109 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Platte City, Missouri area features several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of town, including Weston Bend State Park and Crow's Creek Campground. These public recreation areas offer a mix of tent and RV camping, with some locations like Basswood Country RV Resort also providing cabin accommodations. Many campgrounds in this region are situated along waterways such as Smithville Lake or near wooded areas, providing natural settings while maintaining proximity to Kansas City metropolitan amenities.
Camping season runs year-round at several locations like Weston Bend State Park and Crow's Creek, though amenities may be limited in winter months. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups, with some offering full RV connections including water and sewer. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences typical Midwest seasonal variations with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Road access to campgrounds is generally well-maintained, with paved or graded gravel roads suitable for most vehicles. According to one visitor at Weston Bend State Park, "All camp spots are well-shaded and nestled within the woods. It's easy to take a quick jaunt into Weston for wine-tasting or exploring its quaint shops."
Campers report high satisfaction with lakefront sites at Crow's Creek, where fishing and boating opportunities enhance the camping experience. Several campgrounds feature shaded sites with mature trees, providing natural separation between campsites. Wildlife viewing opportunities are common, with deer, rabbits, and various bird species frequently spotted. Campgrounds like Weston Bend State Park include amenities such as shower facilities, laundry options, and in some cases, fenced dog areas. A camper at Crow's Creek noted, "The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing. 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." The mixed-use trails found at many area campgrounds accommodate hiking and biking, adding recreational variety to camping stays.
"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."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing. We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table."
"The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance."
"The only two things I wasn’t expecting were: 1. it’s pretty close to the airport, but you don’t notice the planes except when you’re outside; 2. the sites (except premium ones) are pretty close together"
"This park is convient to I-29 but far enough off the highway to be quiet and peaceful. Tent sites, full hookups as well as rooms and cabins are available."
from $56 - $59 / night
Check Availability"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)"
"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!"
"The lakeside spots are definitely the way to go at this campground, bathrooms were very clean aswell"
"You have to cross train tracks to get there and the campsites are right next to it. The train came through 3 times through the night and 5 more times while making breakfast."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $15 - $46 / night
Check Availability"The sites were well situated such that you felt you had plenty of privacy."
"The original plan was to be in Blue Springs for an outdoor off-road RC event, camping in our pup with a generator at the track."
from $33 - $48 / night
Check Availability"The roads to, around, and within the campground are paved and great for a family walk or bike-riding."
"There is a trail to walk or bike ride. Small lake to canoe or kayak or fishing crom the shore line. Whole campground is nice and level."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability
GuidePaved roads with some paved campsites and some gravel campsites. Clean bathrooms with separate, private showers. Coin operated laundry. 3.8 mile paved lake trail with easy rating.
TravelerI parked on the north east side of the lake, between the golf course and the boat ramp. One mile dirt/gravel road access, pit toilet on the north east side. I believe the actual camping spots are across the lake, nearer the highway. There is some highway noise, but it felt like background noise to me. No amenities. Perfect for my 22' van, for an overnight while traveling through. Pretty lake, lots of birds!
Scoutfriendly yes! clean don’t know yet! but honestly for „a parkinglot“ not much bigger, can touch the neighbors car from my seat, over 80$ on the website, ridiculous!!! i asked for something more affordable and got it on the end also as a firefighter for 58$, still not worth it, but i was tired…
GuidePros: beautiful pool and exceptionally clean and well-maintained restrooms, nice market Cons: campsites could use some maintenance throughout, appeared to have many long time residents
ScoutIt’s a great campsite, clean bathrooms, great scenery, easy-going camp host and overall I do it again for us
LegendWe pulled in at 11pm and back on road by 7 am so we didn’t get to experience most of campground
So review is based on just a quick overnight stop
Site was not level (gravel Pull through) so required leveling
Overall it was easy to quick pull in and sleep for night
Pool looked clean as we passed on our way out
We did not use bathrooms or showers
Lots of full time or sesasonal campers
The staff on phone when I called for late check in were very kind
GuideWe 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.
TravelerAbout a half hour from i70, this place is crawling with insects so be prepared. Nice quiet spot tho.
TravelerThe 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!
Campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of Platte City offer varied terrain from lakeside sites to wooded settings. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 750 to 900 feet above sea level. Campers can expect paved or gravel pads at most established sites, with many campgrounds operating seasonally due to winter temperatures that often dip below freezing from November through March.
Boating and water activities: Smithville Lake at Crow's Creek Campground provides excellent water recreation options. "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," notes camper Brittnie T. Water activities are typically available from April through October when water temperatures are comfortable.
Hiking trails: Weston Bend State Park Campground maintains an extensive trail system with varying difficulty levels. "Weston Bend State Park has an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail! We greatly enjoyed our visit and can't wait to go again!" according to Danielle H. Trails range from 0.75 to 3 miles and are accessible year-round.
Historical sites: Watkins Mill State Park Campground offers unique historical learning opportunities. A camper mentions, "I grew up minutes from here. Great camping facilities, paved walking/biking trail, fishing, swimming and even history lessons. If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool." The historic woolen mill is open for tours from 10am to 4pm daily during peak season.
Lake access: Crow's Creek Campground offers direct water access that campers consistently praise. One reviewer noted, "We have small children and it can get pretty rowdy during the summer. We have chosen to go to other campgrounds during peak season. They have a section with just electric where you are right on water and can leave boat right on lake."
Privacy between sites: Camp Branch Campground gets high marks for site spacing. "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," writes Robin R. Most sites offer at least 30 feet between camping pads.
Well-maintained facilities: Basswood Country RV Resort maintains clean, functional amenities. "This place is very nice. Very clean bathhouses and property, friendly staff, nice pool, great fishing, fun family activities, nice camp store/pizza kitchen," according to Abbie G. The resort's five small lakes do not require fishing licenses, allowing convenient angling for all ages.
Airport proximity: Several campgrounds are located near Kansas City International Airport flight paths. At Basswood Country RV Resort, a camper explains: "The campground is on the final approach for the airport, so you get to see a lot planes flying overhead, which you don't even notice cause they are quieter than they used to be, and I think they shut down flights around 10pm."
Water shutoff dates: Seasonal water availability affects camping comfort. At Crow's Creek Park, one camper reported: "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 and also no sewer at site." Most campgrounds shut off water between late October and April.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. At Smiths Fork Recreation Area, campers appreciate the availability of full hookups, but competition for spots can be intense. A camper notes: "This is full hook up. They have both 30 and 50 amp. Close to 169 hwy. Perfect for families with young children. Smaller park, very friendly hosts."
Playground access: Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping offers family-friendly amenities. According to Steven N., "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! There is a really nice walking/riding trail that goes all through the park!"
Biking opportunities: Paved campground roads provide safe cycling for children. At Crow's Creek, Julie B. describes: "Trails and roads within the campsite are paved, so it's great for bikes and scooters. Grounds are well maintained and grassy areas feel fine to walk through and play in. Nearby area beaches to play at, a playground, and a short drive to stores to get anything we forgot!"
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer structured recreation. At Basswood Country RV Resort, one camper notes: "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." Most planned activities run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Site leveling: Riverfront Park Campground provides level sites but requires attention to approach angles. "The campground is nice, small and has all the basics - picnic tables, fire pits, flush toilets and showers. It sits right on the river and has a nice view of the bridge," notes Jillian B., who also mentions nearby train tracks.
Hookup availability: When planning trips to the best places to camp near Platte City, Missouri, note that hookup options vary significantly between parks. At Weston Bend State Park, Roger W. provides detailed information: "Site #3 and #26 are non-electric. #26 is the most private...About $15 for non-electric sites. $25 for electric sites...Dump Station: Yes. Potable Water Available: Yes, at dump stations and some scattered spigots."
Site selection strategy: RVers recommend carefully reviewing site maps before booking. At Walnut Grove RV Park, a reviewer advises: "We did pay for the premium pull through site, so we had more room. Everything worked great, the spot was on a slight hill- but wasn't terrible to level out." Sites in most area campgrounds range from 30-50 feet in length with varying widths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Platte City, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Platte City, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Platte City, MO and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Platte City, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Platte City, MO is Weston Bend State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Platte City, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Platte City, MO.
What parks are near Platte City, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Platte City, MO that allow camping, notably Blue Springs Lake and Perry Lake.
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