- Excelsior Springs
Popular camping styles for Excelsior Springs
Beach glamping near Excelsior Springs guide
Overview
Mineral spring waters once brought travelers to this small Missouri town, located 30 minutes northeast of Kansas City. Today, that history is celebrated at museums and historic sites, and visitors come to enjoy the hip vibe, wineries, and natural landscape, with hills that resemble the southern Missouri Ozarks. Private RV parks are found in Kansas City, Independence, Odessa, and other neighboring towns. For public camping, head out to the nearby waters of Lake Smithville, Lake Jacomo, or Blue Springs Lake.
Where to go
Watkins Mill State Park
History, recreation, and camping can all be found at Watkins Mill State Park. Step back in time to the 1870s by touring the historic farm home and mill. A 100-acre lake serves as a centerpoint for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and paddling. Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails can be found on the shores. An onsite campground has almost 100 tent and RV sites, with the majority having electric hookups.
Smithville Lake
Smithview Lake is a regional travel destination, with over 7,000 acres of sparkling waters. Stay entertained for days while boating, swimming, and fishing. Hiking trails meander along the shores, as do the greens of two public golf courses and a disc golf course. Clay County Parks, Recreation, Historic Sites operates two campgrounds with over 700 campsites, providing dry camping, electric, and water/electric hookups at Camp Branch and Crow’s Creek. Smithville Parks and Recreation has 80 full hookup sites and wide-open views.
Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake
Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake are approximately 40 miles to the south of Excelsior Springs. With 1700 acres of waters, these adjacent hotspots offer boating, fishing, paddling, and hiking opportunities, with Fleming Park being at the center of it all. Three campgrounds are found on the shores, operated by Jackson County Parks & Rec. Blue Springs Campground, Jacomo Campground, and Longview Campground offer tent and RV camping with primitive, electric-only, and full hookup sites available.
When to go
For sun seekers who will be enjoying the lake, summer is a prime time to visit Excelsior Springs. The cool waters provide relief from the heat and humidity. Fall is picturesque, as the surrounding hills and woods see the annual changing of the colors. Pleasant weather is easy to find. Spring is generally mild, with temperatures warming late in the season. Winter isn’t the best time for camping due to cold temperatures and occasional freezing precipitation. Cabins or glamping accommodation may be cozy options for keeping warm.
