(30 August 2023)

Boating on area lakes is regulated by various departments of the federal, state, and local governments. This guide is provided to assist you in finding answers to help you enjoy your boating adventures.

Missouri:  Mandatory Boater Education     General Information  |  Legal Statute

Missouri: Titling a Boat, Motor, and Trailers  Boat and Motor Regulations  |  Trailer Regulations  |  Out-of-State Boaters
Ξ Note: City, County and other regulated lakes may require permits and other registration for those lakes.

Missouri: Purchase or Renew Fishing Licenses  Information and links to Fishing and Hunting Licenses and Resources 

Kansas: Boat Regulations  General Information  |  Regulations and Statutes  |  Requirements  |  Required Boat Equipment Checklist  |  Law Enforcement  |  Alcohol and Boating  |  Reporting an Accident

Kansas: Boating Education   Get Your Certificate  |  Get a Replacement Card  |  Education FAQ

Kansas:  Boating Registration  Ways To Register Your Boat  |  Renew Your Registration Online

Kansas: Purchase or Renew Fishing Licenses  Information and links to Fishing Licenses and Resources

Smithville Lake:  General Information  |   Visitor Fees for Visitors, Boats, and Automobiles  |  Boat Rentals   |  Kayak Rental  |  Slip Rentals
Note: Smithville Marine does not rent boats, kayaks, motors or trailers.

Additional Information on Smithville Lake

“Smithville Lake is a 7,200-acre lake and has more than 175 miles of shoreline. Located just 20 miles from downtown Kansas City, there are several recreational opportunities available to the outdoor enthusiast that include: 2 swim beaches, 752 campsites, reservable shelters, 2 full-service marinas including boat rentals, 1 sailboat only marina, dockside restaurant, 2 public 18-hole golf courses within the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex, 4 disc golf courses, great fishing whether from shore or by boat, 37 miles of walking/biking trails, 11.5 miles of single-track mountain biking trails, 32 miles of equestrian trails, home to Kansas City Trapshooters Association, public hunting that includes managed goose hunts as well as youth and ADA white-tail deer and wild turkey hunts, and an aggressive 2,300-acre native grassland revitalization project.”  Clay County website

Additional Information

• Clay County Missouri Park Department Fees
• Learn more about Smithville Lake and the Surrounding communities

Shelter Houses

• Shelter houses can be reserved year-round. The Lake View Shelter is available for use on a first-come, first-served basis or can be reserved through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 816-532-0174. View/download the reservation form.
• Shelter Houses at Smithville Lake’s Little Platte, Crows Creek, and Sailboat Cove can be reserved by contacting Clay County Park’s at 816-407-3400 or viewing their website.
• Shelters located below the dam in the Smith’s Fork Park area can be reserved by contacting the City of Smithville at 816-532-1028.

Note: Vehicles and boats must have entrance passes to get to the shelters in Little Platte, Crows Creek, and Sailboat Cove areas of Smithville Lake.

Smithville Lake Marinas

• Camp Branch Marina – map

The Camp Branch Marina Store has fishing boats and pontoon boats for rent. It also offers: boating accessories, life jackets, swim flags, batteries, fishing tackle, bait, ice, snacks, drinks, and fuel. Covered overnight boat slips are available, along with 212 covered boat slips leased in 6-month increments.

Camp Branch is located near the swimming beach, Camp Branch Campground, boat ramps, walking trails, trapshooting park, and picnic sites.

• Paradise Pointe Marina – map

Located in Little Platte Park, the Paradise Pointe Marina Store is now operated by Clay County Parks.

The following items are offered: boating accessories, life jackets, swim flags, batteries, fishing tackle, bait, ice, fuel, snacks, drinks, and much more. Overnight boat slips are available, along with 240 covered boat slips and 29 uncovered boat slips leased in 6-month increments.

Paradise Pointe Marina is located near the swimming beach, boat ramps, walking trails, picnic sites, playground, historic Woodhenge and Akers Cemetary, disc golf courses, and Paradise Pointe Golf Complex.

• Crows Creek Campground and Boat Ramp – Map

The Crows Creek recreational area includes both a campground and nearby boat ramps.

• Sailboat Cove – map

Sailboat Cove is utilized by sailors, picnickers, sightseers, and anglers. Except for the docks, mooring buoys, and dry storage facility, the area is open to the public. The Day Sail area of Sailboat Cove is an excellent place for launching catamarans, small sailboats, and windsurfing. There are picnic tables and grills, as well as access to walking trails nearby. Large sailboats must use the ramp north of the parking lot, which is specially designed for them. There is also a restroom and shower facility that is open year-round.