🌤 Weather at Stockton State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–76 °F | 66–90 °F | 37–82 °F | 23–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Stockton Dam, 6 mi away, elevation 922 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Stockton State Park is a public state park in Missouri near Dadeville in Cedar County. Spanning 2,176 acres and established in 1969, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Missouri |
| Nearest City | Dadeville |
| County | Cedar |
| Park Size | 2,176 acres |
| Established | 1969 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Stockton State Park is located near Dadeville, Missouri. The park’s coordinates are 37.6058, -93.7458.
Things to Do
Missouri state parks protect an impressive variety of Ozark landscapes — spring-fed rivers with crystal-clear water, dramatic shut-ins (narrow volcanic rock gorges), extensive cave systems, forested bluffs along the Ozark Trail, and managed prairies. Activities include hiking some of the Midwest’s most scenic trails, swimming and floating in cold, clear Ozark springs and rivers, fishing for trout in spring-fed streams, camping in forested river valleys, caving on guided tours, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and exploring Civil War and frontier-era historic sites. Missouri’s springs — including Big Spring and Alley Spring — are among the largest and most beautiful in the country.
Best Time to Visit
Missouri parks are a three-season destination with winter hiking as abonus. Spring (March–May) brings dogwood and redbud blooms, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is peak season for floating, swimming, and camping — the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers are iconic summer float trips. Fall (September–November) delivers excellent Ozark foliage peaking mid-October, with comfortable hiking weather. Winter offers peaceful trail experiences and is ideal for cave tours (caves maintain 56°F year-round). All Missouri state parks are free — no entrance fees or vehicle passes required.
Visitor Tips
All Missouri state parks are free to visit — no entrance fees or vehicle permits required. Camping fees are modest and vary by facility. Reservations are made through mostateparks.com. Cave tours at parks like Onondaga Cave, Meramec Caverns, and Ozark Caverns require separate tickets and often sell out on weekends — reserve in advance. Float trip parks along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers get very busy on summer weekends. Cell service is limited in the Ozarks backcountry.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Stockton State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Missouri. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Missouri guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Stockton SP — on Stockton Lake (24,900 acres) — is Missouri’s premier sailing lake due to consistent winds. The park’s lake, forest, and coves support bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. Walleye (top walleye lake in MO), bass, and crappie provide excellent fishing.
Nearby Attractions
Stockton — adjacent. Bolivar — 20 miles east. Springfield — 50 miles southeast. Pomme de Terre SP — 20 miles northeast.
More parks nearby: Shepherd of the Hills State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Pomme de Terre State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Stockton State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 74 sites — 14 basic campsites and 60 electric campsites (50-amp options available). Basic sites in the West Campground; electric sites in both West and East Campgrounds. Five walk-in basic campsites (between 426 and 646 feet from their parking area). Modern restrooms, hot showers, laundry. Five sites accessible to people with disabilities. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 8 units: 1 log cabin and 7 camper cabins. Amenities include queen-size bed(s), full pull-out sleeper sofa or futon, full kitchen with dishwasher, heating and air conditioning, dining table, ceiling fan, compact refrigerator, microwave/toaster oven, exterior picnic table, pedestal grill, campfire grill, and parking for two vehicles and a boat trailer. Camper cabins have electricity, heating, and air conditioning but do NOT include water or restrooms (a modern central restroom/shower facility is within walking distance during camping season). Dogs allowed in limited cabins for an additional fee. Reservations via stocktonstateparkmarina.com or (417) 276-5329; open April through October. |
| Pets | No more than two dogs per campsite recommended; pets must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times. Portable fences and shock collars prohibited. Pets not allowed inside any building outside the Cabins for Canines program, or in public swimming areas. |
| Reservations | Reservable up to 12 months in advance online or by calling toll-free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). |
| Special sites | Dump station in the East Campground. Marina on-site with two boat ramps and more than 300 stalls, pontoon/fishing boat/kayak/canoe rentals, and a restaurant, via concessionaire (417) 276-5329. |
| Season notes | West and East Campgrounds open year-round; showers available April 1–October 31. |
Camping questions about Stockton State Park
Can you camp at Stockton State Park?
Yes. Stockton State Park has 74 campsites. 14 basic campsites and 60 electric campsites (50-amp options available). Basic sites in the West Campground; electric sites in both West and East Campgrounds. Five walk-in basic campsites (between 426 and 646 feet from their parking area). Modern restrooms, hot showers, laundry. Five sites accessible to people with disabilities.
How do you reserve a campsite at Stockton State Park?
Reservable up to 12 months in advance online or by calling toll-free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766).
Are there cabins at Stockton State Park?
8 units: 1 log cabin and 7 camper cabins. Amenities include queen-size bed(s), full pull-out sleeper sofa or futon, full kitchen with dishwasher, heating and air conditioning, dining table, ceiling fan, compact refrigerator, microwave/toaster oven, exterior picnic table, pedestal grill, campfire grill, and parking for two vehicles and a boat trailer. Camper cabins have electricity, heating, and air conditioning but do NOT include water or restrooms (a modern central restroom/shower facility is within walking distance during camping season). Dogs allowed in limited cabins for an additional fee. Reservations via stocktonstateparkmarina.com or (417) 276-5329; open April through October.
Are pets allowed at the Stockton State Park campground?
No more than two dogs per campsite recommended; pets must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times. Portable fences and shock collars prohibited. Pets not allowed inside any building outside the Cabins for Canines program, or in public swimming areas.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Stockton State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.
Are dogs allowed at Stockton State Park?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Stockton State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
