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Equestrian Camping near North Kansas City, MO

3 campgrounds with availability next weekend

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    Crow's Creek Campground at Smithville Lake maintains a dedicated horse barn with stalls within viewing distance of RV and tent sites. Trails begin directly from campsites, allowing riders immediate access to the trail system without trailering. The campground features multiple camping loops with basic and electric hookup options, though water is available only at community filling stations rather than individual sites. Horse owners can monitor their animals from their campsites, eliminating concerns about overnight security. The park includes extensive paved walking and biking paths alongside equestrian trails, with spacious gravel RV sites that include fire rings and picnic tables. The grounds are well-maintained with mowed grass areas suitable for setting up portable corrals or temporary paddocks. Campsites near the horse facilities provide convenience for equestrians, though those seeking quieter options should ask for loops farther from the horse barn.

    Riders access miles of trails directly from Crow's Creek, with routes suitable for various experience levels. The trail system connects to broader networks around Smithville Lake, offering both wooded terrain and lakeside riding opportunities. Equestrians can select from tent sites with lake views or RV spots with electrical hookups, though the full-hookup sites lack water views. The camping area remains open year-round, though water may be shut off during unseasonably cold weather without notice. Summer weekends bring higher occupancy and potentially rowdy atmosphere, while spring and fall visits offer quieter experiences with fewer campers. The four-lane dump station accommodates multiple rigs simultaneously, benefiting those with horse trailers. For improved equestrian experience, visitors should consider camping during off-peak seasons like Easter weekend or after Labor Day when the facilities are less crowded but amenities remain accessible.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near North Kansas City (14)

      1. Crow's Creek Campground

      4.3(31)18mi from North Kansas CityRVs, Tents

      "We live near Crow’s Creek, and enjoy making spur of the moment camping trips here throughout the year. There are many spacious tent sites with great views of the lake."

      "We love taking our horses to Crows creek, there is an amazing barn with stalls and it’s withing viewing distance of your camper/tent so you don’t have to worry."

      2. Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park

      4.0(24)18mi from North Kansas CityRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great."

      "We just started the check in process and the staff is so great and helpful that I've already added this place to favorites and hope to return next time I'm in Missouri"

      3. Watkins Mill State Park Campground

      4.5(39)24mi from North Kansas City86 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Watkins mill SP is located a short distance from Kansas City off I-35 near Kearney. The park has a large lake that you can fish and boat as well as multiple hiking options."

      "This place offers peace and quiet outside of a small town with close by amenities. Clean and helpful staff"

      Campground full next weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $15 - $46 / night

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      4. Weston Bend State Park Campground

      4.5(37)24mi from North Kansas City48 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The site is long but has a 1/4 moon turn so we had to pull back around to get better positioned on the pad so we could disconnect our 39’ 5th wheel and F450 for our 3-night stay."

      "We enjoy camping there to get away from routine and responsibilities and simply hang out at our camper. The campground is wooded, generally cool, and peaceful."

      Available next weekend

      from $15 - $52 / night

      47 Sites Available

      5. Camp Branch Campground

      4.0(16)19mi from North Kansas CityRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Pleasant campground, very nice lake. I camp with kids from infant through 18 and hot showers and decent bathrooms are a must for us. Close to Smithville Missouri."

      "The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site. only downside is it is only electric hookups. ( only a downside if you are a travel trailer/rv)"

      6. Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping

      4.4(10)18mi from North Kansas CityRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Close to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip."

      "These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake! Amazing sunsets! You can rent a boat for a half day or full day with advanced notice!"

      7. Wallace State Park Campground

      4.6(35)40mi from North Kansas City81 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Great MO state park, close to the city with easy access to 35 N. Trails, lakes, camping, great spot! If you don’t want/need electric, try campground 1, the spots are tucked into the trees."

      "Not far off of RT 36 going East through Missouri. Cost only $13 with hot showers. Nice campsite with table and fire pit. The night of our stay the ranger did a naturalist talk about stream life."

      Available next weekend

      from $15 - $29 / night

      81 Sites Available

      8. Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park

      4.0(8)39mi from North Kansas City11 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "This campground is close to home for us, but we love it as a quick get away.  It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. "

      "We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views. Not bad for what it is, I do wish they had more options."

      Campground full next weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $10 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Perry State Park Campground

      4.0(10)50mi from North Kansas CityRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends.  Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station"

      "Only complaint, cold shower in facility near marina. I would recommend a spot closer to marina if you're not In an RV. We were a rooftop tent and could heat distant trains all night."

      10. Saddle Ridge Campground — Hillsdale State Park

      5.0(2)37mi from North Kansas City34 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Lots of riding trail miles and lake."

      from $10 - $21 / night

      Check Availability

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near North Kansas City, MO

    2 Photos of 14 North Kansas City Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers


    Equestrian Camping Reviews near North Kansas City, MO

    223 Reviews of 14 North Kansas City Campgrounds

    • Terra L.
      Oct. 22, 2026

      Crow's Creek Campground

      Best in KC area price wise camping

      Free laundry, (only 1 washer & dryer per bath area) showers, and right on the lake. Has tent camping up to 14 days, and its pretty laid back and clean. Huge facilities, no electric for tent spots but they have it in bathrooms. Fire pits and picnic table. Buy 3- get 4 nights for seniors 62+.

    • Beth S.
      Oct. 11, 2026

      Watkins Mill State Park Campground

      Great place to camp

      I went with my daughter. We had a wonderful time! It was a nice clean campsite well cared for. Just what you want for camping.

    • AThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 4, 2026

      Crow's Creek Campground

      Loop C Electric/Water

      Our camp site was great! We stayed in Loop C and there’s bathrooms scattered all around the loop, pets welcome, no visitors past 10pm and no fires past midnight. Nice and peaceful and everyone around was courteous and friendly. 10/10 recommend staying here. Lots of acorns, if you stay under any trees so be aware! Also, there was sites that are one camper can fit in and other sites that have two right next to each other for family camping together!

    • t
      Sep. 10, 2026

      Camp Branch Campground

      Great campground

      We loved our stay here, will definitely stay again. There were many shady sites and camp hosts were great. Hiking nearby too

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 2, 2026

      Watkins Mill State Park Campground

      Wooded campground with nearby lake

      Paved roads with some paved campsites and some gravel campsites. Clean bathrooms with separate, private showers. Coin operated laundry. 3.8 mile paved lake trail with easy rating.

    • Alison  P.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 12, 2026

      Watkins Mill State Park Campground

      Great spot!

      We stopped here for one night on our trip from Texas to Iowa - very nice campground! It’s well kept, clean, and nice facilities. The site wasn’t very level, but other than that, it was great.

    • Kelly M.
      Jul. 31, 2026

      Weston Bend State Park Campground

      Excellent campground

      The renovations they just did to this campground are fantastic and really surprising to find in a state park. Most of the campsites were paved to an extent, but where we stayed they all had large concrete slabs that covered the picnic area as well as the landing site for the RV. It was very nice. They have planted new trees, so eventually it will have plenty of shade. The bathrooms were also clean. The sites were spread out and we had plenty of room to ourselves. The park as a whole was very nice and well maintained, as was the town. I would definitely stay here again!

    Guide to North Kansas City

    Crow's Creek Campground provides electric hookup camping options with dedicated equestrian facilities. The campground features multiple loops and access to trails directly from campsites, eliminating the need for trailering between riding sessions. Campsites range from basic tent sites to those with electrical hookups, though water is available only at community filling stations rather than individual sites.

    What to do

    Hiking trails for all levels: At Weston Bend State Park Campground, visitors can explore multiple trail options through wooded areas. "The trails were the best feature of this park. The campground was small and not very many campsites for tents. The restroom/showers were modern," reports Chad K.

    Fishing opportunities: Lake access at Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping provides excellent fishing spots just minutes from campsites. "Close to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake," notes Lawrence W. who appreciates the lake proximity.

    Lakeside biking: Paved paths at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park offer family-friendly biking options around the water. "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!" says Rylan B.

    What campers like

    Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the well-maintained bathrooms at Wallace State Park Campground, which features private shower stalls. "Showers were clean and in their own stalls with locking doors, shelves and ample hooks. The water got nice and hot and the shower heads were even and held good pressure," shares Sarah H.

    Shade coverage: Wooded sites provide relief during summer months, especially important for horse owners. "Campgrounds 1 had clean vault toilets, but the bath house near Campground 2 was even better. The woodsy tent camping sites were spacious and private," notes Sarah H. at Wallace State Park Campground.

    Off-season tranquility: Spring and fall visits offer quieter experiences at equestrian campgrounds near North Kansas City, Missouri. "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," says Robin R. about Camp Branch.

    What you should know

    Water hookup limitations: Many campgrounds in the area offer only electric hookups at individual sites. "The camping area is nice, most things are well maintained and staff was really nice. Think if we visited during summer our experience would have been better. We stayed in October and due to unseasonably cold weather they shut off water with no notice," warns Bridget U. about Crow's Creek.

    Seasonal facilities: Some services close during colder months at horse-friendly campgrounds near Kansas City. "During the camping season this campground has nice large shower houses and clean bathrooms. They sell ice and firewood at gates," explains Charlotte B. about Camp Branch Campground.

    Site selection matters: Horse camping locations vary significantly in privacy and proximity to facilities. "Watkins Mill State Park maintains a dedicated horse barn with stalls within viewing distance of RV and tent sites. The campground features multiple camping loops with basic and electric hookup options," notes a visitor about the equestrian amenities.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," shares Brittnie T. about Crow's Creek Campground, making it ideal for families with children.

    Shallow swimming areas: Watkins Mill State Park Campground offers family-friendly water access. "Great place to make memories. Beautiful, easily accessible, hiking, biking, fishing, well maintained," mentions Jolie C. who visited with family.

    Holiday weekend planning: Easter weekend offers fewer crowds while maintaining access to facilities at several horse campgrounds. "We have small children and it can get pretty rowdy during the summer. We have chosen to go to other campgrounds during peak season," explains a regular visitor about managing family trips during busy periods.

    Tips from RVers

    Leveling requirements: Check site grading before setting up at some horse-friendly campgrounds. "We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake. We had lots of grassy space around us to set up and play yard games," shares Julie B. about her RV experience at Crow's Creek.

    Dump station access: Multiple lanes at Perry State Park Campground accommodate horse trailers and RVs efficiently. "Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station," notes Doug H., highlighting an important consideration for RVers with horse trailers.

    Site selection for horse monitoring: RV campers with horses should request sites with clear sightlines to the horse facilities. "We camped here in June 2020. We had a nice RV site with electric. The best part is the view of and access to the lake!" explains Julie B., though her comments relate to lake views rather than horse facilities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near North Kansas City, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near North Kansas City, MO is Crow's Creek Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 31 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near North Kansas City, MO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near North Kansas City, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.