Camp Branch County Campground

Yes, the conditions were tough. We endured mid to high 90s all three days of our stay. We expected it to be hot but the humidity (80%) was oppressive. Our first visit to Smithville Lake to camp was greeted by overhanging branches that prevented entry to our driveway. The camper next to us is a regular and called the county maintenance dept and they cut down limbs about the size of a softball at the base. The driveways used to be gravel but are only broadleaf weeds now. The D loop is a mix of tiny, sidehill tent sites and small 30 amp sites. There is VERY LITTLE shade! The single bath house was clean and functional. The showers are preset at warm and could not be regulated. There was zero moving air and thus created a very uncomfortable steamy building. When you turn off the water you break out in a sweat instantly. Beautiful water views from most sites mainly from lack of shade trees. This is a USACE lake that has been turned over to Clay Co Parks and is appx 40 years old. It's a shame that they have done nothing with it, like planting some trees, to enhance the camping experience.

We had a nice back in site. Electric only, 30A service, clean power. Pretty level. Reasonable distance between sites. Dump station and potable water available near entrance, had to dump and fill once during the week, not a big problem, but could have been avoided if we had a portable tank and jerry cans. Showers and toilets were nice and clean, well maintained considering it being a county park.

Lots of tent campers in Loop D and quite a few kids, but not a problem and we enjoy seeing kids play/ride bikes/swim/etc. One of the loops has been upgraded to 50A service, costs $30 per night, and of course more large rigs and fewer tents. That loop has closer access to the lake, and folks can pull their boats right up by their sites (at their own risk, of course)

All in all, a nice local campground for folks in KC Metro area, probably not accessible enough for a quick overnight stay.