Weston Bend State Park sits at 1,130 feet above sea level along the Missouri River bluffs, creating terrain with significant elevation changes for campers. The park remains open year-round, with campsites typically filling quickly on summer weekends between May and September. Temperature swings can be significant in spring and fall, with overnight lows sometimes dropping 30 degrees below daytime highs.
What to do
Trail hiking along river bluffs: The 3-mile Weston Bend Trail connects the campground to the Missouri River overlook, with several moderately challenging sections due to elevation changes. "This is a beautiful place close to town and wonder hiking trails," notes one visitor at Weston Bend State Park Campground.
Lake activities at Smithville: Just 20 minutes from Weston, Smithville Lake offers fishing, kayaking, and swimming options across multiple recreation areas. "The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake," explains a camper at Crow's Creek Campground.
Off-season camping: Winter camping provides a quieter experience with far fewer neighbors. "We were not impressed with this little state park. The trails were the best feature of this park. The campground was small and not very many campsites for tents," explains one camper, highlighting how the park feels different when less crowded.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Site #26 at Weston Bend gets mentioned repeatedly as having the best privacy. "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," notes a camper.
Clean shower facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain exceptionally clean bathhouses. "These are the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think Mabye ever. The camp hosts were super nice stop by to make sure that I was all set up and didn't need any help," writes a reviewer at Weston Bend State Park Campground.
Glamping options outside Weston: For those seeking luxury camping near Weston, Missouri, several options exist with varying amenities. "We camped in the Hobie Cove campground and the site itself was OK. Not a lot of choices for sites that are flat or offer a lot of shade," mentions a reviewer at Perry State Park Campground, where some glamping options are also available.
What you should know
Campsite spacing varies dramatically: Expect sites to be close together in most loops, with limited privacy between neighbors. "Weston Bend was everything I could hope for. The camp site were small and compact but it was nice," writes one camper who still enjoyed their experience despite the closeness.
Train noise at some locations: Some campgrounds have significant railroad noise throughout the night. "There was a train that comes by every couple of hours," notes a visitor at Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA, a concern for light sleepers considering glamping in the Weston, Missouri area.
Limited flat tent sites: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. "Not a great spot for tent camping. Ton of road noise and most grassy areas are sloped," explains a camper at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment within walking distance of campsites. "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," notes a family staying at Crow's Creek Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Some parks offer organized events specifically for children. "My kids love camping here, we came in an RV and we're barely ever inside it until we were ready to sleep. So much fun activities for the kids to do to keep them entertained and occupied," writes a parent who stayed at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas or beaches for safer water play. "We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake. We had lots of grassy space around us to set up and play yard games."
Tips from RVers
Utility access considerations: The campground renovations at Weston Bend are adding more full hookup sites. "As of early September 1/2 of the campground is closed for construction. I understand that some sites will be upgraded to full hookups," notes an RVer staying at the park.
Site levelness: Many sites require significant leveling for larger rigs. "We were supposed to camp at site 18, but it was not level and had tire ruts all the way to the back of the site," explains an RVer at Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA.
Overnight stopovers: For travelers passing through, some campgrounds offer convenient one-night stays. "We were traveling and was looking for an overnight stop. This was very easy off the interstate but once there you felt like you were miles out in the country," shares a visitor at AOK Campground & RV Park.
