Best Campgrounds near De Soto, KS

De Soto, Kansas provides several developed camping options within a 30-mile radius, including established facilities like Clinton State Park and Walnut Grove RV Park. Campgrounds in the area accommodate a range of camping styles from tent sites to full RV hookups, with some locations offering cabins and glamping experiences. Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA features amenities for families and includes both tent and RV sites along with cabin rentals. Most campgrounds near De Soto maintain year-round operations, though amenities and seasonal programming vary throughout the calendar year.

Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the De Soto area, with facilities typically offering both tent and RV accommodations. Clinton State Park maintains several campgrounds including Prairie Clover, which provides electric hookups, showers, and water access. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when facilities experience higher occupancy rates. Most developed sites include standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. Road access is generally suitable for passenger vehicles, with most sites situated on maintained roads. As one camper noted, "Great place to get off the highway and spend the night. Other campers are very friendly. Really enjoyed the park."

The regional camping experience includes both commercial campgrounds with full hookups and more basic facilities at state parks and fishing lakes. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake offers dispersed camping opportunities with fewer amenities but typically more privacy than developed sites. Noise considerations factor into site selection, as several reviews mention railway proximity at certain campgrounds. A review of Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA mentioned, "Trains passed by really loudly all night long. It finally stopped at about 5am." Family-friendly facilities represent another common theme in local campground offerings, with several locations providing dedicated recreational amenities like playgrounds, pools, and organized activities. Walnut Grove RV Park, situated in Merriam, offers full hookups in a more urban setting with proximity to Kansas City attractions and conveniences.

Best Camping Sites Near De Soto, Kansas (109)

    1. Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

    15 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 842-3877

    "We missed a KOA in Kansas City because of construction. Went to Lawrence KOA instead. Glad for the misfortune. The park has all you need for short or long term camping and RV trips."

    "I have some mobility challenges, the door to the bathroom is on a VERY tight spring, there is a step up into it. And none of the stalls have grab bars."

    2. Prairie Clover Campground — Clinton State Park

    35 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    21 miles
    +1 (785) 842-8562

    $10 - $100 / night

    "The great part is that the sites are so large, at least on the lake side, which is actually a bit away from the lake, but accessible by stairs from the camp sites."

    "The park is also at a lake so there’s a beach access area where you can go and swim or just sit by the very large lake."

    3. Walnut Grove RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mission, KS
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 262-3023

    $62 - $131 / night

    "Only 10 minutes away from Joe’s original Kansas City BBQ (super delicious).
    We did pay for the premium pull through site, so we had more room."

    "My husbands job took us to Merriam Kansas and we needed a place to stay, we made reservations at Walnut Grove. We were surprised to find it in the middle of a neighborhood."

    4. Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    22 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 843-7665

    $14 - $60 / night

    "The draw for me is the many hiking trails accessible from the campsite. Great place to spend a nice Kansas weekend!"

    "Awesome location and beautiful surroundings. Loved our site - lots of shade, big picnic table, & right next to playground. Beach was in great condition. The whole family had a great time."

    6. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    4 Reviews
    Tonganoxie, KS
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 887-6882

    "I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave."

    "I assume they went fishing at the lake. Bathroom was a little rough but manageable."

    7. Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park

    8 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 594-3600

    $10 / night

    "This campground is close to home for us, but we love it as a quick get away.  It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. "

    "We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views. Not bad for what it is, I do wish they had more options."

    8. Weston Bend State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Weston, MO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 640-5443

    $12 - $48 / night

    "The site is long but has a 1/4 moon turn so we had to pull back around to get better positioned on the pad so we could disconnect our 39’ 5th wheel and F450 for our 3-night stay."

    "attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again."

    9. Blue Springs Lake Campground

    45 Reviews
    Blue Springs, MO
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 503-4805

    $33 - $48 / night

    "Quiet, beautiful campground located just outside of Kansas City, Mo. We had a full hookup site located right by the playground and it was perfect for our family."

    "A campsite not to far from Kansas City but had a feeling far removed. The campground was super clean and well maintained."

    10. Woodridge Park

    13 Reviews
    Clinton Lake, KS
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 843-7665

    "There are so many spots you can set up at on the trail that nobody went to. Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!"

    "The campground is very well groomed, lots of amenities and it is really close to the lake via a short hike in the woods. #lovenature"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 109 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near De Soto, KS

603 Reviews of 109 De Soto Campgrounds


  • Freya
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Quail Run Campground — Hillsdale State Park

    Relaxing place to camp and enjoy nature

    All in all I really enjoyed tent camping at one of the primitive sites! My dad and I used two separate tents, each of which are six person tents, and it was easy to fit both on the campsite. I didn’t love the fire ring because the wall was pretty high and the grill part didn’t have adjustable height so that limited the height of the fire we could build when we wanted to cook over it. The nearby vault toilet was just OK, it was about as clean as a vault toilet could be but there was no way to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands nearby. The shower house with flush toilets, which was a little further away, was clean but didn’t have any hand soap, it only had hand sanitizer which was a disappointment.

