Kelsey Short Youth Camp

Hello, fellow Missourians and event planners! Are you searching for a spacious, practical, and well-located campground perfectly suited for large groups, youth events, or even unique historical reenactments? Look no further than Kelsey Short Youth Camp, nestled on the beautiful shores of Smithville Lake in Smithville, Missouri. While its name highlights its dedication to youth, this expansive camp grounds offers a versatile setting for various organized gatherings, drawing visitors from across the region for its robust facilities and ample open space. It’s the kind of place that, even when experiencing large-scale events, aims to provide a comfortable and functional base for all participants, right here in our vibrant Show-Me State.

The true value of a group camp lies in its ability to accommodate many while providing essential amenities that make a long stay comfortable and manageable. Kelsey Short Youth Camp excels in this. Imagine a sprawling area where groups can set up their camps, with access to vital facilities like showers and large common shelters. While some elements, like grass conditions or specific shower setups, might vary with heavy use, the core commitment to providing a functional and accommodating space is evident. It's a place that fosters camaraderie and shared experiences, whether you're here for a summer youth program, a family reunion, or a unique event like "Lilies War" that brings people together from far and wide. For Missourians, it's a known quantity for its capacity to host, making it a reliable choice for your next large-scale outdoor gathering.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp is strategically located at 17980 Collins Rd, Smithville, MO 64089, USA, placing it directly within the expansive and popular Smithville Lake recreational area. This prime setting in Clay County offers excellent access to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Smithville Lake, a significant advantage for any outdoor camp or event. For Missouri residents, particularly those in the Kansas City metropolitan area, the camp is exceptionally accessible, being approximately 30 minutes north of downtown Kansas City and even closer to the Kansas City International Airport (KCI). This makes it convenient for participants traveling from various parts of the state or even beyond for larger events.

The camp's integration within the Clay County Parks system ensures well-maintained roads leading to and throughout the various areas of Kelsey Short. There are specific areas within the youth camp, such as Area 2 (closest to the beach), Area 3 (wooded), and Area 4 (eastern tip), each with its own parking area and shelter. This structured layout aids in organization and accessibility for large groups. Furthermore, its lakeside proximity means campers have good access to lake activities, walking trails, and other park amenities. Events like "Lilies War" specifically highlight the site's features, including "open fields, separated by wooded areas and is nearly surrounded by a swimming lake that never closes." The accessibility extends to various forms of recreation, from "ADA fishing accessibility" facilities available through Clay County Parks to general trails for walking and biking. This combination of a convenient location, well-organized areas, and access to diverse recreational opportunities makes Kelsey Short Youth Camp an incredibly accessible and practical choice for group and youth activities in Missouri.

• Group Camping Areas: Kelsey Short Youth Camp offers designated areas (e.g., Area 2, Area 3, Area 4) specifically designed for group camping, accommodating approximately 20-25 cars per area and supporting groups of 20+ people with additional per-person fees. This is ideal for organized youth groups, family camps, and large events.

• Shelters with Picnic Tables: Each designated area includes a shelter equipped with multiple picnic tables (typically six), providing a communal gathering space shielded from the elements.

• Grilling Facilities: Ground grills are provided at each shelter area, allowing for outdoor cooking and communal meals for groups.

• Water Faucets: Access to a water faucet within each area ensures convenient potable water for campers.

• Restroom Facilities: Pit latrines are located near each area, offering essential restroom facilities. Additionally, the campground generally provides showers, which have been noted by visitors as available and appreciated, with recent improvements to water heating.

• Trash Barrels: Trash disposal is facilitated with barrels provided throughout the camping areas, promoting cleanliness and responsible waste management.

• Proximity to Lake Access: The camp's location near Smithville Lake offers good access to the lake for various activities, including a swimming lake that "never closes" for specific events like Lilies War.

• Event Hosting Capabilities: The camp is a known venue for large-scale events like "Lilies War," indicating its capacity and infrastructure to support significant gatherings with diverse activities.

