This is the second time this summer we stayed at this campground. The sites on the north side were horrendous with gnats. The camp host acknowledge the bugs were extremely bad. We spent $30 for various insect deterrents in a 3-day ordeal. The campers on either side of us left (with out a refund) after two days, because of the bugs and the sewer smell. Several sites with sewer were overflowing. The camp host finally got a service truck out there the last day of the long week-end. As we were trying to remove our electrical connection from the 30 amp receptacle,we discovered the plug was welded to the receptacle. The camper across from us was camping with us and they had the same problem when disconnecting. I asked the host to verify the plug was ruined. He commented that he would look at it but they (the city of Smithville, owners) would do nothing about it. The city park department said they were not interested in making repairs to our campers, or, refund any part of the fees. We have stayed at this park several times over the years. This appears to be an ongoing problem that is not being addressed by the parks department. It is truly a shame, because it could be an enormous asset to the area campers. Additionally, the last time we stayed was in June of 07. At that time, the problem with the sewers were evident, I had to pull into another site to empty my black water, because the sewer was overflowing. The camp host at that time, said it was being repaired. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
The web site and guidebooks all say "NO reservations". This is not exactly true. What the locals do is call the host and get on his list. This guarantees them a site for the time they want, just not a particular site. For a holiday weekend, the locals will arrive on Monday or Tuesday and pay for the site through the weekend even though they don't occupy the site until Friday. Call ahead to ascertain availability if you want to stay here. This is a pleasant campground with lots of grass and shade trees. Sites are packed pretty closely together and afford little privacy. Quiet hours are respected although families with kids on weekends means smoky campfires and lots of noise during the day. Numerous pull-throughs accommodate big rigs even though the roads are narrow. Sites are gravel with full hookups. Restrooms are clean but need maintenance. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.