Please note, this review is ONLY for the Watkins Mill State Park Lake and the loop bike trail around the lake. This lake is great for beginner kayakers! 5 Stars! We took an inflatable, tandem kayak, and we felt very comfortable despite our lack of experience. Our tracking fin only caught on the very edges of the lake where we expected the fin to touch the bottom. There didn't seem to be any issues with boat wakes. The boat ramp was easy to use, and you don't need a permit for your kayak if you go. We enjoyed seeing some wildlife, including a small snake, a raccoon, birds, and several types of fish. The bike trail was a good beginner trail. Parts of it were paved, parts of it were gravel, and parts of it were over wooden plank bridges. The trail was wide enough for walkers and bikers to pass each other safely. There were small inclines and declines, but they were very manageable. For reference, I am not someone that exercises often, and I'm also currently in physical therapy for a hurt knee. If I can do it, you can too! The only reason I didn't give this trail 5 stars was because it was poorly marked. It seemed like some of it was being repaired because there were signs to mark the detour route. However, my friend and I did have to guess at one point which way to go, and we thankfully guessed correctly. If you're nervous, make sure to study the trail map, take a picture of it, or ask for help at the Visitor Center. I do not recommend this trail for individuals in wheelchairs, as the inclines and declines may be too tough. Finally, I want to comment on the restrooms. There are several spots around the lake that have restrooms, but they are primitive. It's the kind where you don't flush (just a deep hole), though there is a physical enclosure (not just a port-a-pottie). You may have to "shop around" because the restrooms at the boat ramp were so HORRID, I couldn't even walk in after opening the door. The second restrooms I went to at a different spot around the lake were cleaner, but there were WASPS flying in and around the restroom. Thankfully, there were no issues with lack of toilet paper. If you're like me, plan accordingly and just use the restrooms at the Visitor Center. They're MUCH nicer. If you want to risk the ones near the lake, bring some wasp spray! read more

I had friends from out of town camping at Watkins Mill, State Park, and the camping experience is very nice. All camping sites allow for one vehicle. The swimming beach is very clean and large. The only setback is the awful signage. I recommend if you do stay at Watkins Mill State Park for camping to disregard your map apps, and take 69 highway to 92 to the state park entrance. Otherwise you'll be driving around for 45 minutes without a clue of where you're going. read more

We spent a week there very recently. Had a great time. The camp hosts were great and very friendly. The park manager was absolutely the best! There was an issue with the Sewer system, that happened to be next to out site, and he have us the opportunity to move to a different site if we wanted. We choose to stay. They only had to have plumber come out. He gave us a voucher for a free night of camping on our next visit for our "inconvenience" . There really wasn't one though. The only negative was the site was VERY unlevel. But no biggie. Quiet, clean, and wonderful showers. Everyone is private. Definitely will return 10/10!! read more

Lots of nice trails to walk and ride. Trees provide good shade. The lake is calm and not too big. We canoe and kayak there. Bring water with you! read more

I've been coming here since I was a wee little girl. There are many things to do, like hiking, bike riding, swimming, and camping. The hiking\ bicycle trail is paved and only three and 3\4 miles long. It is not at all hilly and can be taken at a leisurely pace. The trail goes around a man made lake with wooded areas surrounding it. You can also go camping and swimming. Besides hiking you can also take a look at the woolen mill, the sheep, and the octagon school house. There is a fee to go into the woolen mill but you can hike and roam around the property for free read more

Watkin's Mill - Parks Near Me - Lawson, Missouri

The historic site is wonderful. The mill, the old house, everything - wonderful. The museum is very educational and there's a short video to watch with a lot of great information. A major drawback: The mill and house tours are not ADA accessible, which makes sense due to the age of the buildings, but it's disappointing if you're unable to easily maneuver narrow staircases. The campground is HORRIBLE. The sites are so close together that you can hear your neighbors breathe. We used the ADA accessible site (which I guess means it's paved instead of gravel) and were unfortunately right along the main road into the campground by the campground host. Since there is a code to get into the campground gate all night long, people were driving past our tent ALL NIGHT LONG. These people were not sober, quiet, or respectful of people sleeping. There were children playing on the un-lit playground at 2AM. This isn't the fault of the campground really, but the host could've shooed them away. Or perhaps their parents could've realized that playing on playground equipment in the dark isn't particularly wise? There are dozens of places to have a picnic, there's a beach for swimming (no review of that, we didn't have time to use it), and there are plenty of places to explore nature and local history. I would give it five stars if the campground wasn't a joke. read more

We have camped here twice so far this year the first time in summer and the shade trees kept everything so cool. And then spent time in the fall and it is unbelievably beautiful! There are paved walking trails that go all around the lake. And it is so shaded and beautiful you dont mind walking 4 miles! We love it it here and plan on coming back ever year.plenty of shaded spots to choose from and multie areas for RV's or tenters. Bathrooms and shower house are clean and well maintained. Only downfall is there is only one dump area. So be prepared ro.leave ahead of the pack or wait your turn. read more

As one of the closest State Parks to Kansas City this is another one of KC's "hidden gems". It's also a park I am quite familiar with due to it's amenities. It has a relatively easy to ride or walk 3 1/2 mile trail that is very scenic as it loops around the small lake. Speaking of the lake if you have a kayak, this is a great place to bring it and spend an hour or so exploring. (It's also a great place to test out your kayak gear before going on more epic adventures!) The Woolen Mill is well worth taking the time to explore, it's a piece of Missouri history that was fortunately preserved before development consumed the surrounding land. This state park also offers plenty of well shaded camp sites that have made for many enjoyable summer weekends spent outside the city. If you want to get away from KC on a short day trip, Watkins Mill should be on your short list of great destinations to explore! read more

Went here on a Thursday afternoon and had a blast. Took my dog who loved it. The trail was in good condition with plenty of sitting areas and trash cans. The trail had multiple access points with plenty of picnic areas. Since it was fall the colors were in the middle of changing and beautiful. I look forward to coming back an bringing my bike, fishing pole, or a group of friends. This park is very versatile and a great find outside the city. read more

Watkin's Mill - View from the trail - Parks Near Me - Lawson, Missouri

See all

Love going here to run the trail and camping! Super RV friendly and the sites are always clean.