• ADA Accessibility: Clay County Parks, which manages Kelsey Short, offers numerous ADA accessible facilities, including restrooms, showers, campsites, and trails, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

• Dedicated Group Camping Facilities: A primary highlight is the camp's design specifically for youth and group camping. With multiple distinct areas, each featuring shelters, picnic tables, ground grills, and water faucets, it provides a structured and functional environment for large gatherings and organized events.

• Large Event Hosting Capabilities: Kelsey Short Youth Camp is a proven venue for significant events, notably "Lilies War," a week-long medieval-themed gathering. This demonstrates its capacity to handle a large number of participants and support diverse activities like armored combat, archery, arts & sciences, and more, making it a unique and capable event space.

• Proximity to Smithville Lake: The camp's location on the "beautiful shores of Smithville Lake" is a major draw. It offers direct access to a swimming lake that "never closes" (for events), open fields, and wooded areas, providing a diverse natural backdrop for recreation and relaxation.

• Improved Shower Facilities: Recent upgrades to the water heater for showers are a notable highlight, ensuring consistent warm water, which significantly enhances comfort for campers, especially after a day of activities.

• Well-Maintained Site (for core infrastructure): Despite heavy use during large events, the overall site is described as "well maintained" and "taken care of," indicating a commitment to the functionality and upkeep of essential facilities like shelters and restrooms.

• Versatile Terrain: The site features a mix of "open fields, separated by wooded areas," providing varied terrain suitable for different camping setups, activity zones, and natural exploration.

• Accessible Location: Being only about 30 minutes north of downtown Kansas City and even closer to KCI Airport, the camp boasts excellent accessibility for participants traveling from various locations, making it a convenient choice for regional and national events.

If you're looking to plan your next group event, youth camp, or simply learn more about the versatile offerings at Kelsey Short Youth Camp, here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: Kelsey Short Youth Camp, 17980 Collins Rd, Smithville, MO 64809, USA

Phone: (816) 407-3400

Mobile Phone: +1 816-407-3400

As Kelsey Short Youth Camp is part of the Clay County Parks system, these phone numbers likely connect you to the main Clay County Parks office, which manages reservations and inquiries for the camp. It is highly recommended to call directly to discuss specific group needs, check availability for various areas, understand pricing for different group sizes, and confirm any amenities that are crucial for your event. They can also provide detailed information on specific rules and regulations pertinent to large gatherings and youth activities.

For us Missourians, Kelsey Short Youth Camp isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a vital community resource and a practical choice for group outdoor experiences right here in our beloved Show-Me State. It’s exceptionally suitable for locals because it caters specifically to the needs of organized groups, youth programs, and large-scale events, offering a functional and accessible environment without the extensive travel often associated with such gatherings.

The camp's design, with its distinct areas, shelters, and essential amenities, speaks directly to the needs of those coordinating youth camps, family reunions, or specialized events. We understand the logistical challenges of bringing large numbers of people together for an outdoor experience, and Kelsey Short Youth Camp is clearly set up to facilitate these. The presence of showers, even if sometimes "a bit rough" as noted by a reviewer, indicates a commitment to providing basic comforts that are crucial for multi-day stays, especially for younger campers. The reported upgrade to the water heater further demonstrates ongoing efforts to improve the guest experience, showing that the camp is "taken care of."

Its location on Smithville Lake is a significant draw. As Missourians, we value our natural resources, and having access to a beautiful lake for swimming, recreation, and scenic enjoyment is a huge plus. The mix of "open fields, separated by wooded areas" provides versatility for different types of activities, from sports and games to quieter, more contemplative moments in nature. This adaptability makes it perfect for the diverse programming often found in youth camps and other organized events.

Furthermore, the camp's role in hosting events like "Lilies War" highlights its unique capacity and established reputation within the regional community. For locals involved in such activities, knowing there's a reliable, well-equipped venue close to home is invaluable. The convenient drive from the Kansas City metropolitan area means less time on the road and more time enjoying the camp, making it a practical and appealing choice for any Missourian planning a group outdoor adventure or seeking a venue for their next large-scale event.