The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers planned, designed, constructed, and upon its completion in 1969 continues to manage Stockton Lake. Stockton Lake is situated between the natural ecological division of the Ozark Plateau and the prairie of western Missouri. Its waters are home to several species of fish including small and largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, walleye, catfish and sunfish to name a few. In addition to offering fishing, camping, and water sports recreation, Stockton Lake and Dam also provides hydroelectric power, as well as flood damage reduction, water supply storage, fish and wildlife management, downstream water quality improvement, and navigation flow supplementation.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the responsibility for managing approximately 61,000 acres of land and water at Stockton Lake. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) assists the Corps by managing 16,572 acres under a lease agreement. Land management practices used by the Corps of Engineers and MDC are engineered to preserve their natural value.

Stockton Lake provides flood protection for downstream areas and is part of a network of Corps of Engineer Lakes that help control flooding in the Missouri and Mississippi River basins.

Stockton Dam provides hydroelectric power that is marketed through the United States Department of Energy, Southwestern Power Administration. 

A portion of the lake storage is used to provide water to City Utilities of Springfield, MO, which, in turn supplies water to the community.

USACE Pass Information

USACE Annual Pass = $40. Pass holders receive free entrance to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-operated sites nationwide that charge day use fees. The pass may not be used at areas operated by other agencies even if those areas may be located on USACE-owned property. Camping fees are not included. Pass valid for one year. Valid through month and year shown on the pass. Sold only at USACE projects, please call ahead to ensure the office is open to the public.

Federal Interagency Pass Information

Approximately 240 USACE recreation projects nationwide began issuing America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Interagency Passes on Jan. 1, 2016. These include:

1) Interagency Senior Pass, $80, valid for lifetime of the pass owner and available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 or older. 

2) Interagency Senior Annual Pass $20, valid one year from month of purchase, available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 or older, the Senior Annual Pass can be upgraded to the Lifetime Senior Pass by exchanging four previously purchased Senior Annual Passes or paying the difference between the purchase of one to three Senior Annual Passes to equal the value of the Senior Lifetime Pass, $80. 

3) Access Pass, free for lifetime with documentation of permanent disability for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. *Documentation required.

4) Interagency Annual Pass, $80, anyone can purchase this pass.

5) Interagency Military Pass, free to current U.S. military members and their dependents. *Documentation required.

6)  Interagency Every Kid in a Park 4th Grade Pass, free to current 4th grade students with valid Every Kid in a Park voucher (visit: https://everykidoutdoors.gov/ for details).

7) Interagency Volunteer Pass, earned with 250-plus hours of volunteer service on public lands. 

8) Interagency Military Lifetime Pass, free to gold star families and veterans. *Documentation required. 

These passes allow their holders free access to boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE. Senior and Access America the Beautiful passes also provide holders a 50 percent discount on campsites at USACE-managed campgrounds. Additionally, USACE will continue to sell its own annual day use pass for $40, which allows visitors free access to boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE. 

All America the Beautiful passes can be purchased online at http://store.usgs.gov/. There is an additional $10 processing fee for online purchases. They can also be obtained in person at many locations which can be found at https://www.nps.gov/ Please call ahead to ensure the office is open to the public and to ensure pass availability.

Stockton Lake Map

Stockton Lake Interactive Hunting Map

Crabtree Cove Campground Map

Cedar Ridge Campground Map

Hawker Point Campground Map

Orleans Trail North Campground Map

Orleans Trail South Campground Map

Ruark Bluff East Campground Map

Ruark Bluff West Campground Map

Rutledge Bluff Overlook Trail

Stockton Lake Shoreline Management Plan

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the responsibility for managing approximately 61,000 acres of land and water at Stockton Lake. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) assists the Corps by managing 16,572 acres under a lease agreement. Land management practices used by the Corps of Engineers and MDC are engineered to preserve their natural value.

Fish Habitat Improvement 

With colder temperatures and ice forming on the lake, fishing is the last thing on most people’s mind, however this is the perfect time of year for installing and refreshing fish habitat on Stockton Lake. Generally the lake level is a few feet down and the boat traffic is at a minimum, which makes it safer and more accurate for installing structures.

