Lake camping dominates the outdoor scene near Raymore, Missouri, with Smithville Lake to the north and Hillsdale Lake to the southwest. The region sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and moderate winters. Tent campers often find the spring and fall seasons most comfortable, with average temperatures ranging between 55-75°F during these transition months.
What to Do
Fishing at Smithville Lake: Crow's Creek Campground provides access to prime fishing spots. "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," reports Nikki S., who visited with family.
Biking on paved trails: Camp Branch Campground offers immediate trail access from some sites. "The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site," notes Savannah T. The campground connects to the larger Smithville Lake trail system.
Historical exploration: Visit the historic Watkins Woolen Mill near the campground. "If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool," suggests Josh P., who grew up minutes away from the park.
Kayaking rental options: Knob Noster State Park provides affordable kayak rentals for use on Lake Buteo. "Kayak rentals were available for Lake Buteo - kayakers were out on the lake, and the lake has a trail all around it," explains Kelsie L., who enjoyed the secluded camping experience.
What Campers Like
Private bath facilities: Several campgrounds feature individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. "The bathrooms are the nicest campground bathrooms I've ever used - large, clean, and not communal, so you get a sink, toilet, and shower all to yourself," notes a camper at Lake Jacomo.
Site spacing: Weston Bend State Park receives praise for its site arrangement. "Campground is hilly, sites are level, gravel pads. Lots of space between sites," reports Renee H., who appreciated the quiet setting despite proximity to Kansas City.
Dog-friendly amenities: Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA features designated pet areas. "Two good fenced dog parks," notes Roy T., who stayed overnight while passing through with a 32-foot trailer.
Lake views and access: Many sites at Crow's Creek offer water proximity. "Great place to camp. The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing," shares Julie B., who chose an electric-only site specifically for the lake view.
What You Should Know
Train noise considerations: Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA sits near active railroad tracks. "There was a train passing through, and the person I spoke to offered to throw in a pair of ear plugs and a night mask. Now I know why," explains Myron C., who found trains passing "every thirty minutes or so" throughout the night.
Weather contingency plans: Be prepared for sudden weather changes when glamping near Raymore. "Hard to give an accurate account for our stay due to it raining basically the entire time. When it wasn't raining the sites were nice and spacious and relatively level," shares GW C. about their Lake Jacomo experience.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are active in some campgrounds. "We did have a problem with Raccoons, but with our site being on the very edge of the sites I think that may be inevitable," reports Kelsie L. about Knob Noster State Park.
Water availability timing: Some campgrounds shut off water during cold snaps. "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," explains Bridget U. about her October visit to Crow's Creek.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for level biking routes: Hillsdale State Park offers family-friendly cycling opportunities. "Trails for hiking and riding bikes and they offer canoe/kayak renting," notes Maria M., making it suitable for children of different skill levels.
Select sites away from roadways: Some campgrounds have sites positioned near interior roads. "Only negative is that some sites are right on the road, so kids can dart out at any time...just be careful!" cautions Steve C. about Lake Jacomo's layout.
Seek campgrounds with playground access: Camp Branch provides recreation areas beyond the lake. "The camp hosts were very polite. We had a short walk to the lake for fishing, and the loop had a restroom," reports Nikki S. about their family camping trip.
Pack yard games: Bring activities that utilize open spaces. "We had lots of grassy space around us to set up and play yard games. Trails and roads within the campsite are paved, so it's great for bikes and scooters," suggests Julie B. regarding Crow's Creek Campground.
Tips from RVers
Consider site leveling needs: Trailside RV Park in nearby Grain Valley provides convenient amenities but requires preparation. "Laundry facilities acceptable. Propane fill on site," notes Kris M., though some sites may require leveling equipment.
Check hookup locations: Some glamping sites have unusual utility arrangements. "Only negatives were our hookups were literally in the next site next to their table, and their fire ring was very close to our trailer," cautions Roy T. about Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA's layout.
Reserve early for lake views: Electric-only sites often provide better water views. "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," explains Julie B. about their strategy at Crow's Creek.
Assess noise tolerance: Highway proximity affects some parks. "Noise. Mostly from the highway, but also trains and air traffic," warns Kris M. about Trailside RV Park, suggesting noise-sensitive RVers might prefer more remote options like Weston Bend or Knob Noster.
