The Randolph, Missouri camping area serves as a connection point between Kansas City's urban environment and the rural landscape of western Missouri. Located in the humid continental climate zone, the region experiences seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 88-92°F and winter lows reaching 17-22°F. Fall camping can be particularly pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 50-70°F during October and November with less rainfall than spring months.
What to do
Fishing at Smithville Lake: Access prime fishing spots at Crow's Creek Campground where the lake is stocked with crappie, bass, and catfish. "We have small children and it can get pretty rowdy during the summer. We have chosen to go to other campgrounds during peak season," notes a camper at Crow's Creek Campground.
Historical tours year-round: Visit Watkins Mill State Park's historical woolen mill for educational experiences outside peak season. "If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool," recommends a visitor at Watkins Mill State Park Campground.
Cycling on paved paths: Ride bikes or scooters on paved trails at Smith's Fork Recreation Area. "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," mentions a camper at Crow's Creek.
Theme park adventures: Visit Worlds of Fun when camping at their adjacent campground during operating season (March-October). "The theme park offered discounted tickets when staying at the campground and parking for the parks was included. Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are internally connected, making it easy to walk between the two," explains a visitor from Worlds of Fun Village.
What campers like
Lakefront electric sites: At Crow's Creek, the electric-only sites offer direct lake access that many prefer over full hookup options. "They have a section with just electric where you are right on water and can leave boat right on lake. They have water and electricity on hill no lake view but nice to have water hookup," notes a reviewer.
Private tent camping spots: Find more secluded tent sites at Weston Bend State Park, especially during weekdays. "Both times, we had site 26, 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," shares a camper at Weston Bend State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: The bathrooms and shower facilities at Blue Springs Lake Campground receive consistent praise for cleanliness. "The whole experience was awesome. 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," reports a visitor at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Urban convenience: The proximity to Kansas City makes Smith's Fork Recreation Area popular for short trips. "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," states a camper at Smiths Fork Recreation Area.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites in the region require leveling equipment, particularly at Camp Branch. "We were simply driving around checking out all the park has to offer and got stopped for no reason and asked what we were doing going loop to loop. Some other downfalls were our spot was 13" unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out," reports a camper.
Seasonal water shutoffs: Be prepared for early water system shutdowns during cooler weather. "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," cautions a visitor at Smiths Fork.
Tree coverage varies: Shade can be limited at certain campgrounds, especially at Crow's Creek. "One big downside for me was the lack of trees—there's maybe one tree per tent site and even fewer around the RV spots. Shade is minimal, and there's really no sense of being in the woods," mentions a Camp Branch Campground visitor.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise, particularly those near highways. "Being right off Johnson Drive, there is considerable road noise," notes a camper at Walnut Grove, while another mentions "Row 1 (sites 1-20) is along a busy highway with semi truck noise 24 hours a day" at Worlds of Fun Village.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near recreational amenities for easier family camping. "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," recommends a family at Crow's Creek Campground.
Off-peak camping for quieter experience: Visit popular areas during shoulder season for more family-friendly atmosphere. "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," suggests a regular visitor to Crow's Creek.
Pool access: Choose Worlds of Fun Village for additional water recreation beyond lakes. "The campground pool is huge and fun for the kids on non park days. The campground is all paved and perfect for scooters and bikes for the kids," shares a family camper.
Spacious sites for play: Look for campgrounds with ample space between sites for outdoor activities. "We had a nice RV site with electric. The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing. We had lots of grassy space around us to set up and play yard games," notes a family at Crow's Creek.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Smith's Fork offers complete services at all sites. "Of everywhere Smith's Fork is the only one (so far) that offers Electric (30 & 50 amp), Water (2) and Sewer at every campsite. At just $30 per day it is a steal!" advises an RVer.
Navigational considerations: Blue Springs has some tight turns that require planning with larger rigs. "As you exit the park, if you have a big rig, you'll want to stay to the left side of the dump station for a wider right turn out of the park," recommends an RV camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Site selection for privacy: Premium sites offer more space at several campgrounds. "I would recommend staying at the premium pull through sites the other back-in sites are rather small. I like the location it's close to where I was working and close to downtown so lots of things to do in the area," suggests a visitor at Walnut Grove RV Park.
