Kingsville's camping areas sit at approximately 850 feet elevation in west-central Missouri, where summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with high humidity. The region features a mix of oak-hickory forests and open grasslands surrounding several lakes and reservoirs. Winter camping remains available at most locations, though shower facilities often close from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 30 minutes from most camping areas around Kingsville, Truman Lake offers multiple fishing spots. At Sparrowfoot, the fishing access points provide deep water for various species. One camper noted, "The site is beautiful. Truman Lake was flooded three years ago, since then Sparrowfoot has been completely updated with new water and 110V/30A/50A hook-ups."
Hiking trails: 2-5 miles of moderate difficulty paths surround most camping areas. At Watkins Mill State Park Campground, trails connect directly to campsites. A visitor shared, "Great place to make memories. There is a small lake great for kayaking and fishing boats. The trail wraps the lake and connects to the edge of the campground."
Water recreation: Seasonal rentals available from May through September at many locations. The marina at Lake Jacomo provides kayak rentals during summer months. According to a review, "The staff of this park were just as fun as our stay! Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!"
What campers like
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain shower houses and restrooms daily. Campers at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA specifically mention the cleanliness. One reviewer stated, "Friendly, clean and close to the freeway. Nice to spend the night. Friendly staff and clean bath/shower facilities."
Privacy between sites: Varies significantly between campgrounds. At Knob Noster State Park Campground, the sites offer more separation than other locations. A visitor mentioned, "We stopped late without reserving when our original plan fell through, but found a primitive site just fine. Nature programs were fun and informative, and the campground was relatively quiet."
Shade coverage: Important during hot summer months. Most campgrounds feature partial to full shade at select sites. According to a camper at Long Shoal Park, "Sites are spaced a good distance apart, nice clean lots with fire ring, picnic table and 30 amp. I picked site 69 which overlooks the lake and was less than 30 yards from water edge. Site very from 100% sun to 100% shade so you have a lot to choose from."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely between carriers and specific sites. In most glamping areas near Kingsville, AT&T provides better coverage than other networks. One camper at COE Harry S Truman Reservoir Long Shoal Park mentioned, "Poor Verizon coverage, TMobile a little better. Enjoyed lunch and breakfast at the restaurant in the marina."
Seasonal closures: Many campground facilities reduce services between November and March. Water hookups often shut down during winter months to prevent freezing. Electric sites typically remain available year-round with reduced fees during off-season.
Reservation requirements: Peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) typically requires advance booking 2-4 months ahead. Most campgrounds hold a limited number of sites for walk-up campers. Mid-week stays offer much better availability than weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Available at select campgrounds for children ages 5-12. Sparrowfoot offers newer equipment near Loop B. A camper noted, "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. Only complaint is that there are no benches or picnic tables at the playground."
Swimming options: Limited in most areas due to water quality. Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park provides designated swimming areas during summer months. A reviewer mentioned, "Further past Loop B the road turns to gravel and there is a parking lot with a walkway to the lake. This offers some small bluffs with deep water for jumping off."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer best opportunities for deer sightings. Many campgrounds have designated nature trails for wildlife observation. According to a camper, "Lots of trees lots of wildlife. Had deer walk right through the campground when we were there."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds feature mixed sun/shade conditions. For summer camping, sites with afternoon shade provide better comfort. A reviewer at Knob Noster State Park noted, "The campground is one of the better ones in the state park system. They are spread out and are level. The bathhouse has been newly renovated."
Hookup availability: Electric only at most sites, with limited full-hookup options. Water fill and dump stations typically centralized rather than at individual sites. One RVer mentioned, "Electric only sites and primitive. Shower house is always clean and well maintained. They recently have replaced all wood picnic tables with aluminum and are working on redoing all the restrooms."
Access limitations: Some roads leading to glamping areas near Kingsville have low clearance points or tight turns. Larger rigs (over 35 feet) may have difficulty at certain campgrounds. Check individual campground restrictions before booking.
