Watkins Mill Sp And Shs Campground

Open — Open year-round. All sites are reservable during on-season (mid-April through October). During off-season (November through mid-April), sites 1-34, 98, and 99 are available walk-in only. Showers, dump station, and laundry are closed November through March. Potable water available from hydrant during off-season.

About

Located in Clay County near Kansas City, Watkins Mill State Park Campground provides 96 campsites in a picturesque setting near a 100-acre lake. The campground includes 74 sites with electric hookups, including some 50-amp sites, while 22 sites offer basic camping. Parking pads vary from 38 to 80 feet, with electric sites typically having longer pads. Five sites are wheelchair accessible. Each site includes a graveled parking pad, picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook. Some sites are designated as family campsites for those needing extra space. The park offers diverse recreational opportunities including fishing with an accessible dock, swimming, a 3.8-mile paved bicycle trail around the lake, a 3.5-mile equestrian trail, and multiple picnic areas. The centerpiece is the Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, a remarkably preserved 19th-century woolen mill and estate that includes tours of the mill and Watkins family home with original furnishings. During the on-season, the campground is fully reservable with a two-night minimum on weekends. Off-season camping is available at select sites on a walk-in basis. Showers, dump station, and laundry facilities are available April through October but closed during the off-season. A woodlot provides firewood for purchase. The campground gate closes at 9 p.m. during on-season and 8 p.m. during off-season. Camping is limited to 15 days within any 30-day period.

Directions

From Kansas City: Take I-35 north to Exit 26 at Kearney. Turn right onto Highway 92 east for 5 miles, then left onto Route RA north. The park entrance is on the right.

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