Eagle Days 

Eagle Days are held each year in January at the Paradise Pointe Golf Course Complex in Little Platte Park. 

Managed Deer Hunt

The World's Largest Managed Deer hunt for hunters that use a wheelchair for their primary source of mobility is held annually in November.

The application period is July 1-31. If you would like to register for the hunt and meet the requirements listed above, call 816-389-3947.

USACE Pass Information

USACE Annual Pass = $40. Pass holders receive free entrance to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-operated sites nationwide that charge day use fees. The pass may not be used at areas operated by other agencies even if those areas may be located on USACE-owned property. Camping fees are not included. Pass valid for one year. Valid through month and year shown on the pass. Sold only at USACE projects, please call ahead to ensure the office is open to the public.

Federal Interagency Pass Information

Approximately 240 USACE recreation projects nationwide began issuing America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Interagency Passes on Jan. 1, 2016. These include:

1) Interagency Senior Pass, $80, valid for lifetime of the pass owner and available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 or older. 

2) Interagency Senior Annual Pass $20, valid one year from month of purchase, available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 or older, the Senior Annual Pass can be upgraded to the Lifetime Senior Pass by exchanging four previously purchased Senior Annual Passes or paying the difference between the purchase of one to three Senior Annual Passes to equal the value of the Senior Lifetime Pass, $80. 

3) Access Pass, free for lifetime with documentation of permanent disability for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. *Documentation required.

4) Interagency Annual Pass, $80, anyone can purchase this pass.

5) Interagency Military Pass, free to current U.S. military members and their dependents. *Documentation required.

6)  Interagency Every Kid in a Park 4th Grade Pass, free to current 4th grade students with valid Every Kid in a Park voucher (visit: https://everykidoutdoors.gov/ for details).

7) Interagency Volunteer Pass, earned with 250-plus hours of volunteer service on public lands. 

8) Interagency Military Lifetime Pass, free to gold star families and veterans. *Documentation required. 

These passes allow their holders free access to boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE. Senior and Access America the Beautiful passes also provide holders a 50 percent discount on campsites at USACE-managed campgrounds. Additionally, USACE will continue to sell its own annual day use pass for $40, which allows visitors free access to boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE. 

All America the Beautiful passes can be purchased online at http://store.usgs.gov/. There is an additional $10 processing fee for online purchases. They can also be obtained in person at many locations which can be found at https://www.nps.gov/ Please call ahead to ensure the office is open to the public and to ensure pass availability.

History

Prior to the first white settlement, the Smith Fork region of the Platte River country was largely inhabited by the Missouri Indian Tribe. Once one of the most power-full Indian tribes in the region, it was this tribe that lent its name to the Missouri River.

One of the first settlers in the Little Platte Valley was Humphrey Smith. Smith found a suitable fall in the creek and built a water-powered mill, the first flour mill in Clay County. A town eventually grew up around the mill and the village became known as Smith's Mill. The site later became present day Smithville.

Undoubtedly, the most notorious men from the area were the James Gang of the post-Civil War period. Frank and Jessie James were sons of a respected Baptist minister of Clay County, and Jesse was born just a few miles from the Little Platte River. After the war, the James brothers robbed banks and railroads, and indulged in other acts of lawlessness that gained them an image as outlaw folk heroes. Jesse James' home, located near Kearney, Missouri, has been designated as a National Historic Site and is open to the public.

Smithville Dam is constructed of rolled earth and is 4,000 feet long and stands 90 feet above the streambed. The dam's impervious core consists of highly compacted clay that is virtually water tight. A sand drain allows any water that passes through the clay core to exit safely through the dam. The outlet works, consisting of the control tower, conduit and stilling basin, permits the controlled release of water through the dam. The control tower is equipped with two hydraulically-operated gates which regulate the flow of water through the conduit. The stilling basin reduces the force of the water flowing downstream into the river channel.

Dam

Length of dam: 4000 ft.
Height of dam above streambed: 90 ft.
Crown Width: 30 ft.
Base Width: 90 ft.
Volume of Concrete in dam: 12,000 cubic yards
Volume of Earth fill: 3,200,000 cubic yards

Outlet Works

Type: 8’x9’ concrete box
Capacity: 3490 cubic feet per second
Length of conduit: 664 ft.

