Missouri State Parks are great places to stay. This one is no exception. Campground host were terrific. Make sure you tour the Watkins Mill and also hike the paved trail around the Lake. Make time to go to Excelsior Springs too. It is not far to travel back to Kansas City to see some things there too. The Arabia Steamship Museum is a must see and Harry Truman's Library is not far off the path either. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
We loved this Park, nicely wooded sites, friendly staff, immaculate rest rooms and wonderful biking and hiking trails. The Mill tour is a do not miss. Very awesome spot. Stayed on a Motorhome (40') in a back in, heavily wooded. Check their website first, they have photos of all sites. Delightful Park system in MO. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park. Missouri parks continue to be upgraded with 1/10-1% sales tax. Internal paved roads, some concrete pads (ours was gravel but level). 50 Amp service. Large 2 sided dump station with two fresh water spigots New restrooms and individual shower rooms. Well shaded, grassy and hilly. Deer, wild turkey, owls, racoons and other abundant wildlife. This is a beautiful park with large fishing lake with beach (10 HP motor limit), paved bike/hike trail, and the US only remaining 19th century woolen mill with all equipment remaining. Watkins Mill, family home, out-buildings, grounds are well interpreted by Missouri Park interpretive staff ($2.50 admission is worth it). Great place to stay and relax. Jesse James birthplace and farm is 3 miles, interpreted by Clay County Park staff. Good site to visit, too, but $7.00 admission is a little steep, although we happily paid it. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
We were there in July. Very buggy and muggy. No breeze reached most sites because of
trees. We didn't think park was particulary attractive but it was the public facilities - the bathrooms/showers were so bad that we never setup the camper - we just drove on down to Kansas City and got a motel for the night. We camped here in a Tent Trailer.
Review Rating
[ 10 / 10 ]
2002
$14
Watkins Mill is a great family campground with level shaded sites. The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful. The bike trails offer easy access to swimming and fishing areas. Children will be entertained for hours on the wooded dirt trails within shouting distance of most campsites. My son especially enjoyed the hands on snake program at the ampitheatre which is just steps away from the site. He rates the campground a 10! If you need an electric site, go early or make a reservation. The 56 sites fill fast on the weekends!
Make sure to bring your bike. We camped here in a camper.