Best Campgrounds near Leavenworth, KS
Camping near Leavenworth, Kansas features a mix of riverside and lakeside options within a 30-minute drive of the city. The area sits along the Missouri River, providing water-based recreation opportunities at campgrounds like Riverfront Park, which offers both tent and RV sites on the eastern edge of town. Nearby Weston Bend State Park Campground in Missouri provides a more forested setting with hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Suncatcher Lake Campground, located in Leavenworth, caters primarily to RV campers seeking full hookup amenities. These established campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring both the natural surroundings and the historic downtown area. According to one visitor, Riverfront Park Campground "provides easy access to the river for fishing and boating" with shaded sites that stay relatively cool during summer months.
Most campgrounds in the Leavenworth area are open year-round, though summer temperatures regularly reach 90-100°F in July and August. Winter camping is available but requires preparation for occasional snow and freezing temperatures. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting 2-3 bars on major carriers. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Weston Bend State Park, a popular option for visiting Leavenworth, implements a security gate with code access for nighttime entry and offers both electric and non-electric sites with varying levels of privacy.
The camping options near Leavenworth balance proximity to urban amenities with natural settings. RV-focused sites like Suncatcher Lake provide full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections, while state park campgrounds offer more spacious sites with varying levels of amenities. Many campgrounds accommodate large rigs, though mature trees at some locations may present challenges for oversized vehicles. Riverfront Park's location makes it particularly appealing for boaters, while Weston Bend State Park offers more hiking opportunities with "large, private, shaded" sites according to reviewers. Most campgrounds provide basic facilities including showers, toilets, and dump stations, with picnic tables and fire rings at individual sites where fires are permitted.
