Best Campgrounds near Kansas City, KS
Camping spots around Kansas City range from lakeside grounds to forested parks with plenty of options for weekend trips. Crow's Creek Campground in Smithville puts campers right by the water, which works well if you're bringing kids. Not far away, Watkins Mill State Park Campground has trees covering most sites and some good trails that loop through the woods. Another Smithville option, Camp Branch Campground, handles both tents and RVs with decent bathrooms and other basics. Fishing is good at several lakes in the area, with easy shore access at most campgrounds. Summer fills up most Kansas City area camping spots quickly, so book at least a few weeks ahead. Most campsites come with a table and fire ring, which saves you bringing extra gear. Being close to Kansas City means you can spend a day in town without a long drive back to camp. Tent campers and RV owners both have solid choices within an hour of the city. Many people like camping here in fall when the temperatures drop and leaves change color. Each campground has its own rules about dogs and fires, so check their websites before heading out. The camping areas vary from open lakefront to dense woods depending on what you prefer. You can spend your morning hiking and your evening catching a Royals game if you time it right. A little planning makes everything go smoother, especially on holiday weekends. Remember insect repellent and sunblock - the Missouri summer sun can be intense even in wooded sites.
