Campgrounds and RV parks near Smithton, MO

Smithton sits in Pettis County in central Missouri, just east of Sedalia along US Route 50. The location puts RV travelers within reach of two different camping regions: the Missouri River corridor and historic villages to the north, and the Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake reservoirs to the south. Most visitors choose a base camp within an hour's drive and use it as a hub for day trips. Options close to town lean toward small, town-based RV parks with hookups, such as Rock Island RV Park in Versailles and Happy Times Campground. State-run camping is available at Arrow Rock State Historic Site, which offers basic, electric and one sewer/electric/water campsite, plus a special-use camping area, roughly 40 miles north on the Missouri River. Southwest, on Truman Lake, BEYONDER Marine at Sterett Creek and Turkey Creek RV Park offer marina-side and lake-access sites. Most private parks in the area stay open year round, while state and lake-adjacent campgrounds shift to reduced services in the colder months. Sites big enough for a Class A or fifth wheel are common, but rig-length limits vary by loop, so confirm before booking.

Missouri State Parks run their own reservation system for Arrow Rock and other public sites. Campers can reserve Missouri State Parks campsites up to 12 months in advance, expanded from the previous six-month window, and reservations may also be made by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Any of the 47 campsites at Arrow Rock State Historic Site can be reserved online or by phone, and walk-in reservations are also accepted when the campground is not at full capacity. Private parks such as Rock Island RV Park, Happy Times Campground, and Turkey Creek RV Park typically take direct bookings by phone or through their own websites. BEYONDER Marine at Sterett Creek books its own campsites, rooms, and boat slips directly. Reserve summer weekends and any dates around the Missouri State Fair as early as possible.