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Map showing campground location near Smithville, Missouri
Camper submitted image from Camp Branch CampgroundView 28 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Smithville, Missouri

Camp Branch Campground

15 ReviewsAdd Review

Within the Smithville Recreation Area, Camp Branch Campground operates under Army Corps of Engineers management and stays open year-round for campers seeking lake access. The campground features multiple loops arranged near Smithville Lake, with many sites positioned close to the water for direct fishing and swimming access.

Campers consistently note the facility's cleanliness standards, particularly regarding the shower houses and restrooms. Charlotte B. observes that "during the camping season this campground has nice large shower houses and clean bathrooms." The grounds receive daily maintenance, and staff restock facilities regularly. Sites come with fire pits, grills, and picnic tables, though many offer only electrical hookups rather than full utilities.

The lake provides the main draw for most visitors, with a designated swimming beach included in camping fees. Paved roads throughout the campground work well for walking and biking, connecting to nearby trails. A camp store sells firewood and ice at the entrance gates. Rangers maintain visible presence and enforce day-use passes strictly, requiring permits to be displayed in vehicle windows at all times.

Site conditions vary significantly across loops, with some spots requiring extensive leveling blocks due to uneven terrain. The A loop offers direct lake views but limited shade coverage. Amanda M. notes that "tent sites are okay sized, and many are close to the water" but recommends bringing sun shelter since "not a lot of trees for shade." The campground's proximity to Smithville makes supply runs convenient, and campers can explore camping near Smithville for additional area options.

The facility works best for RV campers comfortable with electrical-only hookups and families prioritizing lake recreation over secluded wilderness camping.

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Location

Public Campground

Camp Branch Campground is located in Missouri

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.4104449 N
94.5222916 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 4/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/27/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 4/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/27/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • WiFi
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

15 Reviews

Numerous guests pointed out spacious sites and clean facilities in a family-friendly lakeside setting. Several visitors reported booking website issues requiring phone reservations, and mixed staff experiences were noted.

Rhonda D.
Reviewed Apr. 30, 2023

Well maintained / lake views

This is a very well Maintained and care for park with recreational activities, bathrooms and paved walking trails. Not rustic enough for me but very nice. We

Site322 loop D
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Rhonda D., April 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Rhonda D., April 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Rhonda D., April 30, 2023
  • (4) View All
Cindy K.
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2022

Beautiful lake views

Stayed on the A loop and had a beautiful view of the lake! Nice to be close to bathrooms and have a gorgeous view. Friendly staff, great price, and campsites have a fire pit with a grill, and a picnic table. We’ll be back!

SiteA32
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Cindy K., September 17, 2022
  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Cindy K., September 17, 2022
Amanda M.
Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

good pricing, great location, awful website

We booked a site along with a couple of family members and the website for this park is ancient. Couldn't get anything booked online because the website wouldn't cooperate, save yourself time and just call the campground once you've looked at the map and chosen where in general you want to camp at. 

Tent sites are okay sized, and many are close to the water. Not a lot of trees for shade, so bring a shelter for some relief from the sun. 

The camp store sells wood and everyone was extremely friendly. There's a swimming beach nearby that you will have to drive to but it is included in the stay! No alcohol is allowed at the beach.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Amanda M., September 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Amanda M., September 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Amanda M., September 14, 2020
  • (4) View All
N
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2020

Great Car Camping

We reserved 3 sites for a family camping trip. The camp hosts were very polite. We had a short walk to the lake for fishing, and the loop had a restroom. We were able to enter the swim beach without having to pay extra. -1 star because the website is awful.

  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Nikki S., June 29, 2020
Caitlin R.
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2019

Great Lake! Strict Policies..