In January of every year the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation install and refresh fish habitat structures on Stockton Lake.  If you’ve ever been on Stockton Lake and noticed small green signs on a tree next to the shoreline, this marks an area that a habitat structure has been installed. The structure is generally in about 10-20 feet of water depending on current lake elevations.

Usually, 5-10 trees are installed for new areas and 3-5 trees are used to refresh existing sites. The trees range in size from 15-25 foot tall with very brushy limbs. The Corps of Engineers cut approximately 150 trees this year and the Missouri Department of Conservation used their fish habitat “barge” from Table Rock Lake to place the trees in their respective areas. A map with the coordinates of the areas can be found at http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/places-fish/fish-attractors-map-0.

Tires = Trash

Most people don’t realize how much trash is generated at Stockton Lake. Most think putting garbage in the dumpster is doing their part to keep our parks clean. What many don’t realize however, is using an old tire for a boat mooring area is littering as well. Folks that own a boat and use it on Stockton Lake know the rocky shoreline. To combat scratches on their boat or personal watercraft many put an old tire on the shoreline to park their boat on. Upon leaving the lake the old tire is more often than not forgotten and left behind.

The photo above is just a small amount of used tires pulled from the Stockton Lake shoreline. Approximately 400 tires were removed out of the campground areas last year alone! As you may know tires take special care to dispose of properly. The tires are consolidated and disposed of properly taking tax payer dollars away from improving parks and put toward labor and disposal costs of tires.

Do your part and take that extra few minutes picking up everything that you have brought. This will help greatly in keeping our parks and natural resources clean. 

Stockton Lake Shoreline Management Plan

Stockton Lake has many boating opportunities. Whether sail boating, skiing, fishing, or riding a jet ski, there is sure to be a boat ramp near your favorite destination on the lake.

Before ever heading to the lake check your boating safety equipment, be sure to have a proper fitting Coast Guard approved life jacket for everyone on board. Check the forecasted weather, Stockton Lake is known to get very rough during unfavorable weather. It’s also a good idea to check the lake conditions. Be safe this season and remember, life jackets only work if you wear them!

Boat Ramps

Cedar Ridge North Boat Ramp

Cedar Ridge North Boat Ramp is located in the Cedar Ridge Campground. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. The boat ramp is ONLY available to campers during the April 16 through September 30 camping season, but is open for day-use during all other times of the year. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee from March 1 through November 30 to launch their boat from the ramp. Day-Use permits are available in the honor pay vault near the boat ramp with instructions. Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must be displayed.

Cedar Ridge South Boat Ramp

Cedar Ridge South Boat ramp is located near the Cedar Ridge Campground. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee from March 1 through November 30 to launch their boat from the ramp. Day-Use permits are available in the honor pay vault near the boat ramp with instructions. Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must be displayed.

Crabtree Cove Boat Ramp

Crabtree Cove Boat ramp is located in the Crabtree Cove Campground. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee from March 1 through November 30 to launch their boat from the ramp. Day-Use permits are available in the honor pay vault near the boat ramp with instructions. Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must be displayed.

Greenfield Boat Ramp

Greenfield Boat Ramp is located off CC highway northeast of Greenfield on the south side of the lake. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. There are no fees charged at this ramp.

Hawker Point Boat Ramp

Hawker Point Boat ramp is located in Hawker Point Campground. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee from March 1 through November 30 to launch their boat from the ramp. Day-Use permits are available in the honor pay vault near the boat ramp with instructions. Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must be displayed.

High Point Boat Ramp

High Point Boat Ramp is located southwest of the 123 and VV highway intersect South of Fair Play. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. There are no fees charged at this ramp.

Masters Boat Ramp

Masters Boat ramp is located southwest of 32 highway off RA road on the Little Sac arm of the lake. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee from March 1 through November 30 to launch their boat from the ramp. Day-Use permits are available in the honor pay vault near the boat ramp with instructions. Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must be displayed.

Mutton Creek North Boat Ramp

Mutton Creek North Boat Ramp is located off Y highway between the towns of Arcola and Bona.  The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. There are no fees charged at this ramp.

