Camping options near De Kalb, Missouri vary by season with summer high temperatures typically reaching the upper 80s and winter lows dropping below freezing. The area sits at approximately 850 feet elevation with several camping options distributed around nearby lakes and forested zones. Most campgrounds remain accessible from April through October with limited winter camping available at select locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Campgrounds around Smithville Lake offer multiple fishing spots for various skill levels. Camp Branch Campground provides lake access with "both basic sites up against the lake and the rest are electric. Basic sites are large and some of the electric are also. The majority are pull through sites. Everything is fairly level and they have nice park, picnic areas and boat ramp" according to Jason C.
Bike trail access: Weston Bend State Park Campground features paved trails suitable for all ability levels. One visitor noted, "Weston Bend State Park has an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail! We greatly enjoyed our visit and can't wait to go again!" Many sites allow direct access to these trails for convenient morning rides.
Historical exploration: Watkins Mill State Park Campground provides camping near historical sites. One camper shared, "Great place to make memories" while another noted "If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool." The historical sites are accessible via a short drive from the camping areas.
What campers like
Private tent options: For campers seeking more seclusion, tent sites at AOK Campground & RV Park offer more privacy than RV areas. As Brenda L. described, "They have a few tent sites that looked very nice. Site A was really tucked into the back and had lots of vegetation and privacy."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain clean bathrooms and showers. At Weston Bend, visitors consistently mentioned facility quality with one stating, "Very clean showers. Clean and nice." Another visitor noted about AOK Campground, "Very, very clean bathrooms and laundry. Hosts present and helpful."
Site spacing: Smith's Fork Recreation Area provides campsites with good separation compared to other options. A camper reported, "Lots of space between sites. Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground. Majority of sites had shade."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Train noise affects several campgrounds in the region. At Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA, one camper reported, "Trains passed by really loudly all night long - it finally stopped at about 5am." Similarly, at AOK Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The only reason it isn't getting 5 stars is the proximity to the freeway, you can hear it very clearly (jake brakes and all) continuously."
Seasonal closures: Water access may be limited during colder months. A Camp Branch visitor explained, "We stayed in October and due to unseasonably cold weather they shut off water with no notice and halfway through our stay. Ended up leaving early since we had no water and also no sewer at site."
Site leveling issues: Crow's Creek Campground and other campgrounds may have uneven sites requiring preparation. One camper noted, "Our spot was 13" unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. Smith's Fork Recreation Area provides family-friendly amenities with one visitor noting it's "Perfect for families with young children. Smaller park, very friendly hosts."
Swimming options: Campers with children should check beach status before visiting. At Crow's Creek, a visitor mentioned, "The lake is big with a sand beach (non alcoholic beverages allowed unfortunately for the adults) for the kiddos." However, another noted, "The swim beach has been closed because of excessive vegetation growth."
Safety considerations: Big Lake State Park Campground provides well-lit campground areas. One camper noted difficulty cooking after dark: "The only thing I wish is added on is some lights because my lights weren't illuminating as well as I thought it would and we were cooking in the dark."
Tips for RVers
Hookup variations: Full hookups aren't available at all sites. At Smith's Fork Recreation Area, campers appreciate that "This is full hook up. They have both 30 and 50 amp. Close to 169 hwy."
Pull-through sites: Several campgrounds offer convenient pull-through sites for easier setup. At AOK Campground, one visitor mentioned, "We had a pull through and it was perfect for overnight. Full hook up and shade."
Dump station logistics: Plan for potential Sunday congestion at dump stations. At Big Lake State Park, a camper explained, "All roads are narrow one way with the dumpstation at the back end of park with trash dumpsters there. So on a sunday you will get stuck in the dumpstation line to drop off your trash even if you don't need to dump."
