Stockton State Park, Missouri

Come away, fellow sailors! The sails are up, the lake is breezy, and the sun is shining. Stockton State Park is one of Missouri’s most-loved parks for those called out into the crisp, cool waters of this Midwest paradise. Here, on Stockton Lake, you can cruise, water ski, scuba dive, snorkel, fish, swim, or try a little bit of everything! You’ll want to stay here as long as possible, ASAP, so reserve a log cabin, duplex, or grassy campsite and make the hour-long drive north of Springfield for the greatest great outdoors escape you could ask for. Besides the 24,900 acres of water you’ll spend your days in and on, there’s tons of secluded beaches, picnicking spots, and shoreline to hike. Trample through the Ozark woodlands, mountain bike along the lake, search the trees for bald eagles, and take lots of lots of photos. And when the sun sets over the lake? This park will show you just how gorgeous it can be.