Crow's Creek Campground offers horse camping facilities on Smithville Lake, with an equestrian barn containing multiple stalls within viewing distance of camping areas. The barn allows campers to keep horses close while still maintaining visual contact from their sites. The campground features a network of trails that start directly from campsites, making it convenient for riders to access riding routes without trailering. Both primitive and electric hookup sites are available, with some campsites positioned close to the water. The spacious tent sites provide lake views, while RV sites include options for basic and electric hookups. Campground roads and trails are paved, creating excellent conditions for both walking horses and riding bikes.
The equestrian trail system connects directly to miles of lakeside paths that accommodate both riders and hikers. Horse owners find the campground particularly accessible during spring and fall seasons when fewer visitors create a quieter atmosphere for horses. Water access points along the shoreline provide horses with drinking opportunities during rides. The trails offer varied terrain suitable for different riding experience levels. Smithville Lake's extensive shoreline creates numerous scenic riding routes with water views. During peak summer months, the campground can become crowded, potentially making it less ideal for horses that require calmer surroundings. Camp hosts maintain the equestrian facilities year-round, though water may be shut off during unseasonably cold weather in fall months.
"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."
$14 - $46 / night
"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."
"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."
"It is quite a ways to shower house but much quieter than other campgrounds on Smithville lake. More family friendly."
$14 - $40 / night
"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"
"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!"
$14 - $25 / night
"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."
"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"
"Multiple campsites available along the highway, but the marked site is one of the best, right by a great fishing lake. Very quite, no amenities."
"A Missouri conservation area, a mile off the road. a gravel road gives you access to many multi use trails. see map attached. there were 5 or so nice camping spots with picnic tables and fire rings along"
"It was a little close to the highway so got a little highway noise, but not bad. No trains😊 Only one other camper so plenty of room.
Pit toilet, no water."
$49 - $600 / night
"The woman that runs the place told us about a big lake that was close to us. We went there for a couple of days and have more fun it’s a beautiful big lake."
ScoutAfter going around for almost 1.5 hrs from Smithville due to all the road closures, we finally got to the lake but all the campsites were out of commission to include the visitor's center and the roads were closed. We had to turn back unfortunately.
ScoutAfter going around for almost 1.5 hrs from Smithville due to all the road closures, we finally got to the lake but all the campsites were out of commission to include the visitor's center and the roads were closed. We had to turn back unfortunately.
ScoutDuring the camping season this campground has nice large shower houses and clean bathrooms. They sell ice and firewood at gates. 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.
GuideClose to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip.
GuideWe have started staying here last couple of years. 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.
GuideI was looking for a decent place to camp near Kansas City during the weekend and found this spot on Smithville Lake. When I camp, I typically do it while on vacation and checking out a national park. This obviously isn't an experience like that. This was the first time I've camped over a weekend in years.
The campsites are very spacious and there are even places with covered picnic tables. The bathrooms are also clean. If you're not the most adventurous type, you'll like this campground.
The thing I enjoyed most about this campground was the trail around the lake. The trails are fairly low traffic and there wasn't too much noise coming from boats on the water. It was a peaceful location to camp and enjoy views of the lake.
Overall, I recommend this as a quick place to go during a weekend if you're in the area and feel like camping. I probably wouldn't stay here for an extended period of time.
TravelerWe 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. Miles of paved walking/biking trails around the water offer for a nice activity!
Tip: Before choosing your site number, ask which loop is furthest from the horse camping as there can be some noise from the barn at night. The park staff has typically made this suggestion to us when we arrive!
TravelerA Missouri conservation area, a mile off the road. a gravel road gives you access to many multi use trails. see map attached. there were 5 or so nice camping spots with picnic tables and fire rings along the tree line soon after entering, but no gravel off road parking areas. signs said we must stay on gravel, so we couldn't camp there with our trailer without blocking the road. we found a handicapped site by the the one vault toilet. and one campsite at the end of the road. Both were not available. we set up in the parking area near the vault toilet, stayed hooked up to our truck. the outhouse was clean and had paper, but could use a new seat. it was a pretty area with lots of trees just changing into Fall colors. We didnt hike on the trails due to hunters present. it worked well as a quick stop over
GuideSooo many things to do!!! 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. Trails start directly from your campsite, you can also take your bikes, paved and mountain bike trails. You also can’t forget the wonderful lake and the beautiful views.
The Smithville, Missouri area lacks dedicated equestrian camping facilities based on the available data. None of the campgrounds in the region explicitly list horse corrals, equestrian trails, or specific horse-friendly amenities. Crows Creek Campground and Smiths Fork Recreation Area, both located on Smithville Lake, offer standard camping accommodations but do not specifically cater to horse owners or provide equine facilities. The campgrounds feature RV and tent sites with various hookup options, but no dedicated infrastructure for horses appears in their amenity listings.
Trails around Smithville Lake provide recreational opportunities, though none are specifically designated for horseback riding in the provided information. Smith's Fork Recreation Area maintains full hookup campsites with 30 and 50 amp electrical service, making it suitable for RVs that might transport horses, but no dedicated horse paddocks or corrals are mentioned. Several reviews note the proximity to Smithville Lake as a primary attraction, with paved trails throughout the parks suitable for walking and biking. Equestrians seeking camping options with horse facilities may need to explore other Missouri state parks or conservation areas not listed in the immediate Smithville vicinity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Smithville, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Smithville, MO is Crow's Creek Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Smithville, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Smithville, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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