Swimming
Stockton Lake offers 5 Corps-managed beaches and 1 beach managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Corps-managed beaches are located at Stockton, Orleans Trail, Ruark Bluff, Cedar Ridge, and Masters. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has a beach located in the Stockton State Park. Floating buoy lines surround the designated swimming areas. Boats are prohibited from entering the beach areas by buoys and signs. Day use fees are charged for use of all Corps-managed swimming beaches from 1 May thru 15 September. The day use fee is $1 per person with a maximum of $4 per vehicle. There is no charge for children 12 years of age or younger. Visitors also have the option of purchasing an Annual Day Use Permit. Cost of the permit is $30 for the calendar year.
The Annual Day Use Pass allows unlimited use of Corps of Engineers day-use facilities nationwide.
Reminders:
- Lifeguards are not provided so exhibit good judgment by not swimming alone.
- Do not leave children unattended.
- Alcohol, Pets, and Glass Containers are not permitted at beach areas.
- Park Rangers and local law enforcement agencies routinely patrol day-use areas.