Smithville Lake camping options extend beyond the main lake facilities to several nearby state parks and recreation areas within a 40-mile radius. The region features rolling hills and hardwood forests typical of northern Missouri with elevations ranging from 800-1,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with evening cooling to 65-75°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Hiking trails: Wallace State Park offers excellent hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. "There are nice hiking trails. Trails are well marked. There are three levels to choose from based on distance," notes one visitor to Wallace State Park Campground.
Fishing in multiple waters: The area features both lake and pond fishing options. At Watkins Mill State Park Campground, campers enjoy "a small lake great for kayaking and fishing boats," though one reviewer mentions "the swim beach has been closed because of excessive vegetation growth."
Historic sites: Explore local history near camping areas. "Nearby area beaches to play at, a playground, and a short drive to stores to get anything we forgot," reports one camper at Crow's Creek Campground. Others recommend visiting "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."
Biking on paved trails: Multiple campgrounds feature bike-friendly paths. "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," according to a Crow's Creek camper.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campsites offer good separation and privacy. At Camp Branch Campground, campers appreciate that "it is quite a ways to shower house but much quieter than other campgrounds on Smithville lake. More family friendly."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent praise. "The bathhouse was newer and in good condition, and there's a laundry in one of the restroom buildings," notes a camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Proximity to Kansas City: Many campgrounds provide nature access while staying close to urban amenities. "Campground is great! Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip," reports a camper at Smiths Fork Recreation Area.
Well-maintained grounds: Park staff keep facilities in good condition. "The entire place was spotless, the sites were far apart enough that you didn't feel like your neighbors were on top of you," according to a Blue Springs Lake camper.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds have limited seasons. Smiths Fork Recreation Area operates from April 15 to October 15, while some facilities at other parks close earlier. "As of early September 1/2 of the campground is closed for construction. I understand that some sites will be upgraded to full hookups," reports a camper at Weston Bend State Park Campground.
Site variations: Campsite quality varies significantly. "The only thing I wish is added on is some lights because my lights weren't illuminating as well as I thought it would and we were cooking in the dark," notes one camper at Wallace State Park.
Weather considerations: Off-season camping can bring unexpected challenges. One Crow's Creek camper shared: "We stayed in October and due to unseasonably cold weather they shut off water with no notice and halfway through our stay. Ended up leaving early since we had no water."
Crowding patterns: Visitor density fluctuates predictably. "We have stayed in this campground too many times to count. We love it when it is still kind of off season like Easter weekend and after labor day. We have small children and it can get pretty rowdy during the summer."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. At Blue Springs Lake Campground, "the sites were well kept up, with many prime locations near the playground for our kids."
Activity planning: Some campgrounds offer organized events. At Basswood Country RV Resort, "every weekend there are organized activities such as arts and crafts, fishing contests, duck races and frozen t-shirt contests in the pool, and a Saturday evening outdoor movie."
Safety considerations: Gated campgrounds provide extra security. "We felt very safe here since they require an access code to get into the gate," notes a Blue Springs Lake camper.
Swimming options: Water access varies by location. "The lake is big with a sand beach (non alcoholic beverages allowed unfortunately for the adults) for the kiddos," shares a Camp Branch camper, while another notes "We enjoyed all the covers on the lake so we could anchor out and swim!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited but available. At Smiths Fork Recreation Area, "This is full hook up. They have both 30 and 50 amp. Close to 169 hwy. Perfect for families with young children."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling. One camper at Camp Branch noted "Some downfalls were our spot was 13" unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs. At Watkins Mill, "We camped at all loops, great sites!" while at Weston Bend, "Site 26 is one of the few basic sites. While some of the other sites were very close to each other, this one is relatively isolated. It's big too."
