Within 30 minutes of downtown Kansas City, this 7,190-acre lake offers city and county operated water-related recreation facilities including a regional visitor center and an 36-hole golf course.
Maybe — confirm before you go.
Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact (816) 532-0174
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Smithville Lake — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Smithville Lake?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Smithville Lake. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Smithville Lake?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Northeast 160th Street, Smith's Fork Trail. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Smithville Lake. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Yes Can you bring a dog?
Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.
Depends Are drones allowed?
Sometimes — often allowed away from wilderness and developed or crowded areas, with rules. Check locally before you fly.
Nearby sites
Rowen Hansen / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Blue Springs Lake
ConfirmedThe official site information states the federal recreation (America the Beautiful) pass is accepted here.
NPS Photo/Matt Turner National Park Service Harry S Truman National Historic Site
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