Lake Map (.pdf)

2025 Brush Piles Map

2024 Brush Piles Map

2023 Brush Piles Map

2022 Brush Piles

2021 Brush Pile Maps   

2019 Brush Pile Map & Coordinates

Historic Brush Pile Coordinates

Clay County Parks: Clay County, Missouri

Horse Trails

Disc Golf

Wildflowers

Boat Rentals

Only at Camp Branch Marina.  Call 816-407-3420 for reservations or visit https://www.claycountymo.gov/200/Boat-Rentals 

A deposit is required for each rental and must be placed on a Visa, Mastercard or Discover card.  Debit and Check Cards will not be accepted for deposit.  All boats are rented with a full tank of fuel and lifejackets. Pets are not allowed.

There is a 2 Hour Minimum.  All boats must be returned by 6:00 pm. 

Anyone born after January 1, 1984, is required to have a Boating Safety Identification Card to rent a boat.

SLIP RENTALS

For Information and availability on slip rentals call Camp Branch Marina: (816) 407-3420.

Boat Slip Agreement license rentals are issued on an annual basis.

Clay County advises individuals to not purchase a boat, with the understanding the slip is part of the sale.

Slips are only available for lease through Camp Branch Marina. Covered overnight boat slips and 212 covered boat slips are available for lease. Slips are non-transferable and non-assignable by the Licensee. The Licensee must be the registered owner of the boat, which is to occupy the slip. No boat other than that one assigned to a slip may occupy the slip unless written permission is obtained from the Recreation and Customer Services Manager.

Clay County Parks - Crows Creek and Camp Branch Campgrounds

Online reservations now available for Camp Branch and Crows Creek Parks!  Online Reservations

Clay County Parks Department operates Crows Creek and Camp Branch Campgrounds.  The two campgrounds offer 777 campsites that range from basic, electric, and electric and water sites.  A printable brochure is below.

Call Clay County Park Office at 816-407-3400 for more information or visit their website (https://www.claycountymo.gov/165/Parks-Recreation).

362 camp sites are available at Camp Branch off Collins Road at Smithville Lake.  Both tent and RV sites are available with several including electrical hook-ups. 

 415 camp sites are available at Crows Creek off E Highway at Smithville Lake.  Both tent and RV sites are available with several including electrical and water hook-ups.  

• Many sites are located along the shoreline with easy access to walking trails. 
• Shower and laundry facilities are conveniently located in the campground. 
• Camping is first come first serve.  Groups requesting 10 camp sites or more can make a reservation by calling the Park Office at 816-407-3400. (Reservations are only available in select areas and cannot be made the week before or the week of a holiday.) 

City of Smithville - Smith's Fork Campground

Smith's Fork Campground is located on the backside of the dam and is operated by the City of Smithville. Smith's Fork Campground offers 82 campsites with electricity, water, and sewer hookups.   For more information on Smith's Fork, please call 816-532-1028 or visit their website at : https://www.smithvilleparksrec.com/campground

Fishing habitat is plentiful at Smithville Lake.  More than 4,000 of the lake's 7,190 water surface acres were left uncleared to create the aquatic habitat that should provide excellent fishing.  The Missouri Department of Conservation began stocking the lake in 1975 and continues to this day.  Species include largemouth bass, white bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, walleye, white crappie and bluegill.  Look for our brush pile maps and coordinates on our home page.

Smithville Lake Interactive Hunting Map

The public may hunt on more than 7,000 acres in the Smithville wildlife management area. However, about 2,200 acres of land and water in the Honker Cove Waterfowl Refuge closes seasonally (October 15 – January 31) in accordance with waterfowl regulations. Smithville Lake public hunting land is subject to State and Federal hunting regulations. The public hunting ground is open to all seasons set forth by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Hunters may use rifles, muzzleloaders, or archery methods during open seasons for deer. Other wildlife species that may be hunted include; waterfowl, squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, quail, pheasant, turkey, or coyote. Trapping is also allowed on the public hunting grounds. The boundaries of the public hunting lands and the refuge are shown on the lake brochure available on this web site. Sportsman should familiarize themselves with seasons, limits and other regulations. For more information call the Corps of Engineers at 816-532-0174.

Tree Stand Policy 

• Hunters may use ONLY PORTABLE tree stands and ladders.
• Nails, screws, spikes or damaging materials will not be allowed.
• Stands must be labeled with name, address and phone number.
• Portable tree stands may be placed and remain in the tree during the periods as shown below:
  • Waterfowl Refuge:
    From 1 September through 14 October
  • Wildlife Management Lands:
    From 1 September through 15 January
• All stands not conforming to the policy will be removed or destroyed.

