Weekend at Stockton Lake

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Perfect day to be out on the lake

A moment of rest

B-4 what?

About to paddle under the bridge

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.

A subtle sunset from our site