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Clay County, Missouri

Where the lake meets the trail.

7,200 acres of shoreline, prairie, and timber at Smithville Lake. Camping, paddling, festivals, and miles of trails, all in one place.

Reserve a campsite Find a trail
◆ Trails ◆ Events ◆ Reservations Live alerts
7,200acres of parkland
26 miof trails
900+campsites & slips
2full-service marinas
Live from the field

Conditions & alerts

Lake levels, closures, and advisories, posted by park staff in real time and syndicated across the site.

All clear Smithville Lake

Lake level normal: all boat ramps open

Smithville Lake is at conservation pool. All public ramps and courtesy docks are open.

Updated Jul 28
Closure Prairie Ridge Trail

Prairie Ridge Trail closed for bridge repair

The north segment is closed while crews replace the creek footbridge. Detour posted at the trailhead.

Updated Jul 27
Advisory Camp Branch Cove

Blue-green algae advisory: Camp Branch cove

Contact with water is discouraged in the Camp Branch cove until further sampling. Swimming beaches remain open.

Updated today, 8:15 AM
One park, endless ways to explore

The outdoors, closer than you think.

From a sunrise paddle to a Friday-night concert, Clay County Parks brings 7,200 acres of Missouri outdoors together in one easy place to plan, book, and explore.

🛶
Paddle & fishKayaks, boat ramps, and two full marinas.
🏕️
Camp & stay900+ sites, cabins, and reservable shelters.
🥾
Hike & bike26 miles of trails for every skill level.
🎪
Learn & gatherConcerts, tours, and community events.
♿ ADA-accessible facilities 📱 Mobile-first & multilingual ready 🔔 Real-time conditions & alerts
Explore on foot

Find your trail

26 miles of prairie, shoreline, and timber, filtered by difficulty and mapped for your next outing.

Prairie Ridge Loop Moderate

Prairie Ridge Loop

A rolling loop across restored prairie with sweeping overlooks of the lake and abundant wildlife.

5.4 mi Natural / Gravel
Lake overlooksPrairieWildlife
View trail map
Shoreline Nature Trail Easy

Shoreline Nature Trail

A gentle, accessible path hugging the water, ideal for families and first-time visitors.

2.1 mi Crushed limestone
ADA accessibleLake viewsBenches
View trail map
Timber Ridge Singletrack Difficult

Timber Ridge Singletrack

A technical wooded route along the ridgelines, a favorite of local mountain bikers.

8.7 mi Natural singletrack
Mountain bikingWooded ridgelines
View trail map
Camp Branch Greenway Easy

Camp Branch Greenway

A paved, stroller-friendly greenway connecting campgrounds, fishing spots, and picnic areas.

3.3 mi Paved
PavedStroller-friendlyFishing
View trail map
Plan a trip around your trail
What’s on

Upcoming at the park

Concerts, guided hikes, cleanups, and family days, managed in the events calendar and open to community submissions.

+ Submit an event
Guided Wildflower Hike
Aug9
Guided Tour
9:00 AM Prairie Ridge Trailhead

Guided Wildflower Hike

A naturalist-led walk through the restored tallgrass prairie at peak bloom. All ages welcome.

Details & registration
Summer Sunset Concert Series
Aug15
Live Music
7:00 PM Smithville Lake Amphitheater

Summer Sunset Concert Series

Live bands on the water every Friday through August. Bring a blanket and watch the sun drop over the lake.

Details & registration
Lakeshore Cleanup Day
Aug22
Volunteer
8:00 AM Marina Cove

Lakeshore Cleanup Day

Join neighbors and volunteers to keep our shoreline pristine. Gloves, bags, and lunch provided.

Details & registration
Kids Fishing Derby
Aug30
Festival
10:00 AM Camp Branch Dock

Kids Fishing Derby

A morning of casting, prizes, and fun for anglers age 12 and under. Loaner rods available.

Details & registration
Fall Foliage Kayak Tour
Sep12
Guided Tour
3:00 PM Little Platte Marina

Fall Foliage Kayak Tour

Paddle the quiet coves as the timber turns gold. Kayaks and guides included.

Details & registration
View full calendar Community submissions are reviewed by staff before publishing.
Book your stay

Camping, shelters & marina

Real-time availability for campsites, cabins, picnic shelters, and boat slips, all bookable online.

Live availability via Vermont Systems WebTrac & marina management
Lakeview Campsite (Electric) Camping Available

Lakeview Campsite (Electric)

Spacious waterfront sites with 50-amp electric, fire ring, and picnic table.

Sleeps 6 • RV or tent
$28 / night Reserve
Oak Grove Picnic Shelter Shelter Limited

Oak Grove Picnic Shelter

A shaded, reservable shelter with grills and restrooms, perfect for reunions and parties.

Seats 60
$75 / day Reserve
Little Platte Marina Slip Marina Slip Available

Little Platte Marina Slip

Seasonal wet slips with power, water, and easy access to the main lake body.

Up to 24 ft
$1,450 / season Reserve
Woodland Camping Cabin Cabin Booked

Woodland Camping Cabin

A cozy climate-controlled cabin tucked in the timber, steps from the trail network.

Sleeps 4 • Heat / AC
$95 / night Join waitlist
See all facilities & availability