Smithville Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Thinking a little R&R might be in order? Why not plan a trip to Smithville Lake? It's the perfect place for an RV getaway.
Smithville Lake, a man-made reservoir designed to assist with flood control, sits on the Platte River grounds in Clay County, Missouri. This beloved body of water rests between the two cities of Smithville and Plattsburg. Smithville Lake is a potable water supply which is used for households as far away as Kansas City. The lake itself is considered the 10th largest of the state built lakes, but it has the third-largest amount of landmass at 5,000 acres overall and 175 miles of coastline.
In 1965, the city council passed the motion to build the Smithville Dam, but construction did not begin until 1972. The dam was finally completed and open for public use in 1977.
Smithville Lake offers many different recreational activities for visiting families to enjoy. The property rests near to the Camp Branch Marina, where families can enjoy taking their pleasure craft out on the water or rent a fishing or pontoon boat to enjoy for the day. Licenses and bait can also be purchased there in case a spontaneous day of fishing is in order. Other attractions near to Smithville Lake include casino gaming, equestrian trails, hiking, walking, boating, backpacking, visiting local wineries, and golfing.
For a relaxing vacation that will leave you longing to return again and again, plan to take your next RV trip to Smithville Lake. It's an amazing spot to catch up on your R&R in a beautiful, tranquil setting.
RV Rentals in Smithville Lake
Transportation
Driving
Travel to Smithville Lake proceeds along roads of two-lane construction that are in excellent condition year-round. Traffic moves very smoothly, and construction is rarely a problem. Occasionally, wildlife will make its way into the road. Drivers are encouraged to remain alert to avoid any potential accidents.
Parking
Parking can be found in private lots outside the beach regions of Smithville Lake as well as at the two campgrounds.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation to Smithville Lake at this time.
Campgrounds and parking in Smithville Lake
Campsites in Smithville Lake
Reservations camping
Crow's Creek Campground
Crow's Creek Campground offers 415 sites for RV and tent camping by reservation only. Ninety-one of the sites offer both water and electric hookups with 199 featuring just power, and 132 primitive style camping.
The Loop A portion of the camping facility is suited those camping with their horses. Dogs are welcome at this campground but must remain leashed.
Among the on-site amenities found at Crow's Creek Campground are playgrounds, showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Camp Branch Campground
Camp Branch Campground offers 362 campsites for RV and tent camping. Reservations are required. One hundred seventy of the campsites provide power hookups with the remaining 192 sites being designated for primitive style camping.
Dogs are welcome at this campground but should remain on a leash at all times.
There are many on-site amenities at Camp Branch Campground. These include showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, and fire pits.
Seasonal activities in Smithville Lake
In-Season
Swimming
Smithville Lake is home to two public swimming beaches. One is located in Camp Branch Park with the other situated in Little Platte Park.
Both beaches observe the same hours; opening at 8:30 AM and closing when the sun goes down. The opening of the season is May 1st with the closing occurring on September 15th yearly.
There are several on-site amenities families can make use of which include showers, change rooms, bathrooms, and a public drinking fountain.
Lifeguard service is not provided at either beach.
It is important to note that dogs, glass containers, and alcohol are forbidden on the grounds.
Boating
Camp Branch Marina is the perfect place for families who are itching to get out on Smithville Lake to enjoy some summer fun. You can launch your own watercraft directly from the docks or rent a fishing or pontoon boat to enjoy for the day. You can buy a fishing license and bait at the on-site shop should the mood strike to do a little angling while out on the water.
If you prefer doing things the old-fashioned way, you can paddle out to the midst of the lake in your canoe or kayak while drinking in the rays of the warm summer sun.
Visit to Jerry L. Litton Visitor Center
Looking to learn more about Smithville Lake and the surrounding area? Why not stop by the Jerry L. Litton Visitor Center? Situated just outside the Smithville Lake Dam, it provides information about tourist attractions in the region, giving you additional ideas of places to explore while on your RV vacation.
Jerry L. Litton Visitor Center is also a treasure trove of facts about Smithville Lake and its wildlife and even has a display of a replica of a bald eagle's nest.
The visitor's center takes its name from a famous politician who was killed in a plane crash in August of 1976 on the night he received the nomination for his party.
Also found on the grounds is a small cinema featuring informational films.
Off-Season
Hiking
If you enjoy hiking, a visit to Smithville Lake will be a real treat for you. There are three different types of trails found at Smithville Lake. These include paved trails which are suitable for hiking and biking, mountain biking paths, and equestrian trails. Each of these trails is divided into their own unique trail systems.
Among the trail systems most popular to the region are the Smoke and Davey Trail System, the Bonebender Trail System, and The Crows Creek Trail System to name only a few that can be traveled on foot or by bike.
The equestrian trails are found to the southeast of the property outside of Crow's Creek Campground. The terrain is quite wooded, picturesque, and diverse, making for a relaxing time with your favorite equine pal.
Fishing
Fishing is plentiful at Smithville Lake. Over 4,000 acres of the lake has been left untouched to promote a strong environment in which fish can thrive. Since 1975, the lake has been kept well-stocked with such species of fish as largemouth bass, white bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, walleye, white crappie, and bluegill.
You can fish from the banks of the lake, paddle out in your canoe, or even take the motorboat out for a spin. If you need bait or a fishing license, you can pick one up at the Camp Branch Marina.
Wildlife viewing
Many different species of wildlife make Smithville Lake their home. Whether your interest lies in spotting unusual species of birds or detecting a deer, fox, or rabbit nestling in the midst of the woods, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to interesting creatures that make this region their home.
Be sure to bring along your camera as you will want to capture your findings with snapshots as a reminder of a great RV vacation at Smithville Lake.
