Camping options near Plattsburg, Missouri extend beyond the town limits into surrounding Clay and Clinton counties, with sites positioned between 800-1100 feet in elevation throughout the region's rolling hills. Temperatures range from summer highs around 90°F to winter lows below freezing, making spring and fall particularly comfortable for tent campers. Most campgrounds in the region maintain gravel pads with moderate tree coverage that provides inconsistent shade, requiring campers to plan accordingly.
What to do
Hiking at Wallace State Park: Three distinct trail loops ranging from 0.8 to 3.5 miles with color-coded markers provide varied terrain for day hikers. "The trails around Wallace are fantastic. From a casual stroll around the lake to a more vigorous hike up the hill this park provides it all," notes one visitor at Wallace State Park Campground.
Paddling on Smithville Lake: Rentable kayaks and canoes available May-September ($15-25 per half day) with multiple access points around the 7,200-acre lake. "Great place to camp on Smithville Lake. Both RV Life Trip Wizard navigation and GPS took us to Campground Rd where there were signs to the camping area," reports a visitor to Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Year-round fishing with seasonal peaks for crappie (spring), catfish (summer), and bass (fall) at multiple conservation areas. "This is full hook up. They have both 30 and 50 amp. Close to 169 hwy. Perfect for families with young children. Smaller park, very friendly hosts," writes a reviewer about Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping.
Historical exploration: Fort Osage National Historic Landmark and Missouri Town located 35 minutes south of Plattsburg offer living history demonstrations. "Beautiful Lake, with fishing, and boating. There is a couple historic sites not far on the side of the lake, quick little drive," notes a camper about the broader region.
What campers like
Privacy and shade: Many sites feature natural barriers between camping areas. "The campsites are shaded and pretty secluded. Many have treeline surrounding so your site is closed off from others, ensuring some privacy," reports a visitor to Watkins Mill State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained shower houses with individual stalls and locking doors. "The shower house is new and they have a updated playground for the kids. Woodsy tent camping sites were spacious and private. Large camping pads are lined with wood chips and are comfortable enough to sleep on without an air mattress."
Free primitive camping options: Basic amenities without hookups at several conservation areas. "Bucolic setting on a lake. Pit toilet and not much else in amenities, but a VERY pleasant place to spend a night!" writes a camper about Pony Express Lake Conservation Area, which offers free sites with vault toilets.
Variety of water activities: Fishing, swimming, and boating access 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," states a visitor to Crow's Creek Campground.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area feature sloped sites requiring leveling blocks. "The site slopes to the passenger side and down hill to the road, so we used a few levelers. Many sites here are sloped. The premium cement pads seemed to be more level than gravel sites."
Seasonal availability: Several campgrounds operate with limited services from November through March. "Think if we visited during summer our experience would have been better. We stayed in October and due to unseasonably cold weather they shut off water with no notice and halfway through our stay."
Reservation windows: Most campgrounds open reservations 6 months in advance and fill quickly for summer weekends. "Talking to the ranger this park fills up quickly on the weekends so plan accordingly."
Swim beach limitations: Some lake swimming areas experience seasonal closures due to vegetation growth. "The swim beach has been closed because of excesive vegetation growth. The trail wraps the lake and connects to the edge of the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas for easier supervision. "We had a nice 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."
Weekend activities: Several parks offer organized events for children on summer weekends. "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."
Themed weekends: Holiday camping events include special programming. "Camp hosts Janet and Chris went above and beyond making Halloween perfect for our family. Been here several times and they are more than accommodating. Always a clean, safe and organized campground," writes a visitor to Weston Bend State Park Campground.
Lake swimming areas: Designated swimming zones with gradually sloping sandy bottoms ideal for younger children. "You can camp in one of several little inlets and nooks. It's a Fish & Game preserve with camping and fishing spots all around the lake. Many with picnic tables and most with vault toilets."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: End sites generally offer more space and better angles for backing in larger rigs. "We switched from site 46 to site 53 as it was far more level and fairly private since it abutted woods. Campground host was really friendly in greeting us and accommodating our request to change sites."
Water access planning: Some campgrounds require filling tanks at central spigots rather than offering direct hookups. "This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank."
Dump station routing: Position larger rigs carefully when exiting. "As you exit the park, if you have a big rig, you'll want to stay to the left side of the dump station for a wider right turn out of the park."
Overnight convenience options: Full hookup sites available for interstate travelers. "Conveniently off I35. Perfect for a quick overnight stop on your journey! Located at Love's so most things you could need are available there, some amenities shown in the photos."
