Kelsey Short Youth Camp

For organizations and groups in Missouri seeking a dedicated and spacious outdoor setting for youth camps, scout retreats, or large gatherings, Kelsey Short Youth Camp at Smithville Lake presents a compelling option. This campground, known for hosting events like the popular Lilies War, offers a unique environment tailored to group activities, balancing rustic charm with essential amenities. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Kelsey Short Youth Camp, highlighting its suitability for local users in the Missouri region looking for a structured yet natural camping experience.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp is managed by Clay County Parks, Recreation, & Historic Sites, indicating a public commitment to providing recreational opportunities. It is specifically designed as a "Youth Group Camp," offering designated areas (Area 2, 3, & 4) that can accommodate multiple people, making it ideal for organized groups rather than individual family camping. This focus ensures that the facilities and spaces are geared towards larger gatherings, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences.

While some reviews mention aspects like dry grass in certain seasons, the overall sentiment points to a "well maintained" site that is "comfortable and seemed to be taken care of." The presence of showers and a "large canopy" are frequently highlighted as valuable amenities, providing comfort and shelter for campers. The campground's ability to host significant annual events like Lilies War further attests to its capacity and suitability for large-scale, themed gatherings, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond for immersive experiences like medieval re-enactments.

It's important for prospective users to understand that while it offers a natural setting, it is built for group functionality. This overview will delve into its location, specific services, unique features, and how local groups can utilize this valuable resource for their outdoor programming in Missouri.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp is strategically located at 17980 Collins Rd, Smithville, MO 64089, USA. This address places the campground directly within the natural beauty of Smithville Lake, a prominent recreational area managed by Clay County Parks, Recreation, & Historic Sites. Smithville is a city in Clay and Platte counties, just north of Kansas City, making the campground highly accessible for groups from the greater Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond.

The proximity to Smithville Lake is a major draw, offering a wide array of water-based activities and scenic views. The camp's various areas (Area 2, 3, & 4) are designed to provide different camping experiences, with Area 2 being "closest to the beach on the south side of Kelsey Short with good access to the lake." This direct access to the lake enhances the camping experience with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, depending on specific lake regulations and camp rules.

Accessibility to Kelsey Short Youth Camp is excellent due to its location within a reasonable driving distance from major highways that serve the Kansas City area. This ease of access is crucial for groups traveling with multiple vehicles and equipment. Despite its natural setting, the camp is not isolated from essential urban conveniences. Smithville offers local shops, restaurants, and basic services, while the extensive amenities of Kansas City are just a short drive away. This blend of natural immersion and convenient access makes Kelsey Short Youth Camp an ideal location for group camping, allowing organizations to provide an engaging outdoor experience without sacrificing accessibility to necessary resources.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp is equipped with a range of services and facilities specifically designed to support youth groups and large gatherings, ensuring a comfortable and functional outdoor experience.

• Designated Group Camping Areas: The campground is divided into distinct areas (Area 2, 3, and 4), each configured to accommodate groups. For instance, Area 2 is described as an "immaculate, expansive open space" suitable for a range of outdoor activities and offers capacity for approximately 20 people per area, with additional fees for more. This structured approach helps groups manage their space effectively.
• Sheltered Picnic Areas: Each area features a "shelter located 75-100 yards from the parking area with six picnic tables and one or two ground grills." These large canopies and picnic areas provide essential communal spaces for meals, activities, and protection from the elements, as highlighted by a reviewer who noted the "large canopy was nice."
• Restroom Facilities with Showers: The camp offers bathroom facilities, and reviews confirm the presence of showers. While one review mentioned showers were "a bit rough (not on the RV side)" but had "good water," another praised them as being "clean and well-kept." The availability of showers is a significant convenience for campers, especially for extended stays or after active outdoor pursuits. Pit latrines are also nearby in certain areas.
• Water Access: A "reliable water source" and "water faucets" are readily available within each camp area, providing essential potable water for campers.
• Waste Management: "Trash barrels are provided throughout the area," ensuring proper waste disposal and helping to maintain the cleanliness of the campsite.
• Lake Access: Being situated at Smithville Lake, the camp offers direct or very good access to the lake, which implies opportunities for water activities, though specific organized services (like boat rentals) are typically managed by the wider Smithville Lake park system rather than the youth camp itself.
• Nature Center Access: The Nature Center at Smithville Lake is located within the Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp, offering educational opportunities focused on Missouri's native environment and wildlife. This provides a valuable resource for interpretive programs and learning experiences for youth groups.

These services collectively support the camp's mission to provide a robust and accommodating environment for large groups and youth organizations.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp, located at Smithville Lake, offers several notable features and highlights that make it particularly appealing for groups seeking outdoor experiences in Missouri.

