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4.7(349 reviews)

Watkins Mill Campgrounds

26208 Co Rd RA, Kearney, MO 64060, United States

Plain-text version · Kansas City (plain text)

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About This Campsite

Watkins Mill Campgrounds

Watkins Mill Campgrounds is a charming retreat perfect for those looking to escape city life and immerse themselves in nature. Known for its serene environment and rich history, it offers a delightful blend of recreational activities and picturesque views.

Highlights

  • Bathrooms and Amenities: The campsite boasts impressively well-maintained facilities, with modern showers and restrooms that are far superior to typical campground expectations.
  • Paved Trails: Enjoy easy hiking and biking on the paved path around Watkins Lake. This 5-mile loop is perfect for birdwatching and offers several rest spots for visitors.
  • Scenic Views: The campsite is celebrated for its beautiful birdwatching opportunities, including sightings of bald eagles and blue herons.
  • History and Culture: The historical wool mill near the campgrounds is a fascinating attraction, preserved as a relic of steam-powered engineering.

Important Tips

  • Bring a flashlight, as there's minimal lighting around the campsites, which is great for stargazing but requires some preparation for trips to the restroom at night.
  • If you're visiting in wet conditions, be prepared for some muddy spots around the campsite, especially near the fire pit area.

Overall Thoughts

Watkins Mill Campgrounds is highly recommended for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The blend of exceptional outdoor activities, beautiful surroundings, and educational attractions make it an excellent choice for a family outing or a quiet weekend getaway. Whether captivated by the thrill of birdwatching or the allure of historical exploration, visitors are bound to create cherished memories here.

Photos

Photos provided by Google

Reviews

Reviews provided by Google

Sasha Logan

04/20/2024

First time camping at this location, nice campgrounds! The good: The bathrooms are really nice, there is water access nearby, and wood to get if needed. The path around the lake is completely paved, with lots of nice bird watching. We watched a Bald eagle try to capture a duck as two blue herons flew by behind. The meh: Our particular campground was pretty muddy, which comes with the territory of camping, would be nice if they could mulch or hay around the fire pit so you don't get quite so muddy trying to cook dinner. Personally we like more nature trails than paved trails but overall a beautiful site.

Kathryn Kraut

04/07/2024

There is an excellent hike here around Watkins Lake. It's paved and very easy to walk or bike. 5 miles is the total distance to travel the entire trail and shouldn't take more than an hour for those who are physically fit. You can see the lake for most of the trail, and there are several stopping points along the way if you get tired as well as a few restrooms. The views are nice, and it's also a bird watching trail, so keep your eyes peeled!

Brian Dance

10/08/2024

Clean campground ground is a little hard to find flat areas . No real lighting in the campsite areas.which is a good thing the stars are very visible without light pollution. But take a flashlight to the bathrooms.Otherwise you'll have to stand for a whole to get you night eyes working it was pitch black.but overall was very nice.

Aaron Rust

07/09/2024

This is a great campground. Nice and quiet, typically. The showers and restrooms are an 8/10. The hiking and biking here is great for the family on a paved path around the lake. The history of this area is pretty cool too. Even the kids would enjoy the old house and Mill.

Matt Kalpin

09/27/2024

Can't say enough nice things. Needed to get out of the city for a night, picked this place on a whim because there's an old wool mill and I'm a knitter. I expected a patch of grass to sleep on and a pond nearby. Instead, I was met with acres of beauty to explore and a great campsite near a big, serene lake. A lovely woman named Diane made me feel very welcome and set me up right by the showers and restroom, which are both FAR nicer than you'd expect. I also toured the wool mill, which is a super cool relic of steam powered engineering that's been surprisingly well-preserved. I found it fascinating. Anyways thanks, yall.

Watkins Mill Campgrounds — the United States's Camp Guide