Camping near Elwood, KS

69 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Campgrounds near Elwood, Kansas include a range of public and private facilities across the Missouri-Kansas border. Several established options such as AOK Campground & RV Park and Sharp RV Park offer traditional camping experiences with mixed-use sites supporting tents, RVs, and cabin accommodations. Most developed campgrounds are located within a 30-mile radius of Elwood, primarily in neighboring Missouri communities like St. Joseph and Weston. The region includes both commercial RV parks with full hookups and more rustic state park options like Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, which provides cabin rentals alongside tent and RV sites.

    Access to campgrounds varies seasonally with some conservation areas requiring attention to weather conditions. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. "The heat and humidity really settled in and it was actually quite miserable but that was my bad for not bringing a fan," noted one camper at Bluffwoods Conservation Area. Road quality generally permits standard vehicle access, with most established sites featuring gravel pads. Elevation changes are minimal in this region, but campers should be aware of potential flooding concerns near the Missouri River, particularly at conservation areas like Arthur Dupree Memorial Conservation Area, where levee construction has occasionally limited access.

    Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites at campgrounds like AOK, which features a small lake for fishing and kayaking. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and amenities like swimming pools, which provide relief during hot summer months. Highway noise affects some campgrounds due to their proximity to major routes, particularly I-29. Conservation areas such as Bluffwoods and Honey Creek offer free camping with fewer amenities but more seclusion. Several reviewers highlighted the family-friendly nature of the established campgrounds, with one camper noting, "There is a lake/river at the edge of the property with fish, plenty of frogs and I even saw a beaver or otter swimming across it." Wildlife viewing opportunities extend across many camping areas in the region, adding to the outdoor experience despite the relatively developed nature of the area.

    Best Campgrounds near Elwood (69)

      1. AOK Campground & RV Park

      4.4(16)9mi from ElwoodRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "There is a lake/ river at the edge of the property with fish, plenty of frogs and I even saw a beaver or otter swimming across it. You can fish but it is catch and release."

      "We travel with a dog and so much lush green grass to explore and walk was a plus for us. There is a dog park but I didn’t look for it so can’t comment on it. Didn’t use the bath house either."

      2. Weston Bend State Park Campground

      4.5(37)24mi from Elwood48 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      from $15 - $52 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Sharp RV Park

      3.8(4)8mi from ElwoodRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "This camp is easy in and out, close to St Joseph, some concrete pads, some gravel. We will stay here again next year"

      4. Beacon RV Park

      2.5(4)5mi from ElwoodRVs, Tents

      5. Bluffwoods Conservation Area

      4.3(3)8mi from ElwoodRVs, Tents

      "Two fire pits in the grass to use but you can’t drive up to them. We were the only ones there and it was quiet."

      "I’m driving up to Wyoming from Tennessee and camping along the way and this was my first stop."

      6. Honey Creek Conservation Area

      4.1(7)15mi from ElwoodRVs, Tents

      "A Missouri conservation area, a mile off the road. a gravel road gives you access to many multi use trails. see map attached. there were 5 or so nice camping spots with picnic tables and fire rings along"

      "It was a little close to the highway so got a little highway noise, but not bad. No trains😊 Only one other camper so plenty of room.

      Pit toilet, no water."

      7. Rochester Falls Access

      3.9(8)15mi from ElwoodRVs, Tents

      "The easy access to the beach there is incredibly helpful and the fishing was great. As a Rockhound, I found so many beautiful and unique minerals and made a lot of jewelry from it."

      "There is a bathroom and is close to the river."

      8. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

      3.9(9)17mi from Elwood67 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The roads to, around, and within the campground are paved and great for a family walk or bike-riding."

