This article about Smithville Lake camping is brought to you by NCamp. Their collection of camp kitchen equipment will help you best enjoy your time at Smithville Lake.
Located just north of Kansas City, Smithville Lake is an idyllic spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts who love to relax in the summer and fall. Due to its location close to the Kansas-Missouri border, this spot is ideal for campers from both Kansas and Missouri.
There are plenty of family-friendly and laid-back campsites near Smithville Lake to explore. For your next camping trip near Kansas City, consider these top 8 Smithville Lake camping spots.
The Best Smithville Lake Camping Sites
1. Basswood Country RV Resort
Image from The Dyrt camper Jennifer G.
Located in Platte City, Missouri, Basswood Country RV Resort boasts an outdoor theater, a lovely walking trail, and a playground for the kiddos. If it’s family-friendly activities you want, this campsite has it all. From themed weekend activities to a pizza shack, live entertainment, and a swimming pool, you and your loved ones will create memories to last a lifetime. Basswood provides hookups for electric, water, and sewer, as well as Wi-Fi for your RV trip.
“This campground is a must for anyone with children. Awesome sites with full hookups. They have several ponds you can fish from. My kids love that. Nice play area for kids as well as themed weekends with lots of activities planned that kids can do. Little pricey for camping but definitely worth it.” – Robin R.
Campground Details:
- Price: $56-59
- Number of sites: 159
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Crow’s Creek Campground
Located near Smithville Lake, Crow’s Creek Campground is part of the Clay County Parks and Recreation campgrounds. This site is particularly friendly to equestrian campers, so bring your horse along for the trip. Camp along the lake’s shoreline, or bring your tent or RV and set up further inland. There is firewood and ice available, and each site is equipped with a picnic table and grill. With 415 sites, this is a popular area for campers, so be ready to mingle on your trip.
“Great weekend, crazy storms at night and gorgeous water during the day. Sites are large and mowed.” – Jason C.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-40
- Number of sites: 415
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Green Acres at Red Brick Farmhouse
Image from The Dyrt camper Brent S.
If you are looking for small and quiet, Green Acres at Red Brick Farmhouse is your perfect camping spot. The best part of Green Acres is the peace and quiet it offers you and your family. Walk along the nearby country roads or relax under the trees. You can also explore the neighboring wineries or take a drive on the Old Trails Scenic Byway to relax and unwind. If you feel like trying some Kansas City BBQ, the owners also have a restaurant nearby where you and your family can dine.
“The best place we stayed on our East to West Coast trip by far. Quiet, exceptionally clean, well maintained. Outstanding hosts and they even own a great local BBQ restaurant! We will stay there again on the return trip.” – Joe A.
Campground Details:
- Price: $36-169
- Number of sites: 6
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
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4. Watkins Mill
Watkins Mill is a sizable campground in Clay County. The family campsites offer 2 camping pads,2 tables, and grills for your convenience. Nearby is the Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, a 19th Century home and mill that allows you and your family to step back in time. Explore this unique heritage site, including its antique machinery and beautiful pastoral grounds.
“Stayed here for three nights. All spots have plenty of shade when we walked around. Shower house and bathrooms were clean and nice. Lots of things to do, such as boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. Fire pits were even nice with an attached grill grate.” – Lance F.
Campground Details:
- Price: $17-50
- Number of sites: 96
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Fleming Park/Blue Springs Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Chris W.
This campground, also called Blue Springs Lake Campground, is an excellent paddleboarding site for those who like to mingle. Located about 20 minutes from Kansas City, this campsite is perfect for summer weekend camping.
The lake allows campers to go boating or fishing, and the nearby walking trails are great for hikers of all ages and levels. Equipped with bathrooms, hookups, and laundry rooms, this is a lovely spot to visit for a short summer trip.
“Camped here over the weekend, when arrived the staff was very friendly with everything, the site we had didn’t have shade and most sites had full hook-ups. The campground was nice and clean with friendly campers next to us.” – DAngelo W.
Campground Details:
- Price: $26-50
- Number of sites: 82
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Smith’s Fork Campground
Located near Smithville Lake, Smith’s Fork Campground is a fun, family-friendly site that you can head to for your summer camping adventure. Partake in your choice of hiking, fishing, or boating in the lake and nature areas nearby, or take the kids to Smith’s Fork Park, where you’ll find a small playground. This site also has electric, water, and sewer hookups plus showers and restrooms on-site.
“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.” – Lawrence W.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35
- Number of sites: 82
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Weston Bend State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Leni K.
Weston Bend State Park is a lovely little campground located within the park’s 1,133 acres of forested area. If you visit in the fall, make sure to walk along the trails that lead to the overlook, a wooden structure that offers a spectacular view of the Missouri River. During the day, visit nearby historic Leavenworth, the first city of Kansas, then return to your campsite in the evening to relax and cook some s’mores.
“It is a smaller park than some however, that is part of its charm! Doesn’t seem overcrowded at all. 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!” – Danielle H.
- Price: $23-35
- Number of sites: 37
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
8. Lake Jacomo – Fleming Park
The Lake Jacomo – Fleming Park campsites are located in Lees Summit, MO, about 20 minutes east of Kansas City. The grounds offer spots for RV and tent camping, with a beautiful view of Lake Jacomo.
Guests can visit the nearby playground and walking trails or take a leisurely stroll around the water. Fishing and boating are also allowed, so bring your tackle box and fishing pole. The sites are close together, so this area is for those who like to be around other campers on their trip.
“This is a very clean campground. The staff is very nice and helpful. I will definitely come back.” – Darlene N.
Campground Details:
- Price: $26-37
- Number of sites: 60
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
These 8 campgrounds are only a few of the many options for Smithville Lake camping near Kansas City. Enjoy all the natural wonders that the Smithville Lake area offers when you visit one of these camping sites near Kansas City. For even more choices, check out The Dyrt’s full list of the best camping close to Smithville Lake.
