Knob Noster camping areas sit at approximately 800 feet elevation in western Missouri's rolling plains. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping to 20°F. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though water systems at primitive sites may be winterized from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Buteo in Knob Noster State Park Campground offers catch-and-release fishing. "Beautiful secluded campsite - amenities were clean. Kayak rentals were available for Lake Buteo - kayakers were out on the lake, and the lake has a trail all around it," notes one visitor.
Bike riding: Paved roads throughout the campgrounds provide safe cycling options. At Knob Noster State Park, one family found it "a great park for the grandkids to ride their new bikes on the level smooth campground road in safety."
Historic sites: Visit nearby Fort Osage National Historic Landmark when staying at Blue Springs Lake Campground. "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," shares one camper.
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking trails surround campgrounds near Knob Noster. A visitor described their experience: "Spent 5 nights. The campground filled up on the weekend but it was very quiet. There are a couple of small lakes, one of which has kayak rentals. Several hiking trails."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Sites at Blue Springs Lake Campground provide ample room between neighbors. "Our spot- 24 - was perfect. Nice afternoon shade. Very level. Plenty of room to spread out. Close to bathroom but not too close," notes one visitor.
Affordable rates: Knob Noster State Park offers discounted camping for qualified visitors. "The park honored our disability rating and gave us a discount - $22.00 for 3 days & 2 nights," reports one camper.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. At Owl Creek Market and RV Park, "Laundry and bathrooms were clean. The road in camp was rough so drive slow. Staff was nice. Bought some good cheese at the camp store."
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide opportunities for wildlife spotting. "Raccoon have taken over the park," notes one camper at Knob Noster State Park, indicating abundant wildlife that may require proper food storage.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Electric hookup sites fill quickly at popular campgrounds. "If you require electrical hookups, it is getting to be more common to plan ahead and submit a reservation in state parks as more and more young people are catching on to the camping experience."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be intense at campgrounds with limited shade. At Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA, "The sites were all sunny and since it was 100 degrees, it was hot. But the pool was nice and they had a nice dog park which was ok in the evening after it cooled off."
Site selection: Campsite location affects comfort and convenience. "If I came again I would choose another site," advised one camper about site 13 at Knob Noster State Park, which was "adjacent to a fenced off sewer lagoon which did emit slight odor."
After-hours procedures: Many campgrounds accommodate late arrivals. At Owl Creek Market and RV Park, "Office was getting ready to close at 7 pm. Got us checked in and then escorted us to our site. They do have after hours check in process if needed."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near recreational areas for easy child supervision. At Blue Springs Lake Campground, there were "many prime locations near the playground for our kids. Campground staff were beyond friendly and accommodating."
Weekend activities: Green Acres at Red Brick Farmhouse offers family-friendly features. "The hosts are lovely and accommodating. We came in with our small trailer, two kids and a dog. There was plenty of space for all of us and even a wonderful tire swing for the kids."
Food storage: Secure all food items to prevent wildlife encounters. "We had a problem with Raccoons, but with our site being on the very edge of the sites I think that may be inevitable," notes a camper at Knob Noster State Park.
Entertainment options: Bring activities for rainy days. "Our first camping weekend this year, only 1 mile from home. Testing our 24' Forrest River Salem Cruise Lite pull behind camper systems, support supplies and food supply inventory. It was a spectacular weekend with our of town and our of state family."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campsites require leveling equipment. At Blue Springs Lake Campground, "The site slopes to the passenger side and down hill to the road, so we used a few levelers. Many sites here are sloped."
Hookup locations: Check utility placement when selecting sites. "The utilities were place middle-back on the site and we had no problems reaching. Water pressure was decent," reports an RVer at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Cell service: Mobile reception varies across campgrounds. "We got 3 bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. There are mature trees here, but most sites except a few north perimeter would have a shot for satellite."
Dump station access: Plan ahead for dumping locations. "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," advises an RVer about Blue Springs Lake Campground.