Sitting by a lake at Watkins Mill State Park. About to go on another long hike. Lilly, our dog, is loving her Saturday. Two parks and a cheese quesadilla from Taco Bell..what else could a #dog ask for? :) Really love how many places there are to go here. So much to do! read more

Watkin's Mill - Sitting by a lake at Watkins Mill State Park. About to go on another long hike. Lilly, our dog, is loving her Saturday. - Parks Near Me - Lawson, Missouri

See all

I have been coming here since I was a kid. It's so quiet most times of the year. It's great for a walk, jog, bike ride, take your pets or just enjoy nature. read more

See all

Their living history demonstrations and the museum are great for capturing a snapshot of life 150 years ago. Highly recommend asking the museum staff questions. They are helpful. Lovely place to camp, hike, and get away from the city. read more

Beautiful park with lots of historical buildings. There is a fenced in area near the old school house and we were the only ones there on Memorial Day. We played a game of fetch with our dogs in the park. Then we drove around to the lake area and it was so nice. There is a great walking trail and there were lots of people picnicking and fishing. A great place to take your dogs for a walk and have a nice picnic. read more

Our family loves this place! The beach, nature walking, fishing, s'mores, or just relaxing in the shade. The raccoons are not shy and will try to pilfer your site right in front of you- no fear whatsoever but it is somewhat entertaining. My kids call them 'snackoons' read more

This park and historic site has SO much to offer. I seriously cannot wait until it gets warmer out to enjoy more of the amenities it provides! There's a 3.5 or 4 mile paved trail that goes all around the lake with wooden bridges here and there, even a couple observation decks. It's got good inclines and gentle slopes to break up the pace for a walk, run, or bike ride. I went with my two six month old husky pups and they had a blast! We went for a walk and it took us an hour and a half to finish the entire trail. Tons of picnic spots with grills, a beach, fishing, campgrounds, hiking, even a boat launch. Didn't get to see the actual mill but I will definitely be back for more in the spring! read more

Great paved hiking trail with maintained camping and fishing areas. The 4 mile loops around the lake is great for a weekend stroll with the dog with plenty of areas to stop and watch the water or take in a picnic. Bikes are also allowed, so it makes it a nice place to enjoy the great weather in general. read more

The manager of the visitor center is unprofessional. Please be warned that if you call in advance to check tour times they will not inform you that those are sold out. In addition to this they do not tell you that it takes 5-10 minutes to walk to the mill from the visitor center. This is relevant because if your tour is at 2pm you really need to get there at 1:30 to buy tickets and walk to the mill. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful historic site but this place needs better management. The tour is more focused on the mechanical side of the woolen mill rather than its place in history and the reasons it is historic. read more

Great ~3 mi. paved loop for biking/jogging/walking. The trail takes you along the lake by fishermen and geese, and through the woods where I've seen deer, squirrels, and several other animals. There are nice stops where you can walk down to a creek and see the fish swimming in the water, or even a small waterfall depending on the time of year. If you get off the path and follow a gravel road about halfway around, the loop you can walk to the old schoolhouse for a look around. It's a great way to stay active outside, considering there aren't any mountains to hike around here. read more

Don't plan to camp here with a group of people especially if you like laughing and having a good time. The camp sites are extremely close together. A park ranger showed up Friday night a little after 10, and notified us for being too loud. We immediately turned our music off and respected the curfew(that we were not informed about until then). Our group was then asked to leave the site on Saturday in the LATE afternoon because of the noise complaint Friday night . Makes no sense and will never go back. read more

This is best state park I have ever stayed at. There are no water sites, and this is a bone I still have to pick with the Missouri State Park system. However, they make up for it with recycling centers, laundry rooms, excellent showers, etc. I have never had such helpful park hosts. There are three "teams" of them one is on-duty at all times. Friendly, nice to talk to, one and all. I got some useful information on some things to see tomorrow in Excelsior Springs nearby. The mill and historic site are a short, pretty drive away and it is beautifully interpreted. There is an brick octagonal school house, a small church with incredible brickwork, and of course the main house and the mill. What a great place to walk, with a heritage seed garden and chickens, turkeys, and sheep. One lady from the Kansas City Master Gardeners offered me a short tour of the garden. She really knew what she was talking about. The visitor's center is one of the best I have ever seen with friendly staff. read more

I decided to haul the dogs over to Watkins Mill for our daily walk when I went back home to visit. I've also been going to this park since I was a kid, as it's not far from where I grew up. There is a shady trail that runs around the lake, with the swim beach usually open during summer months; fishing is allowed, picnic tables are scattered about, and campsites nearby. One park entrance is located approx 1 mile N of 92 Hwy on Old Quarry Rd/MO-RA. Nice park to enjoy the wilderness! read more