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Ruark Bluff East Campground is a shady campground located on Stockton Lake in the scenic Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri. The lake and surrounding landscape offer countless recreational opportunities along its nearly 300 miles of shoreline, providing visitors with many ways to explore one of the most sought-after natural areas in the state.
Boating is always a popular pastime at the lake. Sail boating is especially popular and the lake hosts several races each year. The facility provides a boat ramp for easy access to the water.
The waters of Stockton Lake are home to several species of fish including small and largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, walleye, catfish and sunfish, making it an ideal area for anglers.
Several trails wind around the lake shore and through the landscape. The Stockton Lake Equestrian Trail continues approximately 15 miles between Hawker Point and Orleans Trail Campgrounds.
Ruark Bluff East offers 91 campsites, two shower houses, a dump station, an accessible fishing dock and picnic area. Families also enjoy using the facility's swimming beach and playground.
A boat ramp and beach are conveniently located just outside the entrance to Ruark Bluff East and West parks.
The land surrounding the lake contains hundreds of acres of native prairie grasses, rolling hills and thick forests that turn crimson in autumn. An abundance of wildlife lives both in and around the water, including wild turkey, great blue heron, deer and bald eagles. Visitors can learn about the lake's bald eagles by attending an annual eagle-watching event during the winter.
Several full service marinas are located around the lake, offering groceries, gas, tackle and more.
There is a $10 cancellation fee for all reservations. A $10 fee is also applied when changing reservation dates. If you would like to modify your reservation during the original dates, you can do so for no additional fee.
From Greenfield, Missouri, take State Highway H. north for 6.4 miles and turn right onto the park access road. Follow signs into the park area.
Campsite reservations may be made online at recreation.gov or over the phone at 1-877-444-6777 by credit or debit card. Cash and card are accepted at the park attendant booth for walk-in reservations.
Campsites near the lake are good, but finding a good spot to pitch your tent can be a challenge. Much of the flat area is concrete and impossible to drive any tent stakes into. Other facilities we're adequate.
We camped here on mother's day weekend on the power side it's newly updated. I'd personally warn anyone that a lot of people who park here party pretty loud and a lil late. It didn't bother us tho.
A lot of memories have been made here. I've been a lot of places across the US, and I always look forward to coming back to Ruark Bluff.
