• Reservation Policy: Same-day reservations are available up until 7 p.m. on the day of arrival, and reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance online or by phone (877-ICampMo).

Features / Highlights

Stockton State Park’s greatest features revolve around its superb location on Stockton Lake, a reservoir famed throughout the Midwest for its clear water and consistent breezes.

• Sailing Mecca: Stockton Lake is widely regarded as one of the best sailing lakes in the Lower Midwest. The open topography and reliable southwest breezes make it a favorite for Missouri's sailing community.
• Full-Service Marina Access: A short trip from the campground is the Stockton State Park Marina, offering pontoon, fishing boat, kayak, and canoe rentals, as well as boat slips, a fully stocked store for supplies, and a cafe/restaurant.
• Outstanding Fishing: Anglers will find excellent opportunities for catching bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, and bluegill in the lake's clear waters. There are no motor restrictions on the lake, and two concrete boat ramps are available in the park (at the marina and Hartley Cove).
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts over 17 miles of trails, including the scenic Lakeview Trail and designated mountain biking trails, which is a notable feature among Missouri State Parks.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Campground #1 includes a nearby playground, ensuring younger visitors have their own space for fun, and the park also features two large, reservable picnic shelters.
• Swimming Beach: A gravel beach area at the north end of the park provides a designated spot for swimming and cooling off during the summer months.

Contact Information

For booking, inquiries, or information on current lake and park conditions, please use the provided contact details.

Address: State Hwy J, Stockton, MO 65785, USA

Park Office Phone: (417) 276-5329

Reservations (Missouri State Parks): 877-ICampMo (877-422-6766)

What is Worth Choosing: Cleanliness and the Best Sailing in Missouri

For Missouri residents, Stockton State Park Campground #1 represents the pinnacle of clean, organized, and activity-rich state park camping. What sets it apart is the rare and highly sought-after combination of pristine facilities and top-tier water recreation. The consistently praised sparkling cleanliness of the modern comfort stations removes a major friction point from the traditional camping experience, allowing tent campers and RV users alike to truly relax and enjoy nature without worry.

Beyond comfort, the campground provides direct, free-of-charge access to Stockton Lake, making it an unrivaled destination for boating and sailing enthusiasts due to the lake's ideal conditions. This is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is a full-service outdoor hub. Choosing Stockton State Park is choosing a reliable, beautiful, and action-packed getaway, complete with scenic trails, abundant fish, and the best facilities a Missouri State Park has to offer.