Watkins Mill Campground Closed for November and December 2026
The campground and campground road at Watkins Mill State Park will be closed for all of November and December 2026 due to a construction project. The closed areas will include the campground road, the day-use parking lot on the east side of the lake dam, the dump station, the playground and the entire campground.
For more information, please call the park office at 816-580-3387. To see a complete list of closures and advisories, please visit our Park and Site Status Map.
Picnic Areas - Watkins Mill State Park
Choose from three picnic areas with tables and grills or several additional picnic tables and grills located along the bicycle trail near the beach and the shelter house area. Picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Williams Creek Picnic Area
- Open year-round
- Connects directly to the bicycle trail - Hill Top Picnic Area
- Open daily from April 1 to Oct. 31 - Fox Hunt Picnic Area
- Open daily from April 1 to Oct. 31
Picnic Shelter
For larger groups of family or friends, an open shelter is available and may be reserved. The shelter has picnic tables, cooking grills, electricity and a water hydrant and can accommodate up to 80 people. The bicycle trail is easily accessed from the shelter and a vault toilet is located next to the parking lot. Reservations cost $75 and are recommended for weekends April through October.
Shelter Reservations
To reserve the shelter or check for availability, visit our reservation page* or contact the park at 816-580-3387 during office hours.
*Shelters can be reserved online from 30 days to 12 months in advance of the day of use. Reservations for arrival dates less than 30 days out can be made only by contacting the park.