Camping spots near Riverside, Missouri range from urban-adjacent sites with full hookups to more secluded areas along the Missouri River and nearby lakes. Many campgrounds operate in spring through fall seasons, though several remain open year-round, including Weston Bend State Park and Smith's Fork Recreation Area. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures that can drop below freezing from November through March, with occasional snow.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Crow's Creek Campground offers direct access to Smithville Lake for paddlers. "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," notes one reviewer who enjoyed the lake access.
Historic exploration: Watkins Mill State Park Campground combines camping with history lessons. A visitor shared, "If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool." The park features paved walking trails connecting historic sites.
Family cycling routes: Several campgrounds feature paved bike paths suitable for all ages. "The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site," commented one Smithville Lake camper. Most popular routes circle the lakes, offering relatively flat terrain ideal for casual rides.
What campers like
Maintenance standards: Cleanliness consistently ranks high in camper reviews for many sites. At Blue Springs Lake Campground, one visitor noted, "The entire place was spotless, the sites were far apart enough that you didn't feel like your neighbors were on top of you. Bathrooms were incredibly clean."
Airport proximity: For travelers needing quick airport access, Basswood Country RV Resort sits under flight paths. "The campground is on the final approach for the airport, so you get to see a lot planes flying overhead, which you don't even notice cause they are quieter than they used to be," mentioned one reviewer who found this unique feature appealing.
Affordable full hookups: Campers looking for budget-friendly full hookups appreciate certain parks. "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!" reported one frequent local camper.
What you should know
Limited privacy at urban sites: Campgrounds closer to Kansas City typically trade natural screening for convenience. At Campus RV Park, a camper noted, "The campsite itself wasn't private but was kept up descent. Should consider putting a fence up."
Evening noise variations: Train sounds affect some camping experiences. "Trains nearby can be load with their horns," mentioned one Campus RV Park visitor. At most lake sites, evening sounds consist primarily of wildlife and occasional weekend gatherings.
Winter water shutoffs: Late-season campers should verify utility availability. One October visitor reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming access, though facilities vary significantly. At Worlds of Fun Village, "The camp ground pool is huge and fun for the kids on non park days. The campground is all paved and perfect for scooters and bikes for the kids."
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas when traveling with children. One camper at Blue Springs Lake noted, "The sites were well kept up, with many prime locations near the playground for our kids."
Weekend activities: Some parks organize regular family events. "Every weekend there are organized activities such as arts and crafts, fishing contests, duck races and frozen t-shirt contests in the pool, and a Saturday evening outdoor movie," reported a grandparent who visits regularly with grandchildren.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RVers report uneven sites throughout the region. "The site slopes to the passenger side and downhill toward the road, so we used a few levelers. Many sites here are sloped. The premium cement pads seemed to be more level than gravel sites," noted one RV camper at Blue Springs Lake.
Dump station positioning: When exiting with larger rigs, positioning matters. A helpful RVer advised, "As you exit the park, if you have a big rig, you'll want to stay to the left side of the dump station for a wider right turn out of the park."
Water fill strategies: At parks without full hookups, experienced campers use alternate methods. "This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank," shared one camper who prioritized lake views over full hookups at Crow's Creek.
