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Weekend at Stockton Lake

written by Amanda May 22, 2017

After a week in the city, we were in need of some nature. Maybe even the kind of nature that involves a water view and a nearly deserted campground? Fortunately, Missouri has no shortage of lakeside campgrounds. Our best option between Springfield and our next destination in Kansas was Stockton Lake. This massive man-made lake offers up 300 miles of shoreline and numerous camping options.

Following the advice of some family who lives nearby and frequently camps at Stockton, we headed to Hawker Point, a COE campground on the western shore. Before we left Springfield, there was some discussion about possible flooding (it had been raining a LOT) but the campground website didn’t have any alerts so we went for it. In retrospect, we probably should have called ahead to check on the campground status. But then again, if we had called, the news that most of the campground was underwater would have deterred us and we would have missed out on this amazing spot!

Hawker Point Campground

Lake view success!

Even after arriving at the campground we almost didn’t get this spot. When we pulled in the camp host greeted us and broke the news that most of the campground was underwater and there were only a few “tent sites” left. She tried to steer us to another campground on higher ground, but Tim asked if we could at least look at the tent sites. It was a good thing he did because it turns out that at this campground “tent sites” are really just regular size sites with no hook-ups. Yes, we’ll take one! This large pull through site was definitely more waterfront than normal, but it wasn’t flooded and we enjoyed two lovely days with this view.

Stockton Lake, Missouri

Judging by those trees in the water, our waterfront site is not supposed to be quite this waterfront

Sadly, the rest of the sites had not fared as well. After settling in and having a quick dinner we walked around to see what was left of the campground.

Stockton Lake, MO

This blocked off road used to go out to a point that contained 8 sites. They were all underwater.

Stockton Lake, MO

I don’t think anyone will be camping at site B7 anytime soon

Stockton Lake, MO

Things weren’t looking much better over in A loop

The next day we kayaked around the lake for a few hours starting on the campground shore. We actually kayaked right through the flooded campsites. Judging by the floating picnic tables and underwater electric poles, it’s going to be awhile before this campground is back to normal.

Stockton Lake, MO

Flooded sites, floating picnic tables & underwater electric poles

Despite the flooding, it was a gorgeous day out on the lake. We paddled a wide circle across to the other side, along the shore of Stockon State Park, under the bridge, and then back to our site.

Stockton Lake, MO

Perfect day to be out on the lake

Stockton Lake, MO

A moment of rest

Stockton Lake, MO

B-4 what?

Stockton Lake, MO

About to paddle under the bridge

Stockton Lake, MO

Home

It was a short stay, only two nights and then we moved onward to Kansas for a week with family. Despite the flooding, we’re very happy that we stopped here and got to spend some time both next to and in the water.

Stockton Lake, MO

A subtle sunset from our site

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Amanda

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Swinging Through Springfield, MO
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Family, Food & Furry Friends in Kansas

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10 comments

Metamorphosis Lisa May 22, 2017 - 11:44 am

You sure are making good use of those kayaks at some very lovely places!

Reply
Amanda May 25, 2017 - 11:05 am

We have gotten more use out of them than we ever thought possible!

Reply
Gerri & Mike May 22, 2017 - 5:26 pm

Wow! That was some serious flooding!! You guys did land a great site though! I bet you had the campground to yourselves!!
Nice to get your water fix in!!

Reply
Amanda May 25, 2017 - 11:05 am

There were four sites away from the water with RVs in them, but other than that it was just us and the lake.

Reply
Bud May 23, 2017 - 8:18 am

We escaped the flooded Bennett Spring State Park early this month. We were hosting there, and really weren’t sure we would be able to get through – the campground road was under eight feet of water, but between storms, the spring branch and the Niangua River receded a bit, and we were able to slide our fiver through and out of the park. Scary stuff.

Reply
Amanda May 25, 2017 - 11:07 am

That sounds terrifying! I’m really hoping everyone was out of the sites at this campground before the flooding began.

Reply
Jodee Gravel May 24, 2017 - 6:06 pm

Wow! That’s some serious flooding. Had to be just a little unnerving to be in the water with the electrical poles (which obviously were turned off – but still!). You definitely scored a beautiful site. It sure pays to check things out yourself :-) Gorgeous sunset.

Reply
Amanda May 25, 2017 - 11:08 am

I knew they were turned off, but still had a moment of worry when we glided past those power poles in our boats!

Reply
andrea May 28, 2020 - 9:27 pm

Do you remember which site you were at? My family is wanting to reserve a spot there later this summer and that site looks amazing!

Reply
Amanda June 8, 2020 - 9:21 am

I believe it was site B18 which is a non-electric site. Enjoy!

Reply

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days on the road

About The Watsons

About The Watsons

This is the story of Tim & Amanda. Since 2012, we have traveled the U.S. while living and working from our renovated 25-foot Airstream. Follow us on our crazy journey in search of beautiful scenery, fun adventures, interesting people, tasty foods, and more…

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