Camping near Excelsior Springs, Missouri ranges from forested state parks to lake-adjacent campgrounds that serve as alternatives to glamping in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. The area sits at approximately 800 feet elevation within Missouri's western prairie-forest transition zone, with summer temperatures typically reaching the 90s between June and August. Fall camping season extends through October when nighttime temperatures drop into the 40s, requiring appropriate gear for overnight stays.
What to Do
Hiking on paved trails: Watkins Mill State Park Campground offers a well-maintained trail system circumnavigating the lake. "Beautifully layed out with paved access, trees spots and a nice lake. Clean facilities include plenty of stalls and sinks, separate showers and laundry. Well lit and accessible," notes Anita M. about the park experience.
Fishing and kayaking: Lake access at Smith's Fork Recreation Area Camping provides water recreation options. Lawrence W. shares that it's "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."
Basketball and volleyball: For families seeking structured recreation, AOK Campground & RV Park maintains multiple sports areas. Shannon G. mentions, "There was a pool, a playground, a sand volleyball area, and a basketball area. The shower house was very clean."
Historic site tours: Beyond upscale glamping accommodations near Excelsior Springs, campers can explore nineteenth-century history. Jason C. notes at Watkins Mill State Park, "There is a couple historic sites not far on the side of the lake, quick little drive."
What Campers Like
Spacious campsites: Crow's Creek Campground receives praise for its generous sites. Julie B. highlights, "We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake. We had lots of grassy space around us to set up and play yard games."
Shade coverage: Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. Weston Bend State Park Campground provides good shade at most sites. According to a recent visitor, "Campground is hilly, sites are level, gravel pads. Lots of space between sites. Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground. Majority of sites had shade."
Clean facilities: Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park maintains exceptional bathroom facilities. Fawn W. shares they are "the nicest campground bathrooms I've ever used - large, clean, and not communal, so you get a sink, toilet, and shower all to yourself."
Peaceful setting: During off-peak times, many sites offer tranquility. Robin R. notes about Camp Branch Campground, "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."
What You Should Know
Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Trailside RV Park, Kris M. reports, "Noise. Mostly from the highway, but also trains and air traffic. Situated between two neighborhoods, the highway, and an RV dealership. Did I mention noise?"
Seasonal facilities: Weston Bend State Park Campground undergoes periodic upgrades. A 2023 visitor observed, "As of early September 1/2 of the campground is closed for construction. I understand that some sites will be upgraded to full hookups."
Water levels and beach conditions: Lake access can vary. Jason C. notes about Watkins Mill State Park, "The swim beach has been closed because of excessive vegetation growth. The trail wraps the lake and connects to the edge of the campground."
Site leveling needs: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At AOK Campground, one visitor reported, "The sites appear mostly all level and gravel," while another camper at Crow's Creek mentioned their RV site required significant leveling blocks.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground accessibility: Camp Branch Campground offers play areas near camping loops. Nikki S. shares, "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."
Pet accommodations: Many campgrounds allow pets with restrictions. The Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA features dedicated pet areas: "Easy access to Interstate and pull through sites were long enough for our truck and 32' trailer without having to unhitch. Two good fenced dog parks."
Swimming options: Beaches provide alternatives to luxury glamping experiences around Excelsior Springs. Caitlin R. reports about Smith's Fork, "The lake is big with a sand beach for the kiddos. We enjoyed all the covers on the lake so we could anchor out and swim!"
Bike-friendly pathways: Paved trails make family cycling easier. Travis C. notes at Crow's Creek, "Trails and roads within the campsite are paved, so it's great for bikes and scooters. Grounds are well maintained and grassy areas feel fine to walk through and play in."
Tips from RVers
Hookup varieties: Full-service sites are limited but available. Don M. recommends Smith's Fork Recreation Area: "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!"
Campsite positioning: Site selection affects privacy and view quality. About Crow's Creek, Julie B. advises, "The full hookup sites don't have a view of the lake. This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide sanitary services. Roger W. confirms at Weston Bend, "Dump station across from dumpsters and recycling. Entrance gate closes at 9 pm."
Site dimensions: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. Roy T. at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA notes, "Easy access to Interstate and pull through sites were long enough for our truck and 32' trailer without having to unhitch."
