Knob Noster State Park sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level in west-central Missouri, where the terrain transitions from prairie to woodland. The camping area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters where overnight temperatures can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region offer electrical hookups due to the climate extremes, with water access points strategically placed throughout the facilities.
What to do
Kayaking on small lakes: Visitors can rent kayaks at Knob Noster State Park Campground for exploring the small lakes. "Kayak rentals were available for Lake Buteo - kayakers were out on the lake, and the lake has a trail all around it. Nice trail," notes one camper who enjoyed paddling and hiking during their stay.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Sparrowfoot campground offers access to Truman Lake for fishing enthusiasts. "We are SUPER stoked to go fishing in the morning and check out the Dam and area shoppes," mentioned one reviewer who appreciated the water access points.
Biking on paved roads: The level, smooth campground roads at Knob Noster State Park provide safe cycling paths. "Knob Noster State Park is a great park for the grandkids to ride their new bikes on the level smooth campground road in safety," one visitor shared after testing their camping equipment.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: COE Harry S Truman Reservoir Long Shoal Park offers chances to observe local wildlife near the water. "Site 47 right on the water great for kayaking and swimming. Water in the lake is high this time of year but fun is still to be had via fishing, biking, boating and kayaking," wrote a regular visitor.
What campers like
Level concrete pads: Knob Noster State Park features well-constructed camping sites with flat surfaces. "Well maintained campground with nice, level concrete pads. Sites are spacious," noted a visitor who appreciated the campground layout.
Private shower facilities: Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park offers exceptional bathroom facilities. "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," explained one camper.
Proximity to Kansas City: Lake Jacomo provides a convenient camping option near urban amenities. "Nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it's still really camping," observed a visitor who enjoyed the location.
Shade coverage: Many sites at Knob Noster State Park offer tree cover for summer cooling. "This site is narrow, so much so that we can't use our awning, but man, do we have shade!" reported a summer visitor escaping the heat.
What you should know
Wildlife management issues: Some campers at Knob Noster have reported raccoon problems. "Beautiful secluded campsite - amenities were clean. Kayak rentals were available for Lake Buteo... We did have a problem with Raccoons, but with our site being on the very edge of the sites I think that may be inevitable," one reviewer noted.
Reservation recommendations: Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA fills quickly during peak times. "Staff was accommodating.. paid ahead.. they left instructions for tent area," explained a camper who appreciated the organization system.
Weather contingencies: Rainfall can affect camping conditions in this area. "Hard to give an accurate account for our stay due to it raining basically the entire time. When it wasn't raining the sites were nice and spacious and relatively level," shared a visitor dealing with wet weather.
Cell service variability: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the region. "Poor Verizon coverage, TMobile a little better," noted a camper at Long Shoal Park who still managed to enjoy meals at the marina restaurant.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "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," explains a visitor to Sparrowfoot who recommended bringing camping chairs since there are no benches at the play area.
Safe cycling routes: Look for campgrounds with low-traffic roads for kid-friendly biking. "It was easy to get to, beautiful overlooking the lake, and was clean. The hiking trails were overgrown and no longer accessible," noted a camper at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, highlighting the importance of checking trail conditions.
Swimming locations: Certain campgrounds offer beach areas suitable for families. "If you walk further around the corner to the right, it turns into a nicer 'beach' style area with few rocks, although the mud can be a little thick after it rains," advised a visitor to Long Shoal regarding the swimming areas.
Overflow accommodation options: Luxury glamping accommodations near Knob Noster provide alternatives when traditional sites fill up. "Our friends stayed in the cabins which are awesome. The RV sites were right on top of each other so would not great. Very little green space but had a lot of amenities and the cleanest bathrooms!" shared a visitor about Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup placement: Osage Bluff offers shaded electric sites with lake views. "Hidden gem, south of Warsaw, near the Osage Bluff Marina on Truman Lake. Shaded electric only site with amazing view of the lake," noted a visitor who enjoyed the quiet location despite limited cell coverage.
Dump station access: Some campgrounds have limited waste disposal facilities. "The only downer was that the only trash dumpster the campgrounds had and centered in the campground was already full beyond capacity when we checked out on Sunday - we were forced to carry our trash back home to disposes of it properly," cautioned one RV camper.
Pull-through availability: Site layout varies between campgrounds. "Easy access to Interstate and pull through sites were long enough for our truck and 32' trailer without having to unhitch. Stayed just one night as we passed through," shared a visitor to Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA who appreciated the convenience.
Utility hookup proximity: Check the location of utilities when selecting sites. "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," warned an RV camper about potential site layout issues at some campgrounds.
