Knob Noster State Park Campground serves as a hidden gem for glamping in Higginsville, Missouri, located 30 miles from town and featuring concrete pads for accommodation options ranging from tents to cabins. The park maintains year-round operations with reliable bathhouse facilities. During summer months, raccoon activity increases substantially in the campground area, requiring proper food storage precautions for visitors seeking upscale outdoor stays.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Buteo: Knob Noster State Park Campground offers fishing opportunities at both Lake Buteo and Clearfork Lake. "Clearfork Lake was great for fishing for us!" reports Kelsie L., who also noted the availability of kayak rentals for water recreation.
Kayaking on multiple lakes: Watkins Mill State Park Campground features a small lake perfect for paddling adventures. "Great place to fish.kayak. Bike ride," states Will E., highlighting the multi-activity appeal of this waterfront destination.
Biking on paved trails: Crow's Creek Campground provides excellent biking infrastructure with paved pathways throughout the property. "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," mentions Brittnie T., describing the family-friendly layout.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park receives high marks for its bathroom amenities. "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," explains Fawn W.
Level, concrete camping pads: Knob Noster State Park Campground provides well-maintained sites with solid foundations. "Well maintained campground with nice, level concrete pads. Sites are spacious," notes Maggie C., who appreciated the campground's structural quality.
Easy access from highways: Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA serves travelers with convenient highway proximity. "Easy access to Interstate and pull through sites were long enough for our truck and 32' trailer without having to unhitch," shares Roy T., highlighting the campground's accessibility for overnight stays.
What you should know
Seasonal water shutoffs: Crow's Creek Campground may turn off water during cold weather. "We stayed in October and 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," reports Bridget U., warning campers to prepare for seasonal changes.
Wildlife encounters: Wildlife management varies at different glamping locations near Higginsville. At Knob Noster State Park Campground, a camper reported: "Raccoon have taken over the park. And the state workers have done nothing... About 40 in my camp the whole week making us scared," according to Angela D.
Limited shade at some campgrounds: Camp Branch Campground offers waterfront access but minimal tree cover. "One big downside for me was the lack of trees—there's maybe one tree per tent site and even fewer around the RV spots. Shade is minimal," notes Sayler O.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campground activities: Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA provides dedicated recreation facilities. "This campground would get 5 stars for being family friendly and the activities they have for kids," shares a visitor, emphasizing the family-oriented atmosphere.
Choose quieter loops: Camp Branch Campground offers more secluded options for families. "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," advises Robin R.
Consider dedicated play areas: Watkins Mill State Park Campground offers dedicated spaces for younger visitors. "This campground was always a family favorite when we were kids. We would go out extra early to set up then spend our time on the bike trails until lunch," reminisces Janelle M.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling requirements: Camp Branch Campground may present challenges for RV leveling. "Some downfalls were our spot was 13" unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out," warns Caitlin R.
Note site proximity concerns: When glamping in Higginsville area campgrounds, site spacing varies significantly. At Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA, Roy T. noted: "Only negatives were our hookups were literally in the next site next to their table, and their fire ring was very close to our trailer."
Consider seasonal temperature fluctuations: Trailside RV Park offers year-round glamping accommodation with full hookups. "Is situated near very busy Hwy and rails road. It is a little tight but the stuff is very nice," reports Ioan P., highlighting both location considerations and staff quality.