Marinas - map

The Camp Branch Marina Store has pontoon boats for rent.  It also offers: boating accessories, life jackets, swim flags, batteries, fishing tackle, bait, ice, snacks, drinks, and fuel.  Covered overnight boat slips are available along with 212 covered boat slips that can be leased in 6 month increments.

Camp Branch is located near the swimming beach, Camp Branch Campground, boat ramps, walking trails, trapshooting park and picnic sites.

Paradise Pointe Marina 

Located in Little Platte Park, the Paradise Pointe Marina Store is now operated by Clay County Parks. 

The following items will be offered at the marina store this year: boating accessories, life jackets, swim flags, batteries, fishing tackle, bait, ice, fuel, snacks, drinks and much more.  Overnight boat slips are available along with 240 covered boat slips and 29 uncovered boat slips that can be leased in 6 month increments.

Paradise Pointe Marina is located near the swimming beach, boat ramps, walking trails, picnic sites, playground, historic Woodhenge and Akers Cemetery, disc golf courses, and Paradise Pointe Golf Complex.

Sailboat Cove 

Sailboat Cove is utilized by sailors, picnickers, sightseers and fishermen.  With the exception of the docks, mooring buoys and dry storage facility, the area is open to the public.  The Day Sail area of Sailboat Cove is an excellent place for launching catamarans, small sail boats and wind surfing.  There are picnic tables and grills as well as access to walking trails nearby.  Large sail boats must use the ramp north of the parking lot which is specially designed for them.  There is also a restroom and shower facility that is open year round.

Shelter houses can be reserved year-round. The Lake View Shelter is available for use on a first come first served basis, or can be reserved through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 816-532-0174.

Click here to view/download the reservation form.

Shelter Houses at Smithville Lake's Little Platte, Crows Creek, and Sailboat Cove can be reserved by contacting Clay County Park's at 816-407-3400 or viewing their website.

Shelters located below the damin the Smith's Fork Park area can be reserved by contacting the City of Smithville at 816-532-8130.

Note: Vehicles and boats must have entrance passes to get to the shelters in Little Platte, Crows Creek and Sailboat Cove areas of Smithville Lake.

Clay County Parks Department operates and maintains two public swim beaches at Smithville Lake. The beaches are located within Camp Branch and Little Platte Parks.

Both beaches are open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to sunset starting May 1 and remain open until September 15th.

Facilities include showers, changing rooms, rest rooms, and drinking fountain.

There is no lifeguard on duty.

Pets, glass containers, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

Camp Branch Beach

Camp Branch Beach is located on the east side of the lake within Camp Branch Park across the parking lot from the Main Park Office, Camp Branch Marina and Boat Launch.

In addition to access by vehicle, Camp Branch Beach is also accessible from Camp Branch Campground via Bonebender Trail. 

Little Platte Beach

Little Platte beach is located within Little Platte Park on the west side of the lake and is accessed from 180th Street. Access is by vehicle and via the new Little Platte Trail.

Nearby park attractions include: Paradise Pointe Marina, Paradise Pointe Golf Complex and Historical Sites - Woodhenge and Akers Cemetery. 

The trail system at Smithville Lake is currently composed of three types of trails: 24 miles of 10 foot wide asphalt walking/biking trails, 11 miles of single-track mountain biking trails, and 26 miles of equestrian trails.

https://www.visitclaymo.com/p/play/outdoor-adventures/329

 The Smoke & Davey Trail System is composed of three trails and is 4.8 miles in length accessible from Highway W to the north and from Sailboat Cove to the south.

https://www.visitclaymo.com/business/smoke--davey-trail-system

The Bonebender Trail System is composed of two trails and is 8.9 miles in length accessible from Sailboat Cove to the north and from the Main Park's Office to the south.

https://www.visitclaymo.com/business/camp-branch-trail-system

The Crows Creek Trail System is composed of two trails 8.9 miles in length accessible from Collins Road to the north, the Crows Creek Boat Ramp and Access 25 off 160th Street to the south.

https://www.visitclaymo.com/business/crows-creek-trail-system

The Little Platte Trail North Trail is a 2.5 mile loop accessible from 188th Street.  The Little Platte South Trail is 5.5 miles and is accessible from F Highway or from Little Platte Park.

