Garden City, Missouri camping areas extend across diverse terrain surrounding Harry S Truman Reservoir, with elevations ranging from 700 to 900 feet. The region experiences humid continental climate patterns with hot summers reaching 90°F and cold winters dropping below freezing. Most camping areas remain accessible from April through October, with peak season bringing higher visitor numbers to waterfront sites.
What to do
Kayaking at Lake Jacomo: Launch from designated areas at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park and explore the secluded coves. "This campground is in close proximity to the lake, trails, and many other outdoorsy diversions!" wrote one visitor who found the location ideal for water activities.
Archery practice: The bow range at Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park offers elevated platforms for bow hunters to practice from simulated tree-stand heights. "It also has a great bow range for siting in and practicing with your bow. You can even climb towers to practice shooting from 'tree-stand' elevations," notes a regular visitor.
Fishing at Truman Reservoir: Anglers find success at COE Harry S Truman Reservoir Long Shoal Park, especially during spring and fall seasons. "Site 47 right on the water great for kayaking and swimming. Water in the lake is high this time of year but fun is still to be had via fishing," reports a camper who appreciated the easy lake access.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: The shower facilities at Lake Jacomo have individual units rather than communal spaces. "The bathrooms 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," stated one camper who appreciated the privacy.
Yurt camping options: Cedar Hill Amphitheater provides yurt camping near Garden City, Missouri with round structures that accommodate up to six people. The park maintains 300 sites total, with several dedicated to yurt accommodations for visitors seeking alternative shelter options.
Spacious waterfront sites: The lake views at Sparrowfoot consistently receive positive feedback. "Nice COE campground. Sites were spacious with 50 Amp hook ups. Some sites had been receantly redone, new grass, rock pads and elec pedestals," noted a visitor who appreciated the renovated facilities.
What you should know
Off-peak availability: Reservations become much easier during weekdays and non-holiday periods. "Stayed here here for one night in early September during our trip to Wyoming. Paid $10 with interagency senior discount. Stayed in the B Loop. We were one of 5 campers here," reported one Sparrowfoot visitor during a quieter period.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between providers and locations. "Poor Verizon coverage, TMobile a little better," noted a camper at Long Shoal Park, while another mentioned having "excellent T-Mobile 5G service" at a different location within the same park.
Rainfall impacts: Spring weather can create challenging conditions at some sites. "Hard to give an accurate account for our stay due to it raining basically the entire time. When it wasn't raining the sites were nice and spacious and relatively level," shared a visitor at Long Shoal who experienced typical regional spring conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Knob Noster State Park Campground offers well-maintained equipment for children. "Knob Noster State Park is a great park for the grandkids to ride their new bikes on the level smooth campground road in safety," wrote a camper who visited with multiple generations.
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report raccoon activity, requiring proper food storage. "Raccoon have taken over the park. And the state workers have done nothing. I had my 2025 subaru crosstrek there and they put scratches all over my car," warned one visitor who had a negative encounter.
Swimming options: Some lakefront sites offer direct water access. "Loop B also has the playground which is right behind site B47. It's a newer playground and all equipment was nicely maintained. There are no swings," noted a family who appreciated the recreation options at Sparrowfoot campground.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA have varied spacing. "Easy access to Interstate and pull through sites were long enough for our truck and 32' trailer without having to unhitch. Only negatives were our hookups were literally in the next site next to their table," reported an RV camper who found the proximity to neighbors challenging.
Electric options: Most campgrounds offer 30-50 amp service with varying availability. "The only service is electrical. A dump is provided, along with trash bins at the entrance. Potable water facets are scattered around," noted a Long Shoal Park visitor who found the amenities adequate for their needs.
Seasonal site variations: Sites with shade can be critically important during summer. "Flat level gravel site with plenty of space to spread out with an amazing view of Truman Lake and Long Shoal Marina. Lakeside site with view of the open sky," wrote a camper who appreciated both the exposure and lake access.