    Those were really the only drawbacks to this campsite though! Everything else was lovely. I liked that there was a small camp store nearby with firewood for purchase during operating hours. The scenery was very nice and even though there were a lot of RVs in their section of the campground, I didn’t hear any noise coming from their air-conditioning thanks to the distance between that section and the primitive section.

    Being almost completely surrounded by the lake was so serene and we got to hear and see a lot of wildlife. The only other thing to know about this spot on the campground is that if you’re going to the primitive sites, you will have to park nearby and then walk the rest of the way with your gear. At the site I was in that was only a couple of yards but other ones were further away.

    Also, a note about spiders: there were way more than I’ve ever seen while camping before, so if large amounts of them bother you I suggest you not camp here in October! Most of them were small, but seeing them so often was still kind of gross. Such is life when camping though!

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Quiet, clean campground.

    My reservation was for the 15th of September, just at the end of the camping season, and so the park was quiet. The park ranger was wonderful. I stayed in space #019, which was perfect for my 19' camper van. Other than electric, I didn't use any other services, so I cannot comment on facilities. I would stay here again. 

    The town of Weston is walkable from the park. I left before the shops opened, but the town was quaint and inviting.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

    Good overnight.

    Easy check in friendly folks. Level site. Pull through FHU everything worked as expected. Would stay her again.

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA

    Nice layout . Trees and open area 4 tents

    Staff was accommodating.. paid ahead .. they left instructions for tent area

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Cedar Park

    Beautiful area.

    Great area, friendly guests even the kids showing up on the weekends were well behaved. One vault toilet they maintain the best they can. Area is patrolled by Park Rangers and law enforcement, not sure if local, county, or state. While there the park placed plaques marking site numbers and eventually they will add a kiosk that will have a QR code for payment, they were not sure what the fee would be (free for now). The sites are huge and not right on top of each other, they offer a picnic table, fire ring, and a gravel parking spot for your camper or grassy areas for tents. Very dusty roads getting here but worth it. Watch out for wildlife, deer, turkeys, and vultures are always on the roads including the pup that chases you're truck, just down the road from here, lol. Hope this helps, Happy camping you all!

  • robert B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Nice lake view

    Just got to the site, so far so good. Easy in for a Ford transit.

  • Rae B.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park

    Will return

    We just started the check in process and the staff is so great and helpful that I've already added this place to favorites and hope to return next time I'm in Missouri

  • Daniel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Blue Springs Lake Campground

    Great in town option

    Great option, clean and well ran. Quiet and I will stay agian!

  • S
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA

    Just off the freeway

    Easy to access. Great for an overnight. Cable not working. My site was a bit small for my 29’ rig. It is a toy hauler and I asked for more room. It was promised, but not delivered.


Guide to De Soto

Camping near De Soto, Kansas, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Explore the lake: Many campgrounds, like Clinton State Park Campground, provide access to beautiful lakes. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is beautiful and the campground is clean and neat."
  • Hiking and biking: Trails are available at various campgrounds, including Watkins Mill State Park Campground. A camper shared, "New asphalt roads throughout the park; nice for walking, biking, etc."
  • Wildlife watching: Campers often spot deer and other wildlife. One review noted, "PLENTY of wildlife. Bunnies, raccoons, and deer."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park said, "Two years ago they upgraded the bathrooms and they are very nice."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. One camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground mentioned, "The camp hosts were LOVELY, some of the friendliest I’ve met."
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Crow's Creek Campground stated, "Clean large sites many on the water or with water views."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds, like Blue Springs Lake Campground, are only open from May 16 to September 3. Be sure to check the season before planning your trip.
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A camper at Clinton State Park Campground noted, "It didn’t seem like the host was there," indicating that some services may be limited.
  • Bugs can be a nuisance: Campers have reported issues with bugs, especially in warmer months. One visitor at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake mentioned, "The bugs were horrible here. Swarms of gnats and mosquitoes."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose a family-friendly campground: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A review for Watkins Mill State Park Campground highlighted, "We had a full hookup site located right by the playground and it was perfect for our family."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Some campers enjoy late-night fun, but be mindful of others. One camper at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA noted, "This campground would get 5 stars for being family-friendly and the activities they have for kids."
  • Pack outdoor games: Bring along games to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Lake Shawnee County Campground mentioned, "A lot of well-maintained trails and a park as well as pavilions and a lake."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for electric hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A review for Weston Bend State Park Campground stated, "Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground."
  • Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds have close sites. A camper at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park noted, "Some sites are not very level so bring blocks."
  • Plan for noise: Campgrounds near highways may have traffic noise. One visitor at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA mentioned, "Close proximity to the interstate does come with some traffic noise."

Camping near De Soto, Kansas, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near De Soto, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, De Soto, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near De Soto, KS and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near De Soto, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near De Soto, KS is Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA with a 3.8-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near De Soto, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near De Soto, KS.

What parks are near De Soto, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near De Soto, KS that allow camping, notably Clinton Lake and Perry Lake.