Smithville Lake
Swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, camping
Smithville Lake sprawls across 7,190 acres in Clay County, Missouri—just 20 miles north of Kansas City—and serves up a full menu of outdoor fun. If you’re into paddling, boating, or fishing, this lake delivers. Camp Branch Marina and Paradise Pointe Marina both offer full-service amenities, including pontoon rentals, so you can spend the day exploring quiet coves or cruising open water. Anglers can cast for everything from largemouth bass to walleye, catfish, and crappie. Onshore, you'll find campsites, two swim beaches, shaded picnic spots, and all the ingredients for a proper weekend escape.
And it’s not just about the water—Smithville’s got the land game locked down too. With more than 25 miles of paved trails, 11 miles of singletrack mountain biking, and 26 miles of equestrian trails, it’s a choose-your-adventure kind of place. Add in two golf courses at Paradise Pointe, four disc golf courses, a trapshooting range, and plenty of spots for birding or deer watching, and you’ve got something for everyone. Whether you're hauling kayaks, bikes, clubs, or kids—Smithville Lake hits the sweet spot between wild and well-equipped.
For more information about rentals, trail maps, campsite reservations, etc. visit Clay County’s official Smithville Lake website.
Getting there
Smithville Lake is a breeze to get to—just follow U.S. Highway 169 north out of Kansas City and you’re practically there. For lakeside camping, take Collins Road east to reach Camp Branch Campground or use E Highway to get to Crow's Creek. Both campgrounds offer everything from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV pads, plus shower houses, boat ramps, and playgrounds. Whether you're pulling in with a camper or just pitching a tent, you'll find plenty of room to settle in.
Trailheads are scattered conveniently around the lake for easy access to Smithville’s robust trail system. The Smoke & Davey Trailhead, off Highway W, gets you on the Backbone Trail with connections to Whispering Pine and Copperhead Ridge—offering about 4.8 miles of scenic hiking and biking. For a southern approach, Sailboat Cove is a solid launch point with its own parking and amenities. And if you're headed toward Paradise Pointe, the Little Platte South Trail can be picked up either at the marina or near the intersection of F Highway and Litton Way. Wherever you start, you're never far from a good view and a quiet trail.