      "There is a trail to walk or bike ride. Small lake to canoe or kayak or fishing crom the shore line. Whole campground is nice and level."

      from $15 - $35 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Love's RV Hookup-St. Joseph MO 235

      3.0(2)6mi from ElwoodRVs

      "We arrived around midnight and there was very limited parking. We did not plan to use the RV hook ups but there seemed to still be one available slot if we wanted it."

      from $32 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Arthur Dupree Memorial Conservation Area

      3.0(1)3mi from ElwoodRVs, Tents

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time



    Recent Reviews near Elwood, KS

    349 Reviews of 69 Elwood Campgrounds

    • Emily B.
      Sep. 13, 2026

      Big Lakes Turtle Cove Campground

      Primitive at best

      The owner was very nice but we weren’t aware of the lack of any sort of bathroom. The lack of shower wasn’t a problem but make sure you have an RV with a bathroom. Tent camping is not recommended here. The campsites were clean and spacious. Mosquitos did come out after dark but it’s by water so we didn’t expect there to not be any bugs.

    • t
      Sep. 10, 2026

      Camp Branch Campground

      Great campground

      We loved our stay here, will definitely stay again. There were many shady sites and camp hosts were great. Hiking nearby too

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 2, 2026

      Watkins Mill State Park Campground

      Wooded campground with nearby lake

      Paved roads with some paved campsites and some gravel campsites. Clean bathrooms with separate, private showers. Coin operated laundry. 3.8 mile paved lake trail with easy rating.

    • Karen C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 30, 2026

      Hamilton City Lake

      Peaceful lakeside

      I parked on the north east side of the lake, between the golf course and the boat ramp. One mile dirt/gravel road access, pit toilet on the north east side. I believe the actual camping spots are across the lake, nearer the highway. There is some highway noise, but it felt like background noise to me. No amenities. Perfect for my 22' van, for an overnight while traveling through. Pretty lake, lots of birds!

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 28, 2026

      Big Lake State Park Campground

      Beautiful prairie campground

      We stopped at this campground for 1 night as we traveled thru. The park was immaculately mowed and the sites were spacious and we'll maintained. It looked like a perfect place to have a picnic as well. Plenty of parking. The lake is narrow and long, so plenty of space to boat. I didn't see a designated swimming areas, so can't say if they're was one or not. I would definitely stay here again.

    • c
      Aug. 18, 2026

      Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

      Lewis and Clark State Park in Rushville Mo.

      It’s a great campsite, clean bathrooms, great scenery, easy-going camp host and overall I do it again for us

    • Alison  P.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 12, 2026

      Watkins Mill State Park Campground

      Great spot!

      We stopped here for one night on our trip from Texas to Iowa - very nice campground! It’s well kept, clean, and nice facilities. The site wasn’t very level, but other than that, it was great.

    • Doug Y.
      Aug. 3, 2026

      Stanton Lake Park

      Nice Park

      Small lake with a paved trail, you camp in large parking space with fhu.

    Guide to Elwood

    Campsite options near Elwood, Kansas range from conservation areas to private RV parks within a 35-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 800-900 feet elevation in the Missouri River floodplain with humid continental climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. Camping accessibility varies with spring flooding along the Missouri River sometimes restricting access to conservation areas through fall.

    What to do

    Kayaking and fishing at AOK Campground: The small lake offers catch-and-release fishing and kayaking opportunities. "There is a small lake where you could fish(catch and release only) and even a kayak you could take out," noted a camper who appreciated these water recreation options.

    Hiking at Weston Bend State Park: The park offers an extensive trail system including some paved trails for easier walking. "Weston Bend State Park has an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail!" shared a visitor who enjoyed the variety of paths.

    Bird watching at Honey Creek: This conservation area provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for bird enthusiasts. "Beautiful area. Wish we could've explored it a bit... Seems there are lots of things you can do while here, besides camping: fishing, birding, hiking & horseback riding," a visitor mentioned about the diverse outdoor activities.

    Swimming at Lewis and Clark State Park: The small lake provides swimming options, especially welcome during hot summer days. "This campground is a great setting for a quiet family weekend... there is a small lake nearby for swimming and which draws in wildlife," commented a reviewer about the recreational opportunities.