Orleans Trail Boat Ramp

Orleans Trail Boat Ramp is located near the end of Orleans Trail South Campground. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee from March 1 through November 30 to launch their boat from the ramp. Day-Use permits are available in the honor pay vault near the boat ramp with instructions. Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must be displayed.

Ruark Bluff Boat Ramp

Ruark Bluff Boat Ramp is located near the Ruark Bluff Campgrounds. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee from March 1 through November 30 to launch their boat from the ramp. Day-Use permits are available in the honor pay vault near the boat ramp with instructions. Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must be displayed.

Stockton Park Boat Ramp

Stockton Park Boat Ramp is located near the end of RB road in Stockton. The boat ramp offers a courtesy dock and restroom. Boaters must pay a $5.00 Day-Use fee from March 1 through November 30 to launch their boat from the ramp. Day-Use permits are available in the honor pay vault near the boat ramp with instructions. Annual Day-Use passes are honored and must be displayed.

Stockton Lake offers many opportunities for campers. Ten campgrounds are conveniently located around the lake. The Corps of Engineers maintains Cedar Ridge, Crabtree Cove, Hawker Point, Masters, Orleans Trail, Ruark Bluff East and Ruark Bluff West Campgrounds. User fees are charged for camping in all of the parks. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov . In addition to the Corps of Engineers maintained campground, Mutton Creek Marina, Orleans Trail Marina and Stockton State Park also offer camping opportunities on the lake.

Campgrounds

Camping Fees

• Basic Non-Electric - $14/night
• Prime Non-Electric - $16/night
• Basic 30 amp Electric - $18/night
• Prime 30 amp Electric - $20/night
• Basic 50 amp Electric - $22/night
• Prime 50 amp Electric - $24/night
• Shoulder Season Non-Electric - $10/night
• Shoulder Season Electric - $10/night
• Group Camping - $160-$200/night

Cedar Ridge

Located on the Little Sac River arm of the lake, Cedar Ridge is a prime destination for outdoor recreation. The park has 90 campsites and includes universally accessible sites, tent only sites, non-electric RV sites, 30 amp electric sites, and 50 amp electric sites. Facilities include: shower house, dump station, 2 boat ramps with courtesy docks, fishing dock, swimming beach, playground, and picnic areas. The regular fee season is 16 April thru 30 September; the shoulder season is 15 March thru 15 April and 1 October thru 30 November; camping is free the rest of the year.

Crabtree Cove

Located on the northeast side of the main body of the lake, Crabtree Cove offers a nice view of the dam and great access to fishing. The park has 59 campsites and includes universally accessible sites, tent only sites, non-electric RV sites, and 30 amp electric sites. Facilities include: shower house, dump station, boat ramp with courtesy dock, fishing dock, playground, and picnic areas. The regular fee season is 16 April thru 30 September; the shoulder season is 15 March thru 15 April and 1 October thru 30 November; camping is free the rest of the year.

Group Campgrounds

Stockton Lake offers 3 reservable group campgrounds around the lake:

• Orleans Trail Group Camp: located near the town of Stockton, is available 16 April through 30 September. Facilities include 12 electric sites, a picnic shelter, flush toilet and access to a shower house
• Mutton Creek Group Camp: located west of the 215 & Y Hwy intersection, is available 16 April through 30 September. Facilities include electric sites, a picnic shelter, flush toilet and access to a shower house. 
• Ruark Bluff West Group Camp: located inside the Ruark Bluff West Campground, is available 16 April through 30 September. Facilities include electric sites, a picnic shelter, flush toilet and access to a shower house. 

Hawker Point

Located on the Big Sac arm just south of the 215 bridge, Hawker Point offers great recreation opportunities. The park has 52 campsites and includes a universally accessible site, tent only sites, non-electric RV sites, and 30 amp electric sites. Facilities include: shower house, dump station, boat ramp with courtesy dock, playground, picnic areas, and horse trail head. The regular fee season is 16 April thru 30 September; the shoulder season is 15 March thru 15 April and 1 October thru 30 November; camping is free the rest of the year.

