Camp Branch and Little Platte Beaches have closed for the season. Thank you for your patronage, and we look forward to seeing you next season!
Camp Branch Beach is located on the east side of the lake within Camp Branch Park across the parking lot from the Main Park Office, Camp Branch Marina and Boat Launch.
In addition to access by vehicle, Camp Branch Beach is also accessible from Camp Branch Campground via Bonebender Trail
Little Platte beach is located within Little Platte Park on the west side of the
lake and is accessed from 180th Street. Access is by vehicle and via the new Little Platte Trail. Nearby park attractions include: Paradise Pointe Marina,
Golf Complex, and Historical Sites - Woodhenge and Akers Cemetery.
Water Quality Information
Clay County samples water quality at all designated swimming beaches at Smithville Lake on a biweekly basis during the recreational season. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has designated Smithville Lake as a body of water (lake) with recreational use category Whole Body Contact, category A (WBC-A).
Water samples are analyzed for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. It is normal for E. coli and other bacteria to be found at naturally-occurring levels in ponds, streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Elevated bacteria levels are frequently associated with heavy rains; however, there are a number of other sources that may contribute to elevated bacteria levels, which may pose a health risk.
Water sample results can help visitors decide whether a particular beach is suitable for swimming, based on the bacteria levels. For waters designated as WBC-A, the state water quality standard is 126 E. Coli colonies per 100mL of water during the recreational season (May 1 to September 1). Because temporary fluctuations, MDNR uses a single event threshold of 190 colonies/100mL of water for E. Coli concentrations. Clay County will post signs notifying visitors that swimming is not recommended if the geometric mean of the weekly water quality sample results exceeds the equivalent of 190 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water (190 mpn/100 ml).
