Parkville camping opportunities extend beyond basic accommodations with several specialized camping areas not commonly highlighted. Located on the Missouri River floodplain with surrounding bluffs rising 150-200 feet above the valley floor, the region features a mix of hardwood forests and open prairie. Overnight temperatures in summer typically remain above 65°F, while winter camping can see readings well below freezing with occasional ice storms that may affect access roads.
What to do
Water activities at Smithville Lake: At Crow's Creek Campground, visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing on Smithville Lake. "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. Trails and roads within the campsite are paved, so it's great for bikes and scooters," notes a camper at Crow's Creek Campground.
Historical exploration: Nearby Watkins Mill State Park offers a unique historical component with its preserved 19th-century woolen mill. "If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool," writes a visitor to Watkins Mill State Park Campground. The park combines camping with educational opportunities about regional industrial history.
Hiking trails with varied difficulty: Multiple campgrounds near Parkville feature hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. "Weston Bend was everything I could hope for. The camp site were small and compact but it was nice," states one reviewer. Another mentions, "Weston Bend State Park has an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail!"
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds receive praise for their upkeep. At Blue Springs Lake Campground, campers appreciate the condition of the grounds. "The entire place was spotless, the sites were far apart enough that you didn't feel like your neighbors were on top of you. Bathrooms were incredibly clean," notes a satisfied visitor to Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes offer fishing without requiring a state license in some locations. At Basswood Country RV Resort, a camper notes, "They have several ponds you can fish from. My kids love that." Another camper at Smith's Fork Recreation Area shares, "We had a nice RV site with electric. The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing."
Proximity to urban amenities: Despite their natural settings, many campgrounds offer quick access to city conveniences. "Only 10 minutes away from Joe's original Kansas City BBQ (super delicious)," writes one visitor about Walnut Grove RV Park. Another camper at Campus RV Park states, "Just 30 minutes to downtown Kansas City and maybe 15 minutes to arrowhead stadium, this campground is ideal for being close to everything that Kansas City offers."
What you should know
Seasonal closures and limitations: Water services at many campgrounds shut down during colder months. "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," reports a camper at Crow's Creek.
Airport noise at certain locations: Several campgrounds north of Parkville sit under flight paths for Kansas City International Airport. A visitor to Basswood Country RV Resort notes, "Hope you like airplanes!!! Not too far from KCI and planes making their final decent fly right over top."
Reservation requirements vary: While some campgrounds allow walk-ins, popular locations fill quickly. "Weston Bend State Park Campground, situated to the north along Highway 45, provides both drive-in and walk-in sites for tents and RVs in a state park setting. The camping landscape around Parkville includes mixed-use campgrounds with amenities ranging from basic to resort-style facilities, with most sites concentrated along major highways and near water recreation areas."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for children: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities specifically designed for families. "This campground is a must for anyone with children. Awesome sites with full hook ups... Nice play area for kids as well as themed weekends with lots of activities planned that kids can do," shares an enthusiastic parent who visited Weston Bend State Park Campground.
Planned weekend activities: Many campgrounds organize special events during summer weekends. "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," reports a regular visitor to Basswood Country RV Resort.
Playgrounds and recreation areas: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play spaces. "We had a short walk to the lake for fishing, and the loop had a restroom. We were able to enter the swim beach without having to pay extra," notes a family camper at Camp Branch Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for level parking: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring leveling equipment. "The site slopes to the passenger side and downhill toward the road, so we used a few levelers. Many sites here are sloped. The premium cement pads seemed to be more level than gravel sites," advises an RV camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Pull-through availability: For easier access with larger rigs, specific sites offer pull-through options. At Worlds of Fun Village, a camper recommends, "Pay more for the pull through you'll have tons of parking even if your rig is big. Our rig is 44 ft and we parked two 2500's on the pad no problem."
Hookup variations: Full service sites aren't universal at all campgrounds. "It is quite a ways to shower house but much quieter than other campgrounds on Smithville lake. More family friendly," notes a camper about Camp Branch Campground, while another advises, "The full hookup sites don't have a view of the lake. This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank."
