Smithville Lake Campground

For outdoor enthusiasts and families across Missouri, Smithville Lake Campground represents a true gem among the state's natural attractions. More than just a single camping area, Smithville Lake is home to a collection of well-maintained campgrounds, including popular choices like Camp Branch, Crow's Creek, and Smith's Fork, all designed to offer a diverse and enriching outdoor experience. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent under a canopy of trees, set up your RV with full hookups, or even bring your horse along for an equestrian adventure, Smithville Lake Campground provides ample opportunities to connect with nature without venturing too far from home.

Managed by Clay County Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites, these campgrounds are meticulously cared for, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay for all visitors. The overarching theme across Smithville Lake's camping offerings is convenience blended with natural beauty. You’ll find sites that cater to various preferences, from primitive tent sites for the minimalist camper to spacious RV sites equipped with modern hookups. The goal is simple: to make enjoying the great outdoors accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

What truly sets Smithville Lake Campground apart is its seamless integration with the expansive Smithville Lake itself. This substantial body of water is a hub for recreation, and campers here have unparalleled access to its many offerings. From fishing and boating to swimming and exploring miles of trails, the campground acts as your perfect basecamp for adventure. It’s a place where you can create lasting memories, whether it’s through a simple campfire under the stars or an action-packed day on the lake, making it an ideal choice for local Missouri families and individuals seeking a genuine outdoor escape.

Smithville Lake Campground, located in Smithville, MO 64089, USA, is a sprawling recreational area that encompasses multiple distinct camping zones, including Camp Branch, Crow's Creek, and Smith's Fork campgrounds. This strategic placement in Smithville, a charming community in Clay County, ensures easy access for residents across Missouri, particularly those in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The entire Smithville Lake complex is readily accessible via well-maintained state highways and local roads, making the journey to your campsite smooth and stress-free. Whether you're towing a large RV or driving a family car packed with camping gear, the routes are designed to accommodate various vehicle types. This ease of access is a significant advantage for locals, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or planned longer vacations without the burden of extensive travel.

Beyond the simple act of getting there, the location offers incredible proximity to the main attraction: Smithville Lake. This means that from your campsite, you're often just minutes away from boat ramps, fishing spots, swimming beaches, and extensive trail systems for hiking, biking, and even equestrian use. The surrounding natural beauty of Clay County, with its rolling hills and wooded areas, further enhances the appeal of the location, providing a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Furthermore, the town of Smithville itself is close by, offering essential amenities such as grocery stores, gas stations, and local eateries. This convenient access to supplies ensures that campers have everything they need to make their stay comfortable and enjoyable, bridging the gap between rustic outdoor living and modern conveniences.

Smithville Lake Campground, through its various sections like Camp Branch, Crow's Creek, and Smith's Fork, provides a comprehensive array of services designed to make your camping experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. These services cater to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts:

• Diverse Campsite Types: Offering a range of sites from primitive (unimproved) for traditional tent camping, to electric hookup sites (50 amp available), and full water and electric hookup sites, accommodating various camping preferences and RV sizes. Smith's Fork Campground specifically offers electric, water, and sewer hookups at all its sites.
• Clean Restrooms and Shower Facilities: Well-maintained and conveniently located shower houses and restrooms are available in all campgrounds, providing essential comfort and hygiene for all campers.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings with Grills: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring with a grill grate, perfect for campfires and cooking under the stars.
• Playgrounds: Centrally located playgrounds within the campgrounds ensure that families with children have a dedicated space for kids to play safely.
• On-Site Camp Hosts: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are typically on duty to assist campers, answer questions, and ensure a smooth experience.
• Firewood and Ice Sales: For added convenience, firewood and bagged ice are often available for purchase directly at the camp host booths.
• Dump Stations: Dedicated dump stations are located at the entrance of each campground, providing a convenient service for RVs to dispose of wastewater.
• Laundry Facilities: Crow's Creek Campground, and potentially other sections like Smith's Fork, offer laundry facilities, which are a significant amenity, especially for longer stays.
• Accessible Sites: Handicap accessible campsites are available for campers with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and comfort.

