Smithville RV camping offers convenient access to Kansas City attractions while maintaining a quieter countryside setting. The area sits at approximately 870 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and moderately cold winters. Most campgrounds within 30 miles of Smithville maintain gravel or concrete pads with varying degrees of shade coverage.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Basswood Country RV Resort, you can fish in five small lakes without requiring a license. "You could fish in the lakes and didn't even need a license. We watched kids get excited as they caught fish after fish," noted Shannon G.
Amusement parks: Worlds of Fun Village provides direct access to adjacent theme parks. "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 John L.
Historic sites: Independence offers multiple historical attractions near Campus RV Park. "Independence has some cool stuff to check out and has a very midwestern, small-town feel to it. The Truman Library, the Community of Christ Church, the downtown theater and court house are all interesting and worth a look," writes Shari G.
What campers like
Fireworks viewing: Some RV sites at Worlds of Fun Village offer special views. "Kids loved the fireworks at Worlds of Fun in the evenings, and could be seen from our pad. Check-in was easy, and store was stocked with plenty of essentials," according to Scott C.
Recreational facilities: A Country Charm RV Park offers proximity to town amenities. "City pool and playground across the street. Only stayed one night so didn't get a chance to try those," Mary D. reported about this small Hamilton park.
Campground activities: Basswood Country RV Resort organizes regular weekend events. "Every weekend there are organized activities such as arts and crafts, fishing contests, duck races and frozen t-shirt contests in the pool, and a Saturday evening outdoor movie," Tori G. shared.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railway disruptions. "Only issue was trains blowing their horns during the night," noted Carolyn M. about Campus RV Park in Independence.
Airport proximity: Owl Creek Market and RV Park offers convenient highway access but with associated noise. "It is right off I-70 and you hear the road noise but for a one night traveling site it was nice. For an extended camping site...not our style," explained Jan S.
Site spacing: Many parks feature close site arrangements. "The sites were very small and close. Our site was not very level. Hookups were fine and worked well," Charles F. observed at Stadium RV Park in Independence.
Long-term residents: Several campgrounds have sections dedicated to extended-stay campers. "Prospective visitors should know that there is a large section of long term renters that you must drive through to get to the short term sites. This gave the impression that this was less a vacation park and more of a trailer park," Drew S. reported about Basswood Country RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds offer swimming options for kids during summer months. "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," Jennifer H. shared about Worlds of Fun Village.
Playground access: Walnut Grove RV Park provides limited on-site recreation. "There is a small area for dogs to run around in, while I wouldn't consider it a true 'dog park', it still was nice to have a designated area to take your dog," notes Jayme J.
Bathroom facilities: Family-friendly washrooms are available at certain parks. "Bathrooms were top-notch. Every campground should have the same set up. Handicap accessible, all in one in same room. So great if you have kids or someone with a disability," Mary D. mentioned about A Country Charm RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For optimal comfort at Worlds of Fun Village, choose strategic locations. "Row 1 (sites 1-20) is along a busy highway with semi truck noise 24 hours a day. I recommend either paying more for the pull-through (further from the road) or the back in sites 69-82 in row 3," advises John L.
Hookup locations: Plan for utility connections when parking. "The utilities are at the far backside of the pad and based on our rig's configuration with the wet bay towards the front, we needed 25' or more of hose and electric cord," explains MickandKarla W. about one Love's RV Hookup location.
Premium sites: At Walnut Grove RV Park, spending more for premium spots provides worthwhile benefits. "I would recommend staying at the premium pull through sites the other back-in sites are rather small. The Wi-Fi is working well as I am working online from this location," Bob M. recommended.