We recently stayed 4 nights/5 days and enjoyed it. The lake is big with a sand beach (non alcoholic beverages allowed unfortunately for the adults) for the kiddos. We enjoyed all the covers on the lake so we could anchor out and swim! The shower houses and outhouses were probably some of the cleanest I’ve ever seen and fully restocked and cleaned daily. The grounds are close to town Incase you forgot anything. The rules are super strict when it comes to day passes, boat passes, and having your pass visible in a window. Also the rangers seemed persistent, almost stalker like. We were simply driving around checking out all the park has to offer and got stopped for no reason and asked what we were doing going loop to loop. Some other downfalls were our spot was 13” unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out. The grass wasn’t mowed. And it was only electrical hookup (which wasn’t a big deal since we were in hose length of the drinking water so we could refill our tanks). Despite the downfalls, we plan to be back!

  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Caitlin R., September 6, 2019
Savannah T.
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2019

Lovely!

the view is fantastic!!! The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site. only downside is it is only electric hookups. ( only a downside if you are a travel trailer/rv)

Walter V.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2019

Smithville Lake

Beautiful Lake with some great Campsites. Unfortunately a bunch of families were unhappy with the working staff at the campground, super rude.

M
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Nice place to camp on Smithville Lake

Nice level camping spots both all electric, water, and sewer and minimal utilities. Some sites close to water. Great fishing, hiking, and 18 hole golf course close by.

Jason C.
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2019

Good quiet campground

There are several loops here. If you want piece and quiet and lake access the basic sites are great. Otherwise the electric and quieter in middle week. Not open in off season which is to bad.

  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Jason C., July 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Jason C., July 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Camp Branch Campground by Jason C., July 29, 2019
  • (12) View All
Charlotte B.
Reviewed Nov. 11, 2018

Great place to camp.

During the camping season this campground has nice large shower houses and clean bathrooms. They sell ice and firewood at gates. Pleasant campground, very nice lake. I camp with kids from infant through 18 and hot showers and decent bathrooms are a must for us. Close to Smithville Missouri.

Robin R.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2018

Smaller less crowded

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.

Leland L.
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2016

Very fun campground

Always have fun and decent fishing staff are friendly and so are the park rangers can leave my phone in bathroom or shower house and go back to campsite and nobody takes it Ive actually had a person walking around and asking people if they left phone in bathroom til they find who it belongs to

Tori G.
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2016

Relaxing lakeside

Though we don't have a blast, we enjoy camping, fishing from the lakeshore or dock, and simply relaxing at the campsite. Most sites have some shade with plenty of grass at and among them. Great space for spreading out the lawn chairs, grill or smoker, and yard games. Paved roads are great for walking or bike-riding. There is a playground nearby and a lake swimming beach within only a couple minutes drive.

Showing results 1-15 of 15 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a beach at Camp Branch Campground on Smithville Lake?

Yes, Camp Branch Campground has a sand beach on Smithville Lake. Campers can access the swim beach without paying an additional fee when staying at the campground. The beach is family-friendly and allows non-alcoholic beverages. The lake itself is large with many coves where boaters can anchor and swim. It's a popular spot for families with children looking to cool off during their camping trip.

Where can I find a map of Camp Branch Campground at Smithville Lake?

Maps of Camp Branch Campground are available at the entrance gate where staff sell firewood and ice. When making reservations, you can request to see the campground layout with its various loops. The official Smithville Lake website provides maps, though the site is outdated and can be difficult to navigate. For a visual layout of the campground showing the A loop and other areas with lake views, it's best to call the campground directly or check with park rangers who are typically helpful with directions.

What camping options are available at Smithville Lake's Camp Branch?

Camp Branch Campground offers several camping options around its multiple loops. Sites include electric-only hookups, full hookups (water, electric, and sewer), and basic sites with minimal utilities. The campground features large, level sites with plenty of grass and some shade. Many sites offer lake views or lake access, particularly in the A loop. Each site comes equipped with a fire pit that includes a grill, plus a picnic table. The campground is closed during the off-season. For those seeking quiet, the basic sites with lake access are recommended, especially during midweek stays.

How do I make reservations for Camp Branch Campground?

To make reservations for Camp Branch Campground, it's recommended to call the campground directly rather than using their website, which is outdated and often uncooperative. Before calling, review the campground map to identify your preferred camping area. The phone reservation system is more reliable and allows you to speak with helpful staff who can answer questions about specific sites. Have alternative site preferences ready when you call, especially if booking during peak season.

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