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.
