Kelsey Short Youth Camp

For many of us across Missouri, the call of the wild is a familiar tune. We cherish the opportunities to leave the daily hustle behind, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty that our state so richly provides. Whether it's for a scout troop adventure, a church retreat, or a large family gathering, finding a dedicated and well-equipped group camping facility is essential. That's where Kelsey Short Youth Camp in Smithville, MO, comes into its own. Designed with organized groups in mind, this camp offers a unique and focused environment for outdoor activities and shared experiences, making it a valuable resource for local Missourians.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp isn't your typical drive-up individual campsite. Instead, it's structured to facilitate larger gatherings, providing specific areas that can be reserved for groups, fostering a sense of community and shared adventure. Located near the popular Smithville Lake, it combines the tranquility of a natural setting with convenient access to recreational opportunities. While individual campers might look for a different kind of setup, for youth organizations, educational programs, or large family reunions, Kelsey Short Youth Camp provides a tailored experience. This article will explore what makes Kelsey Short Youth Camp a significant asset for Missouri residents, detailing its location, specific services for groups, its key features, and why it's such a suitable choice for our local communities seeking an organized outdoor experience.

It is important to note that Kelsey Short Youth Camp, managed by Clay County Parks, is primarily a youth group camp rather than a public campground for individual family reservations. The information provided here is based on its established purpose and available public data, offering a realistic overview for local users in Missouri who might be considering it for their group's outdoor needs. While reviews mention showers and RV access, the primary focus and typical usage of Kelsey Short Youth Camp revolve around its group-oriented facilities, often featuring rustic amenities that align with a youth camp experience. This distinction is crucial for Missourians considering this unique local outdoor resource.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp is strategically located at 17980 Collins Rd, Smithville, MO 64089, USA. For residents across Missouri, particularly those in the Kansas City metropolitan area, this address signals remarkable accessibility. Smithville is a well-known community in Clay County, and its proximity to major roadways ensures that travel to the camp is generally straightforward and efficient. This convenience is a significant advantage for group leaders coordinating transportation, as it reduces travel time and logistical complexities often associated with reaching more remote camping locations.

The camp's location near Smithville Lake is a major draw. Smithville Lake is a popular recreational destination in its own right, offering a wide array of activities that can easily complement a stay at Kelsey Short Youth Camp. This means groups have not only the dedicated camp facilities but also the broader resources of a major lake nearby. The road leading to the camp, Collins Road, is generally well-maintained, accommodating buses and multiple vehicles typically used for group travel. This ease of access from various parts of Missouri, whether from Kansas City, St. Joseph, or other surrounding communities, makes Kelsey Short Youth Camp an appealing choice for local organizations and families seeking a structured yet natural outdoor setting without an excessively long drive. The blend of serene natural surroundings and convenient access to Smithville's local amenities – should any last-minute supplies be needed – provides a balanced and practical solution for group outings.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp, being a group-focused facility, offers services tailored to larger gatherings, providing the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable and functional outdoor experience. Based on common offerings for such youth camps and general reviews, the services typically include:

• Dedicated Group Camping Areas: The camp is divided into distinct areas (e.g., Area 2, Area 3, Area 4), each with its own parking, shelter, and designated space for pitching multiple tents. These areas are designed for exclusivity for the booking group.
• Shelter Houses: Each group area typically features a covered shelter with picnic tables, providing a communal space for meals, activities, and protection from the elements.
• Ground Grills: Provided within each group area for cooking, allowing groups to prepare meals over an open fire.
• Water Faucets: Access to potable water is available within each designated area, a crucial amenity for group camping.
• Pit Latrines: Basic restroom facilities are provided within or very close to each group area, offering essential convenience. (Customer reviews also indicate the presence of more developed "bathrooms" and "showers" in certain areas, suggesting additional facilities might be available, possibly at central locations or specific sections of the camp).
• Trash Barrels: Conveniently placed throughout the areas for proper waste disposal, helping to maintain cleanliness.
• Shower Facilities: Based on customer reviews, showers are available, a significant comfort especially after a day of outdoor activities. One review specifically mentioned "showers were a bit rough (not on the RV side), but they must've gotten a new water heater because I never got truly cold water," indicating the presence and ongoing maintenance of these facilities.
• Open Spaces for Activities: Large grassy or cleared areas are typically available for group games, team-building exercises, and other recreational pursuits. Some reviews mentioned "dead grass" that felt like "walking on straw" in certain areas, which can vary with season and maintenance, but the open space itself is a consistent offering.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp stands out with several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for groups seeking an outdoor experience in Missouri:

