Weston Bend State Park Campground offers a mix of basic and electric sites within 30 minutes of Edwardsville, Kansas. The campground contains about 40 campsites scattered through wooded terrain at elevations around 850 feet. Most sites feature asphalt pads with electric hookups, while sites #3 and #26 are designated as non-electric. The park maintains moderate to high occupancy during summer months when temperatures regularly reach the 90s, making advance reservations advisable.
What to do
Biking trails at Watkins Mill State Park: Watkins Mill State Park Campground features a paved trail system ideal for cycling. "This is a beautiful place close to town and wonder hiking trails," notes a visitor. The trail wraps around the lake and connects directly to the campground for easy access.
Fishing opportunities at Crow's Creek: At Crow's Creek Campground, lake access is readily available for anglers. "We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake," explains one camper. The grounds are well maintained with grassy areas suitable for equipment setup.
Historical exploration: Visit the historic Watkins Mill within the state park to learn about 19th-century textile manufacturing. A visitor mentioned, "If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool." The guided tours run regularly during operating hours and provide context for the region's industrial heritage.
What campers like
Spacious sites at Smith's Fork: Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping provides full hookup sites with more separation than typical campgrounds. "This is full hook up. They have both 30 and 50 amp. Perfect for families with young children. Smaller park, very friendly hosts," wrote a visitor. The recreation area maintains sites with electric, water, and sewer at every campsite for $30 per day.
Lake views: Many campsites at Hillsdale State Park offer direct water access. "It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. The sites and facilities are well kept and clean," explains a reviewer. The electric/water sites near the lake are described as particularly cozy compared to the full-hookup sites which lack tree coverage.
Shower facilities: The shower buildings at Weston Bend receive consistent praise for cleanliness. "These are the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think Mabye ever," reported one camper. Another noted, "Clean and nice" when describing the shower facilities, which include separate stalls rather than communal setups.
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: The Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA experiences significant rail traffic. "There was a train passing through, and the person I spoke to offered to throw in a pair of ear plugs and a night mask... the trains were one right behind the other… ALL NIGHT LONG," reported one tent camper. Trains pass approximately every 20-30 minutes at high volume levels.
Seasonal water shutoffs: Crow's Creek Park occasionally shuts off water earlier than expected in fall months. "We stayed in October and due to unseasonably cold weather they shut off water with no notice and halfway through our stay," noted a visitor who had to leave early because of the lack of water and sewer access.
Reservation requirements: During peak season, most campgrounds near Edwardsville fill completely on weekends. Sites at Watkins Mill State Park become particularly scarce between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with the most desirable lakeside spots booking up to six months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Crow's Creek offers recreation areas designed for children. "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," notes a visitor. The paved trails within the campsite are particularly suitable for younger riders.
Less crowded options: For quieter family camping, consider Camp Branch Campground. "We have started staying here last couple of years. Nice big spots with electric only. It is quite a ways to shower house but much quieter than other campgrounds on Smithville lake. More family friendly," reports a regular visitor. The distance from facilities trades convenience for reduced noise.
Swimming areas: Smith's Fork has water access points suitable for supervised children. As one visitor noted, "It is a great place to make memories." Many sites include shade for protection during hot summer days when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, prepare for potentially uneven terrain. "The only draw back to this site is that you are close to your neighbors," mentions one RVer. Some sites require significant leveling blocks, with one camper noting a 13-inch differential that required multiple wood blocks.
Full hookup availability: Smith's Fork Recreation Area offers the most complete hookups in the region. "Of everywhere Smith's Fork is the only one (so far) that offers Electric (30 & 50 amp), Water (2) and Sewer at every campsite. At just $30 per day it is a steal!" notes a frequent visitor. This makes it particularly valuable for longer stays where tank capacity becomes an issue.
Pull-through accessibility: Weston Bend has limited pull-through sites, with only 1 or 2 available. Most sites require backing in, though the campground does accommodate large rigs in designated areas. A visitor noted the campground is "hilly, sites are level, gravel pads" with sufficient space between sites.
