Camping options near Greenwood, Missouri concentrate along several lakes and reservoirs within a 30-mile radius of the town. The region sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation with warm, humid summers and cold winters that limit many campgrounds to seasonal operation from April through October. Rainfall averages 42 inches annually, creating lush surroundings but occasional campsite drainage issues during spring and early summer storms.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Jacomo: Lake Jacomo in Fleming Park offers multiple fishing spots with both shoreline access and boat rentals. "We were able to reserve a spot on short notice. Our spot- 24 - was perfect. Nice afternoon shade. Very level. Plenty of room to spread out," notes a visitor at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Historic site visits: Within a short drive of most campgrounds, Fort Osage National Historic Landmark and Missouri Town provide educational opportunities. "Rainy weather for the most part but did take time to go to the Fort Osage National Historic Landmark and Missouri Town which is part of the Jackson County Parks & Rec. Nice way to spend a rainy kind of day," reports a camper who stayed at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Hiking trail access: Several camping areas connect directly to trail systems for day hikes. "The hiking trails were overgrown and no longer accessible," notes one camper at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, suggesting checking trail conditions before planning extensive hiking trips.
What campers like
Large, well-spaced sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at certain campgrounds. "The sites were well situated such that you felt you had plenty of privacy," notes a visitor to Blue Springs Lake Campground, while another mentions that sites at Jackson County Fleming Park Jacomo Campground are "large sites" that provide good separation between campers.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower facilities receive positive comments at most campgrounds. "The bathhouse was newer and in good condition, and there's a laundry in one of the restroom buildings," reports a visitor to Blue Springs Lake Campground. At another location, a camper noted: "Bathrooms were incredibly clean and the camp hosts or some of the nicest ones I've ever encountered!"
Campground security: Several campgrounds implement security measures for safety. "We felt very safe here since they require an access code to get into the gate," notes a camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground. This feature is particularly valuable for those traveling with valuable equipment.
What you should know
Site drainage issues: Some campsites experience water problems during rainy periods. "It was on ok place to put up a tent. But a lot of rain runoff on tent sites," cautions a visitor to Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park. Another notes: "Several of the sites are at the bottom of a hill which get water logged when it rains. Call ahead and make sure you aren't in one of those sites."
Road noise levels: Proximity to highways and roads affects some campgrounds. "Not a great spot for tent camping. Ton of road noise and most grassy areas are sloped," reports a camper at Lake Jacomo. Those sensitive to noise should request sites farther from main roads when possible.
Water accessibility: While lakes are nearby, direct water access varies significantly between campgrounds. "You can't see the lake from the campground," notes a visitor to Peculiar Park Place. At other locations like Lake Jacomo, campers report being "beautiful overlooking the lake."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: For families with children, certain sites offer better access to play areas. "Many prime locations near the playground for our kids," notes a visitor to Blue Springs Lake Campground. Request these sites when making reservations as they tend to book quickly during summer months.
Swimming options: Pool availability varies by campground and season. At Lake Paradise Resort, "The pool is renovated and very nice. It is very large, zero entry, up to mostly around 5 ft deep with a small area that was 9ft; there is a children's area with a sprinkler." Most pools typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Wildlife opportunities: The lakes and wooded areas provide nature observation chances. "Kids found tons of frogs and snails to play with," reports a family who stayed at Lake Paradise Resort. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: RV campers should prepare for variable site conditions. "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," advises an RVer at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Site selection for larger rigs: Those with larger RVs should request specific sites. "We proceeded to back-in site 29 with FHUs. The road area was wide, so we had no issues backing into the site," notes an RV camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground. At Campus RV Park, "Both RV Life Trip Wizard navigation and GPS took us to Campground Rd where there were signs to the camping area."
Utilities placement: The location of hookups varies between campgrounds and can affect setup. "The utilities were located mid-to-rear on the site, and we had no trouble reaching them," notes an RVer at Blue Springs Lake Campground. This information helps when preparing connection hoses and cables.
