Camping spots near Weston, Missouri include a mix of lakeside and woodland options within 30 miles of town. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90-100°F range with high humidity, particularly through July and August, while spring brings cooler weather with more rainfall. Most campgrounds maintain standard quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., with noise restrictions strictly enforced during weekends when sites reach capacity.
What to do
Hiking and trail use: At Weston Bend State Park Campground, several hiking trails wind through mature forests. Campers note the well-maintained system provides both challenging and easy options. "Weston Bend State Park 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," according to Danielle H.
Fishing opportunities: Basswood Country RV Resort maintains five small lakes stocked with fish that don't require a state fishing license to use. The lakes provide consistent catches for beginners and experienced anglers alike. "You could fish in the lakes and didn't even need a license. We watched kids get excited as they caught fish after fish," Shannon G. observed during her visit.
Water recreation: At Crow's Creek Campground, visitors have direct access to Smithville Lake with swimming areas and boat launches. The campground features paved roads and trails ideal for bikes and scooters. Brittnie T. noted, "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, particularly the bathrooms and shower houses. "Bathrooms have AC and are cleaned with disinfectant daily. Very clean campground and has a playground. Pet friendly," reports Sabrina E. The campground also enforces daily cleaning protocols that exceed most neighboring facilities.
Privacy options: While many campgrounds in the area feature closely spaced sites, campers consistently recommend specific site numbers for more seclusion. Barbie G. shares about Weston Bend: "This was our 2nd stay at Weston Bend SP. Both times, we had site 26, one of the few basic sites. While some of the other sites were very close to each other, this one is relatively isolated. It's big too."
Riverside camping: For waterfront views, Riverfront Park Campground in Leavenworth offers direct Missouri River access with level sites. "Although the camping spots are very close together, it was very quiet and we still had plenty of space. The lakeside spots are definitely the way to go at this campground, bathrooms were very clean aswell," according to Marco Antonio B.
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Some campgrounds near the Missouri River experience railroad noise that can affect light sleepers. At Riverfront Park Campground, Jillian B. warns: "You have to cross train tracks to get there and the campsites are right next to it. The train came through 3 times through the night and 5 more times while making breakfast."
Airport proximity: Several camping areas north of Kansas City sit under flight paths for the Kansas City International Airport. Dave M. notes about Basswood Country RV Resort: "Nice accommodations from camping spots, motel rooms, cabins and houses. Well ran. Golf carts, a pool, activities for the kids. Only drawback is the airplanes overhead going to and from the airport."
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill completely on summer weekends, particularly at Smith's Fork Recreation Area. Weekday availability improves dramatically with Sunday through Thursday offering the best options for last-minute trips. Lawrence W. advises: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Basswood Country RV Resort schedules regular weekend events for children. "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," reports Tori G.
Playground proximity: At Crow's Creek Campground, certain loops provide better playground access. Families with young children should request sites in the main campground area where playground visibility is best. Travis C. notes: "Our visit was perfect. It was quite and clean. Not very many campers when we went. Plenty of firewood to forage out of the timber line."
Consider noise levels: Camp Branch Campground offers a quieter alternative to other Smithville Lake options. Robin R. explains: "We 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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area feature sloped sites requiring significant leveling equipment. At Smithville Lake, Caitlin R. cautions: "Some downfalls were our spot was 13" unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out."
Full hookup options: Smith's Fork Recreation Area provides the most comprehensive hookups in the region, with electricity, water and sewer at each site. "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. At just $30 per day it is a steal!" according to Don M.
Pad surface variations: Most campgrounds feature asphalt or concrete pads, though size and quality vary. At Weston Bend, Roger W. reports: "Pad surface: Blacktop. Rig Size: large rigs. Sites: #3 and #26 are non-electric. #26 is the most private."
