Stockton State Park is a perfect venue for hosting large family gatherings and special outings. Two large open picnic shelters that accommodate up to 100 guests can be reserved at a rate of $35 per day. The north shelter, which overlooks the lake, is a reproduction of the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration work done in the 1930s. The north shelter includes electrical outlets, picnic tables, an outdoor grill and access to restroom facilities. The south shelter located in close proximity to the marina boat launch, features children?s playground equipment as well as picnic tables, an outdoor grill and access to restroom facilities. If not reserved, the shelters are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are also three main picnic areas located off of Highway 215 as you enter the park that are open to all visitors during park hours. These areas are equipped with outdoor grills, picnic tables and have a children?s playground facility located nearby.

There are also playground facilities located in the vicinities of the south shelter and the west loop campground.

From Springfield : Stockton State Park is approximately one hour from Springfield. Travel north on Hwy. 13 to Bolivar where you will turn west onto Hwy. 32. At the square in Stockton, turn south onto Hwy. 39 and travel about four and one-half miles to Hwy. 215. Turn left at this intersection onto Hwy. 215 and travel east/southeast crossing Stockton Lake on the "mile-long" bridge. Hwy. 215 runs through the state park.

From Joplin : Stockton State Park is approximately one and one-half hours from Joplin. Travel north on U.S. Hwy. 71 to Lamar; then take Hwy. 160 east to Greenfield. Turn left/north onto Hwy. 39 and continue for about 20 miles to Hwy. 215. Turn right at this intersection onto Hwy. 215 and travel east/southeast crossing Stockton Lake on the "mile-long" bridge. Hwy. 215 runs through the state park.

From Kansas CityStockton State Park is approximately two to two and one-half hours from Kansas City. Travel south on U.S. Hwy. 71 to Nevada; then take U.S. Hwy. 54 to El Dorado Springs. Turn south onto Hwy. 32 and travel to Stockton. At the four-way stop in Stockton, turn south onto Hwy. 39 and travel about four miles to Hwy. 215. Turn left at this intersection onto Hwy. 215 and travel east/southeast crossing Stockton Lake on the "mile-long" bridge. Hwy. 215 runs through the state park.