• Dedicated Group Camping Areas: The campground is specifically designed with "Youth Group Camp" areas (Area 2, 3, and 4), each featuring ample open space, shelters, picnic tables, and grills. This dedicated setup is ideal for accommodating large numbers of participants, such as scout troops, church groups, or school outings, ensuring space for various activities and communal gathering.
• Proximity to Smithville Lake: A significant highlight is the camp's direct access to Smithville Lake. Area 2, for instance, is noted for its "good access to the lake," providing opportunities for water-based recreation, scenic views, and an enhanced outdoor experience that leverages the natural beauty of the reservoir.
• Essential Amenities for Comfort: The presence of showers and bathroom facilities is a key feature, contributing significantly to camper comfort. While one review described showers as "a bit rough," another noted "clean bathrooms" and consistent warm water, suggesting improvements or well-maintained facilities in certain areas. The availability of a "large canopy" also stands out, offering crucial shade and shelter for group activities regardless of weather.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Despite some comments about dry grass (which can be seasonal), the overall impression from reviews is of a "well maintained" and "taken care of" site. This attention to upkeep ensures a pleasant and functional environment for campers.
• Host of Major Events: The camp's capacity to host significant annual events like "Lilies War" (a large medieval re-enactment) underscores its suitability for large-scale, complex gatherings. This demonstrates its robust infrastructure and ability to manage a high volume of visitors and diverse activities.
• Nature Center On-Site: The Smithville Lake Nature Center is located within the Kelsey Short Youth Camp area. This provides an excellent educational resource for groups, offering exhibits and programs about local wildlife and the environment, enriching the camping experience beyond just outdoor recreation.

These features collectively make Kelsey Short Youth Camp a practical, accommodating, and engaging destination for youth and other large groups seeking outdoor adventures in Missouri.

Based on the provided information and public data for Kelsey Short Youth Camp, there are no explicit "promotions or special offers" advertised in the traditional sense, such as discounted rates for off-peak seasons or loyalty programs. As a facility managed by Clay County Parks, Recreation, & Historic Sites, its pricing structure is typically set and publicly available.

However, the camp's pricing model itself can be seen as a form of "offer" for groups:

• Group-Oriented Pricing: The fee structure for Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp is $75 per area, with a note stating, "A maximum of 20 people per area. Each additional person over 20 is $3.75 per person." This group-centric pricing can be very cost-effective for larger organizations, as the per-person cost decreases significantly with more participants utilizing the same reserved area. This structured pricing is designed to encourage and accommodate large gatherings.
• Value for Youth Organizations: For non-profit youth organizations, scout groups, and similar entities, the affordable group rate provides significant value, making outdoor programming financially feasible. While not a "discount," it's an inherent benefit of the camp's operational model.

For those considering Kelsey Short Youth Camp, the best approach to understand specific costs and potential savings would be to:

• Visit the Clay County Parks & Recreation website for their official fee schedule and reservation guidelines.
• Contact the Parks & Recreation department directly via phone at (816) 407-3400 to discuss your group's specific needs, dates, and to confirm current pricing for the desired area. They can also clarify any reservation processes or availability for specific dates.

While you may not find coupon codes or temporary sales, the inherent design of Kelsey Short Youth Camp's pricing for groups provides a practical and cost-effective solution for organizing large outdoor events.

For organizations and groups in Missouri interested in reserving space or learning more about Kelsey Short Youth Camp, direct contact with Clay County Parks, Recreation, & Historic Sites is the most effective way to obtain information and make arrangements.

Address: Kelsey Short Youth Camp, 17980 Collins Rd, Smithville, MO 64089, USA

Please note the address provided initially had a slight discrepancy in the zip code for Smithville, MO; the correct zip code for this area is 64089.

Phone: (816) 407-3400

Mobile Phone: +1 816-407-3400 (This is the same number, often listed as a main contact for the Parks & Recreation department).

It is highly recommended to call during business hours to speak with a representative who can assist with:

• Checking availability for specific dates and camp areas.
• Clarifying reservation procedures and requirements for youth groups.
• Providing detailed information on facilities, amenities, and rules.
• Discussing the current fee structure and any specific arrangements for large groups.

The Clay County Parks & Recreation office is the primary point of contact for Kelsey Short Youth Camp.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp at Smithville Lake stands out as an exceptionally suitable outdoor destination for local groups and organizations across Missouri, particularly those focused on youth development, education, and community engagement. Its design and operational model cater directly to the needs of larger gatherings, making it a valuable resource for the state.

For Missouri-based scout troops, school groups, church youth programs, or even large family reunions, the camp's dedicated group areas (Area 2, 3, & 4) offer ample space, pre-existing shelters, and picnic facilities. This eliminates much of the logistical challenge often associated with organizing large outdoor events, providing a ready-made infrastructure for activities, meals, and communal bonding. The availability of showers and well-maintained bathrooms, while rustic, adds a crucial level of comfort that enhances the overall camping experience for participants.

Its location at Smithville Lake is a significant draw, offering Missourians direct access to a beloved recreational area. This provides diverse opportunities for outdoor education and recreation, from lakeside activities like swimming and fishing to exploring nature trails. The presence of the Smithville Lake Nature Center within the camp's vicinity further enriches the educational potential for youth groups, allowing them to connect with Missouri's natural environment.

The camp's proven track record of successfully hosting major events like Lilies War demonstrates its capacity and resilience for large-scale, multi-day gatherings. This reliability makes it a trusted choice for event organizers. Furthermore, the transparent and group-friendly pricing structure ensures that quality outdoor programming remains accessible and affordable for local organizations, maximizing their budget while delivering impactful experiences. Kelsey Short Youth Camp is truly a foundational asset for nurturing outdoor appreciation and community spirit among Missouri's youth and other groups.