Orleans Trail

Located near the city of Stockton, Orleans Trail offers many recreation opportunities with the convenience of a nearby town. The park has 68 non-electric, 18 electric 50 amp service,  and a group camp with 30 amp electric sites. Facilities include: shower houses, dump station, boat ramp with courtesy dock, swimming beach, picnic areas and horse trail head. The regular fee season is 15 April thru 30 September; camping is free the rest of the year. All sites in "B" loop will be walk in only. No reservations will be allowed during the 2015 camping season for "B" loop.

Ruark Bluff East    

Located at the confluence of Sac River and Sons Creek, Ruark Bluff East is a very popular campground for campers and fisherman alike. The park has 90 campsites and includes universally accessible sites, tent only sites, non-electric RV sites, and 30 amp electric sites. Facilities include: shower houses, dump station, boat ramp with courtesy dock, fishing dock, swimming beach, playground, and picnic areas. The regular fee season is 16 April thru 30 September; the shoulder season is 15 March thru 15 April and 1 October thru 30 November; camping is free the rest of the year.

Ruark Bluff West

Located on the Sons Creek arm of the lake, Ruark Bluff West is one of the most popular campgrounds on the lake. The park has 74 campsites and includes universally accessible sites, tent only sites, non-electric RV sites, 30 amp electric sites, and a group camp with 30 amp electric sites. Facilities include: shower houses, dump station, boat ramp with courtesy dock, fishing dock, swimming beach, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The regular fee season is 16 April thru 30 September; the park is closed the rest of the year.

Fishing at Stockton Lake

Hunting at Stockton Lake

Stockton Lake has many picnic shelters around the lake. Most of our day use areas have picnic shelters and there are three large reservable shelters to accommodate big groups. Contact the Stockton Lake Project Office at 417-276-3113 to make reservations.

Reservable Picnic Shelters

Cedar Gap Shelter

Cedar Gap Shelter is available year round from 6:00am to 10:00pm daily. The shelter may be reserved for $35.00 daily. The shelter has electricity and water and offers a beautiful view of the lake, ten picnic tables, a large grill for cooking, a vault toilet and ample parking. The shelter is located next to the Project Office by the dam.

Ruark Bluff Shelter

Ruark Bluff Shelter is available from April 16 to September 30th from 6:00am to 10:00pm daily. The shelter may be reserved for $35.00 daily. The shelter has picnic tables and a large grill for cooking. The shelter offers a great setting and easy access to vault toilets, beach, basket ball court, volley ball net, playground, boat ramp, fishing dock, and ample parking. The shelter is located at the Ruark Bluff day use area.

Stockton Day Use Shelter

Stockton Day Use Shelter is available from April 16 to September 30th from 6:00am to 10:00pm daily. The shelter may be reserved for $30.00 Monday through Thursday or $35 Friday through Sunday. The shelter offers a peaceful setting and has electricity and water and offers eight picnic tables, a large grill for cooking, a flush toilet and ample parking. The shelter is located in Stockton Park at the end of RB road in Stockton.

The Corp of Engineers offers five designated safe swimming areas on the lake; Stockton Beach, Orleans Trail Beach, Ruark Bluff Beach, Cedar Ridge Beach, and Masters Beach. The beaches offer a safe swimming area, picnic areas, vault toilets, and ample parking. In addition to these amenities, Stockton Beach, and Ruark Bluff Beach have playgrounds, and Ruark Bluff Beach also has a volley ball area and basket ball court. 

Beach Rules

In addition to the federal rules and regulations governing public use of Corps of Engineers projects, the following applies to the beach areas:

• No Alcohol at the Beach
• No Glass at the Beach
• No Pets at the Beach

Please be safe and remember to be courteous to others and help ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience at the lake.

Day Use Fees

Honor vaults with envelopes and instructions are located at the entrance of every beach. During the fee season of May 15 thru September 15, the day use fee is $1.00 per person or $5.00 maximum charge per vehicle load. Children 15 and under are free. Annual Day Use Passes are also accepted. Please remember to display your day use pass from your rear view mirror.

Volunteer?

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Hour of Operation

The Project Office is open to the public Monday - Friday from 7:30am - 4:00pm.

Recreation.gov

America the Beautiful Passes

Stockton State Park

Missouri Department of Conservation

Kansas City District Dam Safety Program

Kansas City District Water Management

Kansas City District Water Quality Program