Smithville Lake Campground distinguishes itself with a variety of features and highlights that contribute to its popularity among Missouri campers:

• Expansive Recreational Opportunities: The primary highlight is the unparalleled access to Smithville Lake, offering excellent fishing (stocked with various species including bass, crappie, and catfish), boating (with nearby marinas for rentals and supplies), and two public swimming beaches (Camp Branch and Little Platte Park).
• Extensive Trail System: Over 24 miles of trails cater to hikers, bikers, and even equestrians. These include paved trails for easy walking and biking, and dedicated mountain biking and equestrian trails through diverse terrain.
• Variety of Camping Experiences: With Camp Branch, Crow's Creek, and Smith's Fork, the campground offers diverse environments. Camp Branch and Crow's Creek feature many sites along the shoreline, while Smith's Fork is nestled among tall trees with full hookups. Crow's Creek even has a special loop (Loop A) designated for equestrian campers.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Beyond playgrounds, the overall atmosphere is welcoming to families, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children and adults alike.
• Well-Maintained Grounds and Facilities: Consistently praised in reviews, the cleanliness and upkeep of the campgrounds and facilities, including restrooms and showers, enhance the comfort of every stay.
• Shade and Natural Beauty: Many sites offer significant natural shade from mature trees, providing a comfortable retreat from the sun. The picturesque wooded and lakeside settings are a significant draw.
• Disc Golf Courses: Camp Branch Campground features a 9-hole disc golf course, adding another recreational option for campers.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: While offering a natural escape, the campgrounds are still a short drive from Smithville's amenities, and within reasonable reach of Kansas City's broader attractions.

While specific flash promotions or seasonal discounts are not widely advertised for Smithville Lake Campground (managed by Clay County Parks), the pricing structure inherently offers value, particularly for longer stays. Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Tiered Daily Rates: The campgrounds offer different nightly rates based on the type of site – unimproved, electric-only, and electric/water hookups. This allows campers to choose a site that best fits their budget and needs. For instance, unimproved sites are typically the most economical option.
• Double Site Discount: Clay County Parks offers a 10% discount on the entire stay for Electric/Water Double Sites, provided both shared driveway sites are purchased. This is a great deal for families or groups camping together.
• No Explicit Long-Term Discounts: While monthly or seasonal discounts aren't explicitly published, the daily rates are competitive for the quality of facilities and access to amenities provided. For extended stays, it's always advisable to contact the parks office directly to inquire about any potential long-term arrangements or specific pricing structures.
• Reservation Fees: A small, non-refundable reservation fee typically applies per site per reservation.
• Cancellation/Change Fees: Standard fees may apply for changes or cancellations to reservations. It is always recommended to review the Clay County Parks & Recreation reservation guidelines for the most current policy.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, availability, or any unadvertised specials, it is always best to contact the Clay County Parks Office directly using the contact information below. They can provide detailed pricing and help you secure the best option for your visit.

To learn more or to make a reservation at Smithville Lake Campground (including Camp Branch, Crow's Creek, and Smith's Fork), here's how you can get in touch:

• Address: Smithville, MO 64089, USA (This is the general area; specific campground entrances are well-marked.)
• Clay County Parks Office Phone (for reservations and general inquiries for Camp Branch and Crow's Creek): (816) 407-3400
• Smith's Fork Campground Phone (managed by City of Smithville): (816) 532-1028

It's highly recommended to call the appropriate parks office to confirm availability and make reservations, especially during peak season or holidays, to ensure you secure your preferred campsite.

For Missouri locals, Smithville Lake Campground truly embodies the ideal outdoor escape, offering a diverse and accessible camping experience right in their backyard. Its suitability stems from several key factors, making it a recurring favorite for families, friends, and solo adventurers across the state.

Firstly, the sheer variety of camping options – from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, and even equestrian camping – means there’s something for everyone, regardless of their camping style or equipment. This caters to a broad local audience, from those seeking a rustic, back-to-basics experience to those who prefer the comforts of home on wheels. The consistent praise for clean restrooms and showers across the campgrounds highlights a commitment to guest comfort, which is a significant draw for any camper.

Secondly, the unparalleled access to Smithville Lake itself transforms a simple camping trip into a full-fledged recreational vacation. Local families can spend days fishing, boating, swimming at the beaches, or exploring the extensive network of hiking and biking trails. This abundance of activities means you never have to leave the park to find something fun to do, saving on travel time and expenses. It’s a perfect spot for quick weekend getaways or longer, more immersive stays, allowing Missourians to truly disconnect and recharge in nature's embrace.

Finally, the convenient location near Smithville, with easy access from major population centers like Kansas City, eliminates the hassle of long drives, making it a stress-free option for spontaneous trips. Smithville Lake Campground isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch your tent; it’s a vibrant hub of outdoor activity and natural beauty, perfectly suited for Missourians looking to create lasting memories in the great outdoors, right here in their own state.