This recreation area is part of [Smithville Lake][1]

[1]: http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&amp;recAreaId=275&amp;agencyCode=130

Camp Branch Campground

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.

good pricing, great location, awful website

We arrived late to the campsite, receives some help from a nice park ranger in the morning with a trust fall.

Great view, great park rangers

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.

Good quiet campground 

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!

Great Lake! Strict Policies..

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. 

Great Car Camping

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!


Beautiful 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 
