Stockdale
4.3022 reviews4800 Stockdale Park Road
Stockdale
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season campsite fees for standard electric sites are $24 per night.
About this campground
Nestled along the tranquil shores of Tuttle Creek Lake, Stockdale Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for water enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, where days begin with sunrise reflections on the water and end with the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring scenic trails, or simply watching herons fish in the shallows, Stockdale delivers the peaceful retreat you've been seeking.
Stockdale Campground offers a limited range of camping options, including standard electric RV sites and group camping areas.
Historical SignificanceWhile Stockdale Campground's story may be unwritten in history books, every visitor becomes part of its ongoing narrative. This pristine corner of Kansas invites you to create your own legacy of outdoor memories, from family traditions born around the campfire to personal discoveries made along quiet morning walks.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Kansas seasons at Stockdale, where warm summer days invite endless hours of lake activities and cool evening breezes provide perfect campfire conditions. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of golden grasses, while winter brings a serene stillness broken only by migrating waterfowl. Spring awakens the campground with wildflower blooms and renewed energy, making every season a unique adventure waiting to unfold.
ElevationPerched at the perfect vantage point above Tuttle Creek Lake, Stockdale Campground offers sweeping views across the water and surrounding Flint Hills. The gentle rise and fall of the terrain creates natural privacy between campsites while ensuring everyone enjoys their own slice of the panoramic Kansas sky.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the dramatic beauty of the Flint Hills, where ancient limestone cliffs stand sentinel over winding waterways and tallgrass prairies stretch to the horizon. At Stockdale, nature reveals itself in layers: weathered rock outcroppings tell stories millions of years old, while steep hillsides cascade down to meet the sparkling waters of Tuttle Creek Lake. This stunning convergence of prairie, stone, and water creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.
Geological RegionSet within the legendary Flint Hills of northeast Kansas, Stockdale Campground showcases one of North America's last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems. These ancient hills, sculpted by time and topped with resilient limestone, create a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth. The distinctive flat-topped ridges and deep valleys carved by countless streams offer both dramatic vistas and intimate natural sanctuaries, making this geological wonderland a photographer's paradise and nature lover's dream.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited. A user with a service dog reported numerous loose dogs in the campground, stating, 'It's not an ADA-friendly park.'
Sites SizeUser reviews highlight spacious camping spots, with one noting 'The new site pads are so large & wide!'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by campsite. Site #2 is noted for being away from others but lacks shade. A reviewer states, 'This site is away from the others, with a little more privacy.'
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 2 offers privacy but lacks shade; Site 8 is praised for its proximity to water and peaceful surroundings.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest Campsites 1, 2, and 8 are highly rated for views, privacy, and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limit unspecified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCompact draw with spacious lakefront campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts April 15th, 2025, and closes September 30th, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit details about walk-up availability provided.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival. $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations (from midnight 1 calendar day before check-in).
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Stockdale Campground offers a variety of recreational activities supported by both the campground and the broader Tuttle Creek Lake area. These include wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, and hiking, as well as access to nearby swimming beaches and picnic areas.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include trails within the Tuttle Creek Lake Recreation Area, such as the Blue River Trail in Outlet Park. However, no specific trails are mentioned as originating directly from Stockdale Campground.Fishing
Fishing at Tuttle Creek Lake includes species such as crappie and channel catfish. A user review highlights the lack of a fish cleaning station, stating, 'There wasn’t a fish cleaning station, and someone dumped fish into the dumpster.'Swimming
Swimming beaches are available in nearby parks within the Tuttle Creek Lake Recreation Area, making Stockdale convenient for family trips.Biking
Miles of biking trails are available within the Tuttle Creek Lake Recreation Area. However, no specific trails are mentioned in relation to Stockdale Campground.Boating
Boating is a popular activity at Tuttle Creek Lake. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are available for rental in the state park, and the proximity of Stockdale Campground makes it convenient for boaters.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing includes opportunities to see bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and wild turkeys. One user notes, 'Lots of wildlife,' during their stay.Beach activities
Beach-related activities are available at nearby parks, but not directly within Stockdale Campground.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports include kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, facilitated by rentals available in the state park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed, with restrictions for buying firewood locally.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsSome reviews mention loose dogs disrupting campers and their service animals. Flooding in previous years has left some areas damaged.
Active alertsNo specific alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services location not specified in source materials. Marked as null.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15th, 2025 - September 30th, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is available on trash and recycling facilities, though one review mentions issues with fish being dumped into the dumpster, causing rancid smells over a weekend.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Tuttle Creek Lake with easy access to the shoreline and nearby boat ramps.
Common complaintsComplaints include loose dogs, lack of fish cleaning stations, and debris from prior flooding obstructing campsites.
HostCamp host located next to the shower building on the hill above the campground.
Campground Map
4800 Stockdale Park Road
Driving directionsFrom the intersection of US-24 and K-13 at the west end of the dam, travel west on US-24.Tuttle Creek Blvd for 5 miles. Turn right on Riley County Road 895 and continue for 2 miles. Turn right again on Riley County Road 396/Stockdale Park Road and continue 2.5 miles to the main campground.
Access is primarily through paved routes with clear navigation. However, some reviews mention GPS inaccuracies and recommend taking the longer route to avoid gravel roads.Nearby places
MANHATTAN (null miles, null travel time).
Nearby supplies
Supplies location not specified in source materials. Marked as null.
Camper Reviews
4.3
22 reviews
Stockdale is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Stockdale Campground highlight its small size, peaceful environment, closeness to water, and friendly staff as major positives. However, accessibility issues and occasional disturbances such as loose dogs are noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the campground's quiet atmosphere and spacious sites. One stated, 'The campground was clean, and the park ranger was very friendly.' Another mentioned the 'beautiful view...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include loose dogs disrupting service animals and accessibility issues. A user stated, 'Loose dogs everywhere. It’s not an ADA-friendly park.' Another review cited rancid smells from fish...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Several users recommend using alternate routes to avoid gravel roads, as one noted, 'Don't follow GPS; take the long way around.' Others emphasized enjoying the wildlife and peaceful surroundings.
Based on 22 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Weather-related feedback suggests the campground is more enjoyable during summer and early fall but less accessible due to flooding during certain seasons. A user stated, 'Appreciate all the work put...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Always love Stockdale, very quiet and restful.' 2. 'The new site pads are so large & wide!' 3. 'Loose dogs everywhere. Not an ADA-friendly park.'
Based on 22 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews mention that Site #2 offers privacy but lacks shade. Site #8 is noted for its proximity to water and a cove usually out of the wind.
Based on 22 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is noted as a concern, particularly for those with mobility challenges or service animals. A review states, 'It’s not an ADA-friendly park.'
Based on 22 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related reviews highlight issues with loose dogs in the campground. One user stated, 'Loose dogs rush at me and my service dog daily.'
Based on 22 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025