• Dedicated Youth Group Focus: Unlike general public campgrounds, Kelsey Short Youth Camp is specifically designed and managed for youth organizations and large groups, ensuring facilities and regulations are geared towards their needs. This often means a more secure and controlled environment.
• Proximity to Smithville Lake: The camp's location on Smithville Lake offers incredible opportunities for water-based activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming, which are highly popular among Missourians. The Smithville Lake Nature Center is also located within the Kelsey Short Youth Camp area, offering educational programs and exhibits about local wildlife and the environment.
• Nature Immersion: Being situated within a natural setting provides ample opportunities for wildlife observation and appreciating Missouri's diverse ecosystems. Reviews mention watching for bugs, suggesting a genuine outdoor experience.
• Trails Access: The camp area is often connected to broader trail systems around Smithville Lake, offering opportunities for hiking and nature walks. The "Eagle's View Trail" specifically follows the shoreline up to the Kelsey Short Youth Camp area.
• Affordable Group Fees: As a county-managed facility, Kelsey Short Youth Camp typically offers reasonable fees for group reservations ($75 per area for up to 20 people, with an additional per-person charge over that number), making it an accessible option for various organizations.
• Spacious Group Areas: Each designated area provides ample space for multiple tents and group activities, ensuring comfort and privacy for the reserving party. The "large canopy" mentioned in a review also suggests communal covered spaces for gathering.
• Event Hosting Capabilities: The camp is known to host larger events, such as "Lilies War," an annual historical recreation event, indicating its capacity to manage and support significant gatherings. One reviewer mentioned coming "from MN for Lilies War," highlighting the camp's ability to host multi-day, larger-scale events.

For reservations, inquiries, or more specific details about Kelsey Short Youth Camp, please use the following contact information:

Address: Kelsey Short Youth Camp, 17980 Collins Rd, Smithville, MO 64089, USA

Phone: (816) 407-3400

Mobile Phone: +1 816-407-3400

It is highly recommended to contact the Clay County Parks, which manages Kelsey Short Youth Camp, directly for the most up-to-date information on availability, reservation procedures, and any specific rules or amenities for your group's needs.

For us Missourians, Kelsey Short Youth Camp in Smithville is more than just a campground; it’s a dedicated community resource perfectly suited for group-oriented outdoor experiences. We understand the importance of fostering camaraderie, learning through shared experiences, and connecting with nature, especially for our youth. This camp's specific design, with its individual group areas, shelter houses, and basic amenities like water and grills, caters directly to the needs of organizations like scout troops, church groups, school field trips, and even large family reunions looking for a structured yet rustic camping adventure.

Its location near the expansive Smithville Lake is a significant asset, offering immediate access to fishing, boating, and hiking trails like the Eagle's View Trail that are cherished by locals. This proximity means that groups can easily integrate various water and land-based activities into their program, enriching the overall experience. The affordable group fees, typical of a county-managed facility, also make it an accessible option for a wide range of local organizations with varying budgets. Reviews, while mentioning some rustic elements like "dead grass" in certain areas or "rough" showers (though with reliable hot water!), underscore the authentic, natural camping experience it provides. These elements are often part of the charm and challenge that groups seek in a youth camp setting, promoting resilience and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

Ultimately, Kelsey Short Youth Camp empowers Missouri groups to plan and execute impactful outdoor programs efficiently and effectively. It provides a semi-structured environment that balances the freedom of camping with essential facilities, making it ideal for educational purposes, team building, and simply enjoying Missouri's beautiful landscapes together. For any group leader in our state looking for a reliable, well-located, and purpose-built camp, Kelsey Short Youth Camp stands out as an excellent local choice, ensuring that our next generation of Missourians can continue to experience the invaluable lessons and joys of spending time in nature.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp

Kelsey Short Youth Camp, 17980 Collins Rd, Smithville, MO 64809, Smithville, MO 64089, USA