Watkins Mill State Park And Shs Campground

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26600 Park Road N., Lawson, MO 64062-8939, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

991 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

On-season typically ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Missouri State Parks site

Official Website
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Watkins Mill State Park And Shs Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Nightly camping rates vary by campsite type and season; see the Missouri State Parks camping rates page for details. Reduced camping rates are...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Missouri State Parks
Provider
816-580-3387
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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadehikinglake

"Visitors commonly describe Watkins Mill as a quiet, well-shaded and scenic campground with good lake access, family-friendly trails and helpful staff; historic mill tours are a frequent highlight."

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Campground Map

26600 Park Road N., Lawson, MO 64062-8939, United States

Watkins Mill State Park And Shs Campground

26600 Park Road N., Lawson, MO 64062-8939, United States

Nearby places
Kansas City — located near the Kansas City area (approximately 35 minutes by car, per secondary sources)

Best Time to Camp at Watkins Mill State Park And Shs Campground

The campground welcomes visitors year-round, with full amenities including water and showers typically available during the main season from April 1st through October 31st. Off-season camping from November 1st through March 31st offers a quieter, more rustic experience. Before you head out, it's always a good idea to check current park advisories to confirm which amenities will be available during your visit.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Swim beach, boating and kayaking available in warm months per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Wooded setting and trails likely make fall foliage and cooler weather appealing.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Spring brings wildlife, green woods and accessible trails; reviews note wildlife.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5
Above Average

No winter amenities noted; park likely quieter but limited winter activities.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: On-season typically Apr 1 through Oct 31; off-season Nov 1 through Mar 31. Water and showers are usually available during the on-season (check the park for specifics).

About Watkins Mill State Park And Shs Campground

Just a short drive from Kansas City, Watkins Mill State Park invites you to discover a peaceful retreat where a shimmering 100-acre lake takes center stage, ringed by a scenic paved trail perfect for cycling. Nestled among the trees, the wooded campground offers a serene escape, while history buffs can explore the adjacent Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, a fascinating National Historic Landmark.
A picturesque campground beside a 100-acre lake and adjacent to the Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site. The park page references camping options for both tents and trailers.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Watkins Mill features a 100-acre lake with a paved bicycle path around it, plentiful fishing, boating (10 HP limit) and kayaking opportunities, trails for hiking/biking, swimming (see park swimming page), and wildlife viewing including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. The park is adjacent to Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site with interpretive programs and historic tours.
HikingPaved path around the lake plus additional park trails suitable for walking and hiking (park trails listed on site).
FishingPlentiful fishing on the 100-acre lake; commonly caught species listed: bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish.
SwimmingSwimming is listed as a park activity; see the park's swimming information page for details and any advisories.
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCheck park advisories for lake water quality (occasional high bacterial levels and beach closures have been reported in summer months).
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Watkins Mill State Park And Shs Campground

Reviews

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Watkins Mill State Park And Shs Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors commonly describe Watkins Mill as a quiet, well-shaded and scenic campground with good lake access, family-friendly trails and helpful staff; historic mill tours are a frequent highlight.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Shaded, well-maintained campsites; paved trail around the lake for hiking and biking; good fishing and kayaking on the lake; proximity to the Watkins Woolen Mill historic site and interpretive...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early on weekends (two-night weekend minimum applies at Watkins Mill), bring leveling blocks for some sites, check the park's swimming page for advisories before visiting, and review...
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Camper Quotes

"Very friendly, nice clean campground. Rvs campers and tents. Nice fishing lake."; "This is a great campground. Nice and quiet, typically. The showers and restrooms are an 8/10. The hiking and biking...
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Last updated January 5, 2026
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