Camp Branch Campground

Hello, fellow Missouri outdoor enthusiasts! Are you dreaming of a perfect camping getaway where shimmering lake views meet modern comforts, all within easy reach of urban conveniences? Look no further than Camp Branch Campground, a beloved destination nestled by the beautiful Smithville Lake in Smithville, Missouri. This isn't just a place to set up your tent or park your RV; it's a vibrant hub for recreation and relaxation, consistently praised by visitors for its scenic beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a quiet weekend escape, an active fishing trip, or hoping to catch an unforgettable fireworks display, Camp Branch Campground offers a truly exceptional experience right here in our Show-Me State.

The allure of Camp Branch Campground lies in its ability to cater to a diverse range of camping preferences while maintaining a high standard of quality. Imagine waking up to the gentle breeze off the lake, spending your days exploring miles of trails, enjoying water activities, or simply relaxing at your well-appointed site. Reviews consistently highlight its "lovely" setting and proximity to the lake, making it a prime choice for anyone who loves being by the water. While some wish for more mature trees, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, cementing its status as a top-tier camping destination for Missourians. It's a place where outdoor adventures and cherished memories are made, inviting you to discover the natural charm of Smithville Lake.

Camp Branch Campground is ideally located in Smithville, MO 64089, USA, placing it directly on the shores of the expansive Smithville Lake. This prime spot in Clay County offers unparalleled access to a wealth of water-based activities and stunning lakeside views. For residents across Missouri, particularly those in the Kansas City metropolitan area, Camp Branch Campground is an exceptionally convenient escape. The drive from downtown Kansas City is approximately 30 minutes, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway destination without a long, arduous journey. Similarly, it's just about 15 minutes from the cities of Smithville and Kearney, ensuring that supplies and local amenities are always within easy reach.

The accessibility of Camp Branch Campground extends beyond its convenient driving distance. As part of the larger Smithville Lake recreational area, the campground is well-integrated with paved roads leading directly to various loops and sites, accommodating both RVs and tent campers smoothly. Its close proximity to Smithville Lake means many sites are located along the shoreline, offering easy access to walking trails that lead directly to the water's edge and even the option to bank your boat. A dedicated swim beach at Camp Branch Park is also nearby, accessible by vehicle or via the Bonebender Trail from the campground, providing safe and designated swimming areas. This combination of a beautiful lakeside setting, easy road access, and proximity to diverse recreational opportunities makes Camp Branch Campground an incredibly accessible and appealing choice for all Missourians looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

• Diverse Campsite Options: Camp Branch Campground offers a variety of campsites to suit different needs. This includes 200 electric sites (50 amp) suitable for RVs, and 146 unimproved (basic/tent) sites, ensuring options for various camping styles.

• Lakeside Access: Many sites are situated along the shoreline of Smithville Lake, providing easy access to walking trails that lead to the lake and the ability to bank a boat at your own risk directly from your site.

• Clean Shower Facilities and Restrooms: The campground boasts conveniently located shower facilities and outhouses that are consistently described as very clean, well-stocked, and regularly maintained, significantly enhancing guest comfort.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings with Grills: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring that includes a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.

• Playgrounds: A playground is conveniently located within the campground, offering a dedicated space for children to play and enjoy their time.

• On-Site Sales: Firewood and bagged ice are available for sale while camp hosts are on duty, ensuring essential supplies are easily accessible without leaving the campground.

• Paved Walking Trails: The campground features paved walking trails, which are great for strolling, biking, and exploring the area, providing easy and accessible recreational opportunities.

• Reservations Available: While some sites are first-come, first-served, online reservations are available for select areas, and groups of 10 or more sites can be reserved by calling the Park Office. Reservations are advisable, especially during peak times.

• Swimming Beach Access: Guests have access to the Camp Branch Swim Beach, a designated protected swimming area on Smithville Lake, just a short drive or walk via the Bonebender Trail.

• Camp Hosts On Duty: The presence of camp hosts ensures assistance and support for campers, contributing to a friendly and well-managed environment.