    What campers like

    Privacy at Weston Bend campground: Some sites offer more seclusion than others in the region. "While some of the other sites were very close to each other, this one is relatively isolated. It's big too," noted a visitor about site 26, appreciating the spacious setting away from neighbors.

    Shaded campsites at Rochester Falls Access: The trees provide relief from summer heat at this conservation area. "There are enough trees to shade 90% of the camp throughout and a wood line surrounding the area so it does not feel like you are camping in the middle of a wide open field," commented a camper who enjoyed the natural setting.

    Clean facilities at Weston Bend: The maintenance standards receive consistent praise. "These are the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think maybe ever. The camp hosts were super nice stop by to make sure that I was all set up and didn't need any help," shared an impressed overnight visitor.

    Free camping at Honey Creek Conservation Area: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost options. "Good place for free camping just not a lot of things to do other than explore the woods or fish in the river which doesn't have great access," noted a reviewer who valued the economic advantage despite limited amenities.

    What you should know

    Highway noise affects some campgrounds: The proximity to major roads impacts the camping experience. "We could hear some road noise but it really wasn't invasive at all," mentioned an AOK camper, while another at Rochester Falls noted "It was a little close to the highway so got a little highway noise, but not bad. No trains."

    Access road challenges at conservation areas: Navigation can be difficult on rural routes. "Google Maps will take you on some gnarly gravel roads in a big loop if you take directions straight from Dyrt. Save yourself the time and search 'Honey Creek Conservation Area'," advised a camper who found a more direct route.

    Limited facilities at Bluffwoods Conservation Area: Prepare for primitive camping conditions. "Love this little area for camping! It's well maintained, quiet, easy to access, has lots of grass for the dogs to play and we always see wildlife. People often leave trash so be sure to leave no trace," a visitor commented about the basic setup.

    Seasonal closures and construction: Check before traveling as some areas have restricted access. "As of early September 1/2 of the campground is closed for construction. I understand that some sites will be upgraded to full hookups," reported a Weston Bend camper about ongoing improvements.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground: The play area provides entertainment for children. "Was great kids playing with each other going from group to group getting more kids to play. You can see them from anywhere in the camp ground," shared a parent who appreciated the family-friendly layout.

    Bike-friendly roads at Lewis and Clark: The paved surfaces accommodate family cycling. "The roads to, around, and within the campground are paved and great for a family walk or bike-riding," noted a visitor highlighting the recreational options beyond the campsites.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy spotting animals throughout the region. "We greatly enjoyed our visit and can't wait to go again!" commented a family who appreciated the natural setting at Weston Bend State Park.

    Safety considerations: Most campgrounds offer good visibility throughout. "Whole campground is nice and level. If you have kids you can see them anywhere in the campground especially when they are playing with other kids in the playground located on the middle," noted a parent at Lewis and Clark State Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection at AOK Campground & RV Park: Some spots provide better amenities than others. "We had a pull through and it was perfect for overnight. Full hook up and shade," shared an RVer who found their site well-suited for a brief stay.

    Level sites at Weston Bend: The terrain accommodates larger vehicles. "Campground is hilly, sites are level, gravel pads. Lots of space between sites. Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground," noted a camper who appreciated the practical setup.

    Limited big rig access at Rochester Falls: Space constraints affect larger vehicles. "Not really big rig friendly. One site, maybe. We got ours (43.5') in, barely. It's the first site out of the 6 or 7 here. Great for 30' travel trailers," advised an RVer who managed the tight quarters.

    Hookup options at Sharp RV Park: Full service sites available for those wanting amenities. "This camp is easy in and out, close to St Joseph, some concrete pads, some gravel," commented a visitor who found the accessibility convenient for their travel needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Elwood, KS?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Elwood, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 69 campgrounds and RV parks near Elwood, KS and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Elwood, KS?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elwood, KS is AOK Campground & RV Park with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elwood, KS?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Elwood, KS.