Best Campgrounds near Edgerton, MO
The northwest Missouri landscape surrounding Edgerton features a mix of established campgrounds and recreation areas, primarily centered around Smithville Lake and the Missouri River watershed. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access several well-rated options including Crow's Creek Campground and Weston Bend State Park, both maintaining ratings above 4 stars. Smithville Lake serves as a focal point for outdoor recreation with multiple camping areas along its shores, including Camp Branch Campground and Smiths Fork Recreation Area. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of hookups and amenities. Conservation areas and state parks provide the majority of camping opportunities, with a few private RV resorts supplementing options for those seeking full hookups.
Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained, though some conservation areas feature gravel roads that may become challenging after heavy rainfall. As one camper noted, "Getting to the state park off I-29 and through the countryside was easy as the route had Weston Bend SP signage." Cell service is generally reliable near Edgerton, with visitors reporting "solid two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile" at Weston Bend State Park. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers with potential for thunderstorms and moderate winters that occasionally limit camping seasons. Many campgrounds operate year-round, though Smiths Fork Recreation Area maintains a seasonal schedule from April 15 to October 15. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly.
Lakeside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with visitors highlighting water access and recreational opportunities. At Crow's Creek Campground, one camper shared, "The best part is the view of and access to the lake! We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake." Shaded sites are common throughout the region, with Wallace State Park earning praise for tent sites "separated by trees and bushes so you get plenty of room to yourself." Fishing opportunities abound at most locations, with multiple stocked lakes and river access points. Hiking and biking trails connect many campgrounds to broader recreation areas, with paved paths at some locations that are "nice for scooters and bikes." Bathroom facilities vary widely, from basic vault toilets at primitive sites to modern shower houses at developed campgrounds.
