Loretta L.
Scout
ScoutCrow's Creek Campground
Great spot! lots of shade. stayed 3 days in October 2026. We will be back again
Equestrian Camping near Raytown, MO
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Crow's Creek Campground offers tent and RV sites with lake views while providing equestrian facilities within viewing distance of campsites. The campground features a horse barn with stalls where campers can keep their horses overnight, visible from camping areas for peace of mind. Trails start directly from the campsite, allowing riders immediate access without trailering. The campground recommends asking which loop is furthest from the horse camping area if noise from the barn at night is a concern. Paved walking and biking trails surround the water and connect to equestrian routes. Electric hookups are available at campsites, and firewood can be purchased on-site for $5 per bundle.
Horseback riders can access miles of trail systems from Crow's Creek without hauling their animals to a separate trailhead. Some campers report they love taking their horses to the area because of the convenience and well-maintained facilities. The barn area includes manure disposal sites and dedicated space for horse care. During certain seasons, insects can be thick in the camping area, so equestrians should pack appropriate protection for themselves and their animals. The campground offers good opportunities for both experienced and novice riders with varying terrain options. Riders can enjoy scenic lake views along the trails while still being relatively close to amenities in nearby Smithville, just a short drive away.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Raytown (12)
1. Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park
"Nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great."
"We just started the check in process and the staff is so great and helpful that I've already added this place to favorites and hope to return next time I'm in Missouri"
2. Crow's Creek Campground
"We live near Crow’s Creek, and enjoy making spur of the moment camping trips here throughout the year. There are many spacious tent sites with great views of the lake."
"We love taking our horses to Crows creek, there is an amazing barn with stalls and it’s withing viewing distance of your camper/tent so you don’t have to worry."
3. Watkins Mill State Park Campground
"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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $40 / night
4. Weston Bend State Park Campground
"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."
46 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $14 - $46 / night
5. Camp Branch Campground
"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)"
6. Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping
"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!"
7. Wallace State Park Campground
"Great MO state park, close to the city with easy access to 35 N. Trails, lakes, camping, great spot! If you don’t want/need electric, try campground 1, the spots are tucked into the trees."
"Not far off of RT 36 going East through Missouri. Cost only $13 with hot showers. Nice campsite with table and fire pit. The night of our stay the ranger did a naturalist talk about stream life."
80 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $14 - $25 / night
8. Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park
"This campground is close to home for us, but we love it as a quick get away. It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. "
"We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views. Not bad for what it is, I do wish they had more options."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 / night
9. Saddle Ridge Campground — Hillsdale State Park
"Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $28 / night
10. Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground — Hillsdale State Park
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
Drive Time
- 9 min from Kansas City, MO
- 41 min from Lawrence, KS
- 54 min from St. Joseph, MO
- 1 hr 3 min from Topeka, KS
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Raytown, MO
2 Photos of 12 Raytown Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Raytown, MO
212 Reviews of 12 Raytown Campgrounds
Mary S.
TravelerWallace State Park Campground
Very nice clean campground. Paved roads, level gravel sites.
Terra L.ScoutCrow's Creek Campground
Best in KC area price wise camping
Free laundry, (only 1 washer & dryer per bath area) showers, and right on the lake. Has tent camping up to 14 days, and its pretty laid back and clean. Huge facilities, no electric for tent spots but they have it in bathrooms. Fire pits and picnic table. Buy 3- get 4 nights for seniors 62+.
Beth S.ScoutWatkins Mill State Park Campground
Great place to camp
I went with my daughter. We had a wonderful time! It was a nice clean campsite well cared for. Just what you want for camping.
- AAlaina R.Traveler
Crow's Creek Campground
Loop C Electric/Water
Our camp site was great! We stayed in Loop C and there’s bathrooms scattered all around the loop, pets welcome, no visitors past 10pm and no fires past midnight. Nice and peaceful and everyone around was courteous and friendly. 10/10 recommend staying here. Lots of acorns, if you stay under any trees so be aware! Also, there was sites that are one camper can fit in and other sites that have two right next to each other for family camping together!
- ttt1Scout
Camp Branch Campground
Great campground
We loved our stay here, will definitely stay again. There were many shady sites and camp hosts were great. Hiking nearby too
- SSherri B.
GuideWatkins Mill State Park Campground
Wooded campground with nearby lake
Paved 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.
Alison P.GuideWatkins Mill State Park Campground
Great spot!
We 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.
Kelly M.TravelerWeston Bend State Park Campground
Excellent campground
The 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!
Guide to Raytown
Smithville Lake offers multiple horse-friendly camping options near Raytown, Missouri, just 30 minutes north of the city. The area features rolling hills and hardwood forests surrounding a 7,200-acre reservoir with 175 miles of shoreline. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with humidity levels that can make insect protection necessary for both riders and horses.
What to Do
Trail riding from camp: At Crow's Creek Campground, riders can access paved walking and biking trails that surround the water. "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," notes Brittnie T.
Fishing excursions: Watkins Mill State Park Campground offers good fishing options away from the busier Smithville Lake. "Great place to fish.kayak. Bike ride. Clean campsites and bathrooms," writes Will E., making it a good alternative when the main lake is crowded.
Seasonal lake activities: When summer heats up, lakeside camping provides relief. "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 a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake," shares Julie B. about her June visit to Crow's Creek.
What Campers Like
Private tent camping areas: The primitive camping areas at Weston Bend State Park Campground provide more seclusion than Crow's Creek. "While some of the other sites were very close to each other, this one is relatively isolated. It's big too. There's a vault toilet close by. It was clean and roomy," reports Barbie G. about site 26.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained restrooms. "This is a very clean campground. The staff is very nice and helpful. I will definitely come back," states Darlene N. about Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, another option for equestrians seeking proximity to Kansas City.
Easy access campsites: "Nice level camping spots both all electric, water, and sewer and minimal utilities. Some sites close to water. Great fishing, hiking, and 18 hole golf course close by," says Mike D. about Camp Branch Campground, noting the convenience for those bringing horses or camping equipment.
What You Should Know
Seasonal water shutoffs: Be aware that facilities may close earlier than expected. "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 Bridget U. about Crow's Creek.
Site levelness varies: Some campsites require significant adjustment. "One of the 3 Jackson County campgrounds, but the most in level sites in any of the parks. Sits on top a hill, the sites are cut into the hillside so vary from small tent sites, to RV sites. We camped in our 39' diesel pusher, had to use lots of wood to level everything up," explains Susan J.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Raytown, MO?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Raytown, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Raytown, MO is Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park with a 4.0-star rating from 24 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Raytown, MO?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Raytown, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Raytown, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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