Other trail systems around Smithville lake may be found at the following links:

https://www.alltrails.com/us/missouri/smithville 

Equestrian Trails

Smithville Lake offers 26 miles of horse/primitive hiking trails on the southeast side of the lake. The trail begins at Crows Creek Campground and ends in Arley, Missouri.

• The area features a mix of rolling and flat terrain with many creek crossings. Fields of native warm-season grasses, wildflowers and row crops are scattered among the timbered areas.

• The primary trailheads at Crows Nest and Jack Rabbit Bend offer ample trailer parking.

• Crows Creek offers electric and primitive camping sites for equestrians. Restrooms, showers, laundry and water hydrants are conveniently located.

• Orange indicators mark the shoreline trail and white indicators mark the boundary trail.

• Lettered locator posts have been placed along the trail to help riders reference their location on the map.

• The trails east of Collins Road are located within Public Hunting Areas. Please use caution during hunting seasons. 

Smithville Horse & Primitive Hiking Trails Brochure and Map -- may take a few moments to load

Regulations And Safety Rules

• No camping along trail or at access areas

• No open fires

• Please keep horses out of crop fields

• Follow safe riding practices

• Be alert to hazardous crossings and low limbs

• Horses shall not enter lake

• Show consideration to other riders on trail

• Ride horses only on designated trails

• To prevent trail damage, avoid riding when trails are wet

• Help keep our trails clean -- Do not litter

The Paradise Pointe Golf Complex offers two challenging, 18 hole courses and a four hole Academy course. The complex is also a great place to host events and weddings. Paradise Pointe was awarded Wedding Wire' Bride's Choice award for Ceremony and Reception venue in 2010 and 11, recognizing the facility as one of the top in the country.

Paradise Pointe has their own website. View it by following the link below or call 816-532-4100

www.paradisepointegolf.com

The Paradise Pointe Disc Golf Complex is a new facility located within Little Platte Park. 

Beaver Creek - White Course, Par 56.  This course is available for play and begins near Shelter #1.

Black Thorn - Blue Course, Par 56-60. This course is available for play and begins just north of Shelter #2.

Woodhenge - Yellow Course, Par 62-65.  This course is available for play and begins near the restroom at Little Platte Marina.  

Note: At the bottom of each basket is a pointer to the next tee-pad.

Disc Golf Map

Schedule a safety check for my boat?

Get to Smithville Lake?

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America The Beautiful Passes- ***Are sold by appointment only*** Appointments are scheduled Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9am to 11:45am and 1:15 to 3:45pm.  To schedule an appointment, Call  816-532-0174.  ***Cash or check only, Bring ID. 

Available passes include, America the Beautiful Annual, Access, Senior Lifetime, Senior Annual, Veteran, and Uniformed Military.

Area Closure Signs in Public Access Points

In response to illegal activity at a number of our public access points, we have posted area closure signs at these parking areas that state:

Notice: Area Closed 10pm to 6am Except for Permitted Uses

These parking areas are closed to any activity other than hunting or fishing with users possessing valid, state-issued hunting and/or fishing permits.

***These closures only apply to the numbered Public Access Point Parking areas as shown on the Smithville Lake Map as yellow numbered circles***

Drones and Light Aircraft

Operation of Drones and Light Aircraft are prohibited on all Corps of Engineers property by Title 36 Section 327.4

This is because our reservoirs fall under the category of critical infrastructure. We are working with the FAA to update their mapping products to incorporate Corps lands as No Fly Zones.

Many lakes have designated areas for Remote Controlled Airplanes such as the Dambusters at Smithville Lake that may allow drone use on their leased area. Contact Dambusters for more information at 816-343-4104.

Smithville Lake FAQ’s

Q: Where can I launch my kayak?

A: If you already have a Clay County Parks Annual Pass, you can launch at any of Clay County’s ramps. Other locations they can launch are Access points 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 18. Some people also park and launch from the bridges on W Hwy.

Q: Where can I fish?

A: You can fish anywhere from the shoreline with a fishing permit.

Q: Where can I swim?

A: There are two designated swim beaches at Little Platte Park and Camp Branch Park near Clay County Parks office. They are protected from boat traffic. People can swim at their own risk anywhere around the lake but should be aware of boat traffic, broken glass, and fishing lures that may be on the shoreline.

Q: Why doesn’t the America the Beautiful Pass work at Smithville Lake?

