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Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping

10 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping runs from April 15 to October 15 and provides full hookups at every site, with both 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections. At around $30 per night, it draws RV campers from the Kansas City metro looking for a quick, well-equipped stop near Smithville Lake. Note that pets are not permitted.

Sites vary in spacing. Some are well-shaded with room between neighbors, while others sit closer together, which a few reviewers mention can feel congested during busy summer weekends. The campground sits within walking distance of the lake, and boat rentals are available with advance notice. A multi-use trail for walking and biking runs throughout the park, giving campers a way to get some mileage in without leaving the recreation area. Verizon users report solid cell service on-site.

Camp hosts receive consistent praise in reviews. "Always a clean, safe and organized campground," notes Haley C., who has visited multiple times and highlights that hosts have organized seasonal events for families. Cleanliness comes up repeatedly across reviews as a reliable positive. Nearby, Crow's Creek Campground and Camp Branch Campground give campers additional options along the same lake system for camping near Smithville Recreation Area.

Road access has occasionally been affected by closures during high water, so checking conditions before arrival is worthwhile, especially in spring.

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Map & DirectionsSmiths Fork Recreation Area Camping is located in Missouri near Smithville

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

39.39499584 N
94.55805961 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/1/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/1/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/1/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/1/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

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Reviews10 Camper Reviews - Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping

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4.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the full hookup sites with excellent facilities at great value, plus friendly hosts who enhance the family-friendly atmosphere. Some noted sites can be close together, but most found it clean and well-maintained.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Dec. 4, 2023

Nice little campground below the dam at Smithville Lake

We tried Smith Fork and liked it. The only downside is that some of the campsites are close together/congested, but that’s not necessarily a big negative. We have Verizon and service was good. Camp hosts were great!

SiteDon’t recall
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2023

Great campground!

Campground is great! Camp hosts Janet and Chris went above and beyond making Halloween perfect for our family. Been here several times and they are more than accommodating. Always a clean, safe and organized campground. Can’t wait until next year to see all of the events!

Reviewed Jul. 24, 2021

Crowded on weekends

I stayed a week here it was nice and quite..close to a lake. Shaded sites in some areas..redoing the campground..it was put in in the 7os..which is ok by me. Everything good here..

Site20
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2021

Closed.....

After going around for almost 1.5 hrs from Smithville due to all the road closures, we finally got to the lake but all the campsites were out of commission to include the visitor's center and the roads were closed. We had to turn back unfortunately.

Reviewed Dec. 27, 2020

Quick getaway

Close to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip.

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2020

Great little spot north of KC

These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake! Amazing sunsets!

You can rent a boat for a half day or full day with advanced notice! There is a really nice walking/riding trail that goes all through the park! This is a family favorite!

  • Review photo of Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping by Steven N., June 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping by Steven N., June 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping by Steven N., June 13, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2019

Nice and Quiet

My wife and I camped here two weeks ago and this place is pretty nice. The campground nice and clean with full hook ups at campsite, other campers were friendly, and the camp hosts were very nice and friendly.

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2019

It has it all

We don't stray very far from the KC Metro (50 mile radius).  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!

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2018

Perfect for families

This is full hook up. They have both 30 and 50 amp. Close to 169 hwy. Perfect for families with young children. Smaller park, very friendly hosts. Love this park have stayed 3 times so far this summer and hoping to once more.

Showing results 1-10 of 10 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about Smith Fork Campground?

Smith Fork Campground offers full hookup sites with both 30 and 50 amp electric service, water, and sewer at every campsite for $30 per day. The campground features shaded sites that are nicely spaced, clean facilities, and friendly camp hosts who organize special events like Halloween celebrations. It's particularly family-friendly with good proximity to Smithville Lake. Many visitors mention it's a great quick getaway option for those living in the Kansas City metro area, being within a 50-mile radius of the city.

Where is Smith Fork Campground located in Smithville, MO?

Smith Fork Campground is located right next to Smithville Lake in Missouri. It's a city-run park within close proximity to Highway 169, making it easily accessible for visitors. The campground is within a 50-mile radius of Kansas City, making it a popular destination for quick getaways from the metro area. The location offers lake access, walking/riding trails throughout the park, and boat rentals are available with advance notice.

Do I need tickets or reservations for Smith Fork Campground?

While specific reservation requirements aren't explicitly detailed, it's advisable to make reservations for Smith Fork Campground, particularly during peak seasons and weekends. The campground can experience road closures and site unavailability at times, so calling ahead is recommended. For boat rentals, advanced notice is definitely required. Contact the campground directly or visit the Smithville city website to check current availability and make reservations to secure your spot.

Are there photos available of Smith Fork Campground?

While specific photo galleries aren't mentioned, visitors to Smith Fork Campground would likely find images showing the shaded RV sites, the nearby lake views (particularly the amazing sunsets), the walking/riding trails throughout the park, and the overall campground layout. To see current photos, check the official Smithville city website or contact the campground directly, as they may have updated visual resources available for potential visitors.

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