Camping around Smithville Lake offers access to over 7,200 acres of water and 175 miles of shoreline at an elevation of 876 feet. The region features humid continental climate with hot summers reaching 90°F and cold winters, making April through October the prime camping season. Multiple Corps of Engineers campgrounds provide electric hookups, while more rustic options are available for those seeking quieter experiences.
What to Do
Hiking and biking trails: The paved trail system at Weston Bend State Park Campground provides multiple routes for outdoor recreation. "Weston Bend has an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail! We greatly enjoyed our visit and can't wait to go again!" notes camper Danielle H.
Boating on Smithville Lake: Launch from multiple points around the lake, with Camp Branch Campground offering convenient water access. "The lake is big with a sand beach for the kiddos. We enjoyed all the covers on the lake so we could anchor out and swim!" reports Caitlin R.
Fishing opportunities: Fish for crappie, bass, and catfish at multiple spots around the shoreline. One camper at Camp Branch mentioned, "Beautiful Lake with some great Campsites... Great fishing, hiking, and 18 hole golf course close by."
Historical exploration: Tour the Woolen Mill at Watkins Mill State Park to learn about 19th-century textile production. According to Josh P., "If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool."
What Campers Like
Spacious, shaded campsites: Crow's Creek Campground offers sites with good separation and mature trees. Julie B. shares, "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 lots of grassy space around us to set up and play yard games."
Clean facilities: Watkins Mill State Park Campground maintains well-kept shower houses and restrooms. Anita M. reports, "Clean facilities include plenty of stalls and sinks, separate showers and laundry. Well lit and accessible."
Proximity to Kansas City: Located just 30 minutes north of Kansas City, these campgrounds offer a quick escape from urban life. "This is a very clean campground close to many Kansas City attractions," notes Renee H. about Weston Bend State Park Campground. "Majority of sites had shade. Most sites are back in, there are 2 pull through sites and 2 family sites."
Full hookup options: Some campgrounds offer complete utility connections. One camper noted about Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping, "This is full hook up. They have both 30 and 50 amp. Close to 169 hwy. Perfect for families with young children."
What You Should Know
Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Blair D. notes that Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping is open "April 15 to October 15," which matches its official season listing.
Train noise: Some nearby glamping options experience railroad disruptions. At Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA, LauraJane B. warns, "This is a lovely campsite but we'll sadly never stay here again - because trains passed by really loudly all night long - it finally stopped at about 5am."
Varied levels of privacy: Crow's Creek Campground offers different experiences depending on the loop. Sayler O. explains, "The campground is huge, with several loops and tons of sites. The RV loops were packed and felt really crowded, while the tent site loops were almost empty during our July visit."
Weather considerations: Late season camping requires preparation. One visitor mentioned, "We stayed in October and due to unseasonably cold weather they shut off water with no notice and halfway through our stay."
Tips for Camping with Families
Child-friendly areas: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," explains Brittnie T. about Crow's Creek Park.
Choose off-peak times for quieter experiences: Robin R. advises, "We have stayed in this campground too many times to count. We love it when it is still kind of off season like Easter weekend and after labor day. We have small children and it can get pretty rowdy during the summer."
Consider glamping in Smithville, Missouri for easier family trips: Several campgrounds offer more comfortable accommodations for families new to outdoor experiences. "These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake!" says Steven N. about the glamping-friendly sites at Smith's Fork.
Pack for lake activities: Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park provides water recreation options close to campsites. One visitor noted, "The staff of this park were just as fun as our stay! Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose carefully based on your specific needs. Julie B. recommends, "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."
Leveling preparation: Bring adequate blocking material. One camper reported, "Some downfalls were our spot was 13" unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out."
Hookup locations vary: Be prepared for unusual utility placements at some campgrounds. Roy T. from Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA noted, "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."
Advance reservations recommended: Popular glamping options around Smithville fill quickly during peak season. According to Don M., "We don't stray very far from the KC Metro (50 mile radius). Of everywhere Smith's Fork is the only one (so far) that offers Electric (30 & 50 amp), Water (2) and Sewer at every campsite."