A: The America the Beautiful Pass only works at Federally operated areas. Smithville Lake is a cost-share lake meaning that the recreation areas are leased out and operated by the City of Smithville and Clay County Parks. Most of the KC District Lakes are Federally operated. The KC District Lakes that are not Federally operated are Smithville, Longview, Blue Springs, and Long Branch.

Q: Where do I get a pass?

A: What type of pass are you interested in? Clay County Parks sells annual park passes for their areas including the parks and boat ramps. They sell their passes at their office at Camp Branch 17201 Paradesian Rd Smithville, MO. Day use passes for Clay County Parks are sold at the park entrances and are good at all parks for the day.

America the Beautiful passes (Access pass for disabilities, Military or veteran pass, Senior annual/lifetime, and the Annual) are sold at the Jerry Litton Visitor Center.

There is also a Corps Lake annual pass that is good for Corps operated boat ramps and day use areas.

Q: Where can I get a fishing permit?

A: Fishing permits are sold through the Missouri department of Conservation (MDC). They have an online app, or website that you can order from. Pricing can be found in the Fishing regulations booklet on page 4. There is a permit card available that will store all of your active permits on one place. It can be purchased on the MDC site (mdc.mo.gov/buypermits)

Q: Where can I find information on lake levels? Or Why is the lake so low/high?

A: Smithville Lake is primarily a Flood Control Lake. We regulate the lake levels according to our Water Control Manual in order to prevent flooding downstream. Smithville Lake is also a water supply lake and supplies the cities of Smithville, Trimble, Grayson, and Plattsburg with drinking water. Lake levels can be found on our website under “Daily Lake Info” https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Smithville-Lake/ or by calling our office line and using the automated system. You can also Google Smithville Lake and select the link that begins with “NWK”.

Where can I hunt around the lake?

A: You will need the Smithville Lake map which can be found at the Litton Visitor center, on our website, or at local gas stations. The tan-colored areas are designated public hunting areas.

Q: What permits do I need to hunt at Smithville Lake areas?

A: All Missouri Department of Conservation rules apply at Smithville Lake hunting areas. Note that the Honker Cove Waterfowl Refuge is closed to all hunting and boating from October 15-January 31 every year.

Q: How can I reserve a shelter?

A: The only shelter the Corps manages at Smithville Lake is the Overview Shelter located behind the Jerry Litton Visitor Center. It is reservable by contacting the Visitor Center staff. The City of Smithville manages the two shelters in the Smith’s Fork Park. Clay County Parks manages their 12 shelters within their parks.

Q: Is there free access to the trail system around Smithville Lake?

A: Yes. Trailheads located at Little Platte South, Little Platte North, Smoke and Davies, and Anita B. Gorman, the Litton Center trail, Lake Remote are all free to access.

Q: Where can I camp at Smithville Lake?

A: There are three campgrounds. Two (Camp Branch and Crows Creek) are managed by Clay County Parks (816)407-3400. The third, Smith’s Fork, is managed by the City of Smithville (816)532-1028.

Q: Can I bring my dog to the lake?

Dogs are allowed at Smithville Lake but must be leashed while in the park areas and on all trails. Dogs are not allowed on the swim beach for public health and safety.

Q: How do I register my boat/watercraft?

A: Visit dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/watercraft/

Q: What does the sign mean that says, “Notice: Area closed from 10pm to 6am except for permitted uses?”

A: To curb illegal activity, these areas are closed to the public during these times unless users are actively engaged in hunting or fishing and have a valid permit in their possession.

Q: How do I schedule a safety check for my boat?

A: To report maintenance issues/needs at Smithville Lake, you may contact the agencies below:

Clay County Parks and Recreation

Main Phone: 816-407-3400, option 7 for Maintenance

Email: parks@claycountymo.gov

Website:  https://www.claycountymo.gov/departments/public-services/parks

Smith’s Fork Park

Smith’s Fork Park Maintenance: 816-532-8130

Smith’s Fork Campground website: http://www.smithvillemo.org/pview.aspx?id=1984&catid=25

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Smithville Lake phone: 816-532-0174

Email: Smithville@usace.army.mil

Remember to dial *55 for water related emergencies.

Recreation.gov

America the Beautiful Passes

Clay County Parks website

Smith's Fork Campground website

Rules and Regulations

Adjacent Landowner Information

Kansas City District Dam Safety Program

Kansas City District Water Management

Kansas City District Water Quality Program