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Camp Branch Campground (Clay County Park)
Overview
Camp Branch Campground offers a classic Missouri outdoor experience situated along the shores of the expansive Smithville Lake. Managed by Clay County Parks, this facility provides a mix of convenience and natural beauty, making it a staple for regional travelers. It features over 400 campsites, primarily catering to those seeking a balance between modern electric hookups and the traditional atmosphere of a public recreation area. The park serves as a gateway to water-based adventure while providing a serene environment for evening campfires and stargazing.
Location & Surroundings
The park is positioned on the eastern shore of the lake in Smithville, Missouri, just a short drive north of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The landscape is defined by rolling hills and dense woodlands that overlook the water. Because it is part of a larger 7,190-acre reservoir system, the surroundings feel vast and open, offering plenty of room to breathe while remaining accessible to urban conveniences and essential services in the nearby town of Smithville.
Amenities & Park Features
Travelers will find well-maintained facilities including several modern shower houses and laundry units spread across the various camping loops. While sites primarily offer 30 and 50-amp electrical service, convenient on-site dump stations are available for waste management. The park also features paved pads for many sites, fire rings, and picnic tables. The inclusion of playground areas and accessible water spigots throughout the grounds ensures a comfortable stay for those in larger motorhomes or travel trailers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy direct access to the Camp Branch Marina, which provides boat rentals, fueling services, and bait for anglers. The area is a hub for fishing and water sports, but it also boasts an extensive network of multi-use paved trails perfect for cycling or walking. Visitors often spend their afternoons at the nearby swimming beach or exploring the nearby Paradise Points Golf Courses for a change of pace from the campground setting.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for families and outdoor hobbyists who prioritize lake access and recreational variety over luxury resort amenities. It is a fantastic choice for those looking for a scenic weekend getaway near Kansas City without sacrificing the feeling of being deep in nature. If you enjoy fishing, boating, or biking, the park’s layout and location make it a premier choice for your next Missouri road trip adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
jessica myers
My family and I have camped here for many many years. We always loved it until this year. Our second time camping here this year. Both time has rude hateful and disrespectful campers. We always had great encounters with everyone we camp by other then this year. No patrolling like year prior. Had an issue with adults getting in my 11 years old face while the said adults older kid tried taking my kids bike. Our 2 neighboring camper left over the issue with these people. Good chance we may not camp here again.
Justin Lamb
Only open part of the year unlike crows creek. It's a great place way overpriced don't give the core your money stay at a state park. Half as much...
Justin Lamb
Expensive for primitive camping especially for all the open electric sites also those sites are 40 but you pay for a view here at this park. Good staff friendly and fairly secure. Good for kids get a electric site if you want distance or privacy and a view lots of places open to pick on electric sites . More of a camper if you don't. My opinion...
Paul Flanders
Glad they opened dock early for fishing
Jon Clemmons
Always a great spot to go enjoy a day at the lake 😎
Nathan swett
It's a nice area other than they charge you to get in there's either a guard on duty or you have to stop and pay at the honor box
Shamus OKingsley
We went out Friday to check on the boat and saw all these cool pelicans swimming around. Spring is here.
ryan heinlein
My family loves the water, and the scenery here is awesome! We are looking forward to getting a slip
Judy Johnson
Great place for fishermen and women. I birded there. Was surprised to see great blue herons and so many water fowl. Snows and blues were checking out open water. We had a shore lunch and continued birding. Lots of hawks and eagles. Very very well kept.
Michelle D
We were at campsite a71. This was a little too close to some of the smelly repository spaces, next to a moss covered pond. It worked out, because most people were closer to the lake, so we had more space to ourselves between occupied campsites. The flush toilets and sinks (with soap!) were old, and maybe not entirely perfectly cleaned, but they got the job done. The wind was coming from the south, so we were below the flight path which was a little louder than normal for my camping. Primitive camping is $22 and $6 for wood (5 smaller pieces) which is a little high for my taste.