Knob Noster State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Knob Noster State Park covers 3,934 acres in western Missouri and is only a short drive from Kansas City. The park opened in 1933 as a combined effort from the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps with the goal of reclaiming land that had once been used for commercial purposes. Several buildings used by the workers in the 1930s are now on the National Register of Historic Places. Knob Noster State Park is a year-round destination with two lakes with hiking trails, kayak rentals, picnic tables and a campground.
Spring 36-76 F
Summer 67-90 F
Fall 36-80 F
Winter 22-45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Knob Noster State Park
One campground is available at Knob Noster State Park. This is a seasonal campground that is closed during the winter. It has 71 campsites, including several that are designated as family sites and handicap-accessible sites. The maximum RV length is 71 feet. Select campsites at Knob Noster State Park provide 30-amp electrical service, and converter devices are not permitted. Water is available through several communal spigots located throughout the campground. Two shower houses are available, and both flush and vault toilet facilities are located in the camping area. Other facilities include an amphitheater, a parking lot, a dumpster, and firewood sales.
What to Do at
Knob Noster State Park
From viewing wildlife and touring historic sites to participating in special events and programs, Knob Noster State Park offers great outdoor opportunities for all ages. Several hiking and equestrian trails, fishing lakes, an oxbow slough, picnic areas, and other amenities are available for visitors to enjoy. There are even two orienteering courses available for those who want to experience the outdoors in a unique way.
Fishing
Anglers can fish on Clearfork Creek, Clearkfork Lake, and Buteo Lake. Both non-motorized boats and boats with electric trolling motors are allowed on the lakes. Bluegill, bass, crappie, and channel catfish are common catches at the park.
Geocaching
A few caches are hidden in Knob Noster State Park. Treasure hunters can find full details about their locations on their geocaching app. Once you find one, you can sign the logbook and take a prize. However, remember to bring an item to leave in the container for the next geocacher.
Nature Watching
Knob Noster State Park is home to numerous plant and animal species across its varied landscapes. Plants include pale green orchids, silver maples, bur oaks, pawpaws, pin oaks, and swamp white oaks. You can also find bluebirds, white-tailed deer, foxes, screech owls, great blue herons, wild turkeys, woodpeckers, raccoons, and other animals.
Hiking
Seven trails wind through Knob Noster State Park, including two that start at the campground. Equestrian activities are only permitted on the 4.9-mile McAdoo Trail System, and this trail is also open to backpackers and hikers. Other trails are the Buteo Trail, the Discovery Trail, the Opossum Hollow Trail, the North Loop Trail, the Hawk Nest Trail, and the Clearfork Woodland Trail.
Boating
While there are no boat launches at Knob Noster State Park, visitors are allowed to carry their small boats to the water. Non-motorized boats and boats with trolling motors are permitted. Kayak rentals are offered at the visitor center.
Biking
Biking is permitted on all seven of the park’s hiking trails. The terrain varies between the trails, and weather conditions may sometimes make biking difficult.
How to Get to
Knob Noster State Park
Knob Noster State Park is located immediately south of the small town of Knob Noster and across Route 23 from Whiteman Air Force Base. To reach the park from Kansas City, travel east on Interstate 70. Turn south on Route 23. South of Knob Noster, you will see the entrance sign for the state park.
Entering Knob Noster State Park
The park office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking lots are available near the visitor center, trailheads, campground office, and lakes. Handicap-accessible spots are located in each of the parking lots.
Knob Noster State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Knob Noster State Park
Knob Noster State Park is a year-round destination. The wetter months are in the spring, and conditions may not be ideal for boating, hiking, and camping for many days of the season. The fall months generally have crisp, cool air and are perfect for enjoying the park’s many activities.
With the varied landscapes at Knob Noster State Park, wildlife is diverse. Some of the animals that call the area home are raccoons, opossums, white-tailed deer, woodpeckers, bluebirds, wild turkeys, great blue herons, and screech owls.
Knob Noster State Park has camping sites suitable for RVs. If you need more room, consider booking a family site. Only select sites offer electrical hookups.
Reservations to camp at Knob Noster State Park are recommended, and they can be made online or by phone. The fee for an online reservation is $6.50, and the phone reservation fee is $8. The nightly camping fee is $23.
Pets are permitted at the park and must remain on a leash no longer than 10 feet. Pets are not permitted in the lakes or buildings.