Camping areas near Kearney, Missouri center around the 7,190-acre Smithville Lake with its 175 miles of shoreline. The region sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with humid continental climate featuring hot summers and moderately cold winters. Weather patterns allow for camping from April through October with most campgrounds positioned along lakeshores or within wooded areas that provide natural wind barriers during spring and fall camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing from shore or boat: Smithville Lake offers multiple access points with bass, crappie, and catfish. "Great place to fish.kayak. Bike ride. Clean campsites and bathrooms," notes a camper at Watkins Mill State Park Campground.
Biking on paved trails: Several campgrounds connect to trail systems suitable for all skill levels. "There is a couple historic sites not far on the side of the lake, quick little drive. The trail wraps the lake and connects to the edge of the campground," writes a reviewer about Watkins Mill State Park.
Lake recreation with rentals: Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping provides water access with equipment options. "You can rent a boat for a half day or full day with advanced notice! There is a really nice walking/riding trail that goes all through the park!" shares a camper.
Historical exploration: The woolen mill tours offer educational opportunities beyond standard camping activities. "If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool," recommends a visitor to Watkins Mill.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers rank highly in camper satisfaction. "These are the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think Mabye ever," reports a visitor at AOK Campground & RV Park.
Spacious sites with privacy: Certain campgrounds offer more separation between sites. "We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table. We had lots of grassy space around us to set up and play yard games," notes a camper at Crow's Creek Campground.
Lake access and views: Sites with water proximity are highly sought after. "The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake," shares a Crow's Creek visitor.
Seasonal amenities: Swimming pools and other warm-weather features enhance summer stays. "The campground nice and clean with full hook ups at campsite. The camp hosts were very nice and friendly," reports a Smith's Fork Recreation Area visitor.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. "Our spot was 13" unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out," notes a visitor to Camp Branch Campground.
Limited shade at certain sites: Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and loops. "There's maybe one tree per tent site and even fewer around the RV spots. Shade is minimal, and there's really no sense of being in the woods," cautions a Crow's Creek camper.
Water access seasonal restrictions: Beach areas may have limited availability. "The swim beach has been closed because of excesive vegetation growth," reports a Watkins Mill visitor.
Strict enforcement of rules: Rangers actively patrol many campgrounds. "The rules are super strict when it comes to day passes, boat passes, and having your pass visible in a window. Also the rangers seemed persistent, almost stalker like," warns a Camp Branch visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated facilities: Playgrounds and family-friendly amenities vary widely. "This is full hook up. They have both 30 and 50 amp. Close to 169 hwy. Perfect for families with young children. Smaller park, very friendly hosts," recommends a visitor to Smith's Fork.
Reserve lake-view sites early: Prime waterfront locations book quickly, especially in summer. "I grew up minutes from here. Great camping facilities, paved walking/biking trail, fishing, swimming and even history lessons," shares a Watkins Mill camper.
Consider noise factors: Road and campground sounds can affect sleep quality. "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," notes a Weston Bend State Park Campground visitor.
Check for family event weekends: Some campgrounds organize special activities for holidays. "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," recalls a Watkins Mill visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations matter: Research utility options before booking. "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," explains a Crow's Creek camper.
Pull-through availability limited: Larger rigs require specific site planning. "Easy access off of highway, well maintained grounds and facilities. Very, very clean bathrooms and laundry. Hosts present and helpful," reports an AOK Campground visitor.
Consider seasonal water shutoffs: Utilities may change with 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 and also no sewer at site," warns a Crow's Creek visitor.
Space between sites varies: Research campground layouts for privacy preferences. "Appreciate the back to back campsites so your neighbors sewer isn't in your area," notes an AOK Campground reviewer about their glamping close to Kearney, Missouri setup.
