Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Smithville, MO
Weston Bend State Park Campground welcomes dogs throughout its shaded camping area with sites spaced generously apart for privacy. Dogs must remain leashed in camping areas but can run freely in the park's dedicated dog park featuring three separate fenced sections with water stations for thirsty pets. Watkins Mill State Park Campground and Basswood Country RV Resort also accommodate pets with designated pet-friendly tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. Campground hosts at these locations ensure pet owners maintain clean facilities by properly disposing of waste. Sites at Weston Bend feature blacktop pads and clean shower facilities, while Basswood provides lake access where dogs can cool off during summer months. Campsites remain exceptionally clean at these locations, with park hosts regularly checking in with pet owners to ensure compliance with pet policies.
Hiking trails throughout these campgrounds provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with Weston Bend offering scenic overlook trails and paths leading down to the river where leashed pets can explore. During summer months when temperatures reach 90-100 degrees, shaded campsites become essential for preventing pet overheating, and early morning or evening walks are recommended. Both campgrounds maintain quiet hours that apply to barking dogs. Nearby towns provide emergency veterinary services, with Weston's historic downtown just minutes away offering pet-friendly outdoor dining options. The campgrounds' proximity to Kansas City (approximately 20 miles) makes these locations convenient weekend getaways for urban dog owners seeking nature without lengthy travel. Campground sites typically cost $15-25 per night depending on hookup options, with no additional pet fees mentioned at state park locations.