• Prime Lakeside Location: The most significant highlight is its direct access and beautiful views of Smithville Lake. Many sites are "particularly close to the lake," offering stunning vistas and immediate opportunities for water-based activities, making it ideal for those who love fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the water.

• Excellent Fireworks Show Venue: As noted by a visitor, Camp Branch is an "excellent" place to watch fireworks shows, suggesting it's a popular spot for special events and celebrations, creating memorable experiences for campers.

• Impeccably Clean Facilities: A consistent theme in reviews is the cleanliness of the facilities, especially the shower houses and outhouses, which are often described as "some of the cleanest I've ever seen" and "fully restocked and cleaned daily." This commitment to hygiene greatly enhances camper comfort.

• Variety of Campsite Types: With both 200 electric (50 amp) sites and 146 unimproved sites, the campground caters to a wide range of camping preferences, from RVs seeking full hookups to tent campers desiring a more rustic experience.

• Well-Maintained Grounds and Amenities: The entire property is described as a "lovely place to camp," indicating a well-maintained environment with features like paved walking trails, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills at every site, contributing to a comfortable stay.

• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation & Attractions: Beyond the lake, the campground offers easy access to a beginner disc golf course, playgrounds, and is close to other Smithville Lake amenities including multiple disc golf courses, golf courses, bait shops, and even a floating restaurant. It's also within a short drive to Kansas City area attractions like Worlds of Fun.

• Friendly Staff and Camp Hosts: While not explicitly in the provided reviews, associated information often highlights friendly staff and camp hosts, who ensure a welcoming and well-managed experience for all guests.

Ready to plan your amazing lakeside camping trip at Camp Branch Campground? Here’s how you can get in touch to secure your spot:

Address: Smithville, MO 64089, USA

For reservations and detailed information, Camp Branch Campground is managed by Clay County Parks. You can typically find their contact information and online reservation system through the Clay County Parks website or by searching for "Clay County Parks Smithville Lake Camping." While a direct phone number for Camp Branch Campground isn't provided in the initial input, general inquiries and reservations for Clay County Parks campgrounds at Smithville Lake can usually be made by calling the Clay County Parks Office at (816) 407-3400.

Reservations are highly advisable, especially if you plan to visit during weekends, holidays (like for the excellent fireworks show), or peak seasons, to ensure you get your preferred site.

For us Missourians, Camp Branch Campground isn't just a place on a map; it's a quintessential local getaway that perfectly captures the essence of outdoor recreation in our beloved Show-Me State. It's exceptionally suitable for locals because it offers a perfect blend of convenient access, stunning natural beauty, and excellent amenities, all wrapped up in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that truly feels like home.

Its prime location directly on Smithville Lake is a massive draw. As Missourians, we understand the appeal of lakeside living – whether it's for fishing, boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the serene views. Camp Branch puts us right on the water, offering an immediate escape from the daily grind. The fact that many sites are "particularly close to the lake" means we don't have to travel far to enjoy the water, making spontaneous trips or quick weekend getaways incredibly easy and fulfilling.

The positive feedback from fellow locals is a strong testament to its quality. The commendation for "excellent" fireworks shows indicates it's a place where communities gather and create lasting memories, particularly around holidays. While one review mentioned wishing for more mature trees, the overwhelming sentiment highlights a "lovely place to camp" with "clean" facilities, including showers and outhouses that are meticulously maintained and restocked daily. This attention to cleanliness and comfort is something we genuinely appreciate, ensuring a worry-free and enjoyable camping experience.

Furthermore, the variety of sites – from full electric hookups for RVs to unimproved sites for tent campers – means there’s a perfect spot for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. The presence of paved walking trails, playgrounds, and easy access to other Smithville Lake attractions like disc golf courses and swim beaches means there’s always something to do, keeping everyone in the family entertained. And with Kansas City just a short drive away, you get the best of both worlds: tranquil nature by day and vibrant city life if you choose to explore it.

Camp Branch Campground embodies the ideal Missouri camping experience – accessible, beautiful, well-equipped, and perfect for creating cherished memories with family and friends. It's truly a local treasure, and we highly recommend it for your next adventure in our beautiful state.