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Best Campgrounds near Kansas City, KS

587 Reviews

Camping near Kansas City, Kansas includes a mix of state parks, county facilities, and private RV parks spanning both Kansas and Missouri. Most campgrounds are situated around area lakes and reservoirs within a 30-60 minute drive from the city center. Notable options include Weston Bend State Park Campground to the northwest, Blue Springs Lake Campground to the east, and Walnut Grove RV Park in Merriam for those seeking proximity to urban amenities. Watkins Mill State Park, approximately 40 minutes northeast of Kansas City, offers year-round camping with multiple recreation areas. As one camper noted, "It's a short drive from Kansas City and one of my favorite weekenders when the weather is nice."

The Kansas City region experiences four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F and cold winters with occasional snow and ice. Most campgrounds operate year-round, though some like Blue Springs Lake Campground (open May 16-September 3) and Worlds of Fun Village (March 1-October 30) have seasonal limitations. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with campers reporting strong signals for major carriers at most locations. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods. Many state parks in both Kansas and Missouri require entrance permits in addition to camping fees, with day-use and annual options available.

Camping options range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks with 50-amp hookups. State parks typically offer more natural settings with hiking trails, fishing, and boating opportunities, while providing basic amenities like showers and electric hookups. Private RV parks closer to the city provide more extensive hookups and urban conveniences. Basswood Country RV Resort, located 20 miles north of Kansas City, combines natural surroundings with family-friendly amenities including fishing lakes, playgrounds, and a swimming pool. Lake-based campgrounds such as Smithville Lake's Crow's Creek and Camp Branch provide water recreation opportunities with boat-in access available at several locations. Most campgrounds accommodate both tents and RVs, with a few offering cabin rentals for those without camping equipment.

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Best Camping Sites Near Kansas City, Kansas (102)

    1. Blue Springs Lake Campground

    44 Reviews
    Blue Springs, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 503-4805

    $33 - $48 / night

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

    "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."

    2. Walnut Grove RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mission, KS
    7 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."

    3. Campus RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Independence, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 254-1815

    $37 - $48 / night

    "Just 30 minutes to downtown Kansas City and maybe 15 minutes to arrowhead stadium, this campground is ideal for being close to everything that Kansas City offers."

    "The RV park is really close to downtown Independence, Missouri and has everything we needed for the night."

    4. Worlds of Fun Village

    8 Reviews
    Randolph, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 454-4545

    $300 / night

    "Easy walk to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, with some back-in sites offering tremendous views of downtown KC. "

    "Built on a hillside adjacent to the amusement and water park. The camp ground pool is huge and fun for the kids on non park days."

    5. Crow's Creek Campground

    28 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    20 miles
    Website

    "The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing.  We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table."

    "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance."

    6. Weston Bend State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Weston, MO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 640-5443

    $12 - $48 / night

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

    "This place was fantastic all the way around please note it’s July and they do have some construction going on in parts of the campground."

    7. Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park

    19 Reviews
    Lee's Summit, MO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 503-4805

    "Nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great."

    "Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!"

    8. Basswood Country RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Platte City, MO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 858-5556

    $56 - $59 / night

    "It's located 20 miles north of Kansas City and had full hookups, and even wifi and cable. It was beautiful and well kept. We were lucky enough to get a site across from one of its 5 small lakes."

    "The only two things I wasn’t expecting were: 1. it’s pretty close to the airport, but you don’t notice the planes except when you’re outside; 2. the sites (except premium ones) are pretty close together"

    9. Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Excelsior Springs, MO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 580-3387

    $12 - $42 / night

    "There's a lake but it's not anything to brag about, and the swimming beach is closed often due to bacteria in the lake."

    "Watkins mill SP is located a short distance from Kansas City off I-35 near Kearney. The park has a large lake that you can fish and boat as well as multiple hiking options."

    10. Camp Branch Campground

    15 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    21 miles
    Website

    "The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site. only downside is it is only electric hookups. ( only a downside if you are a travel trailer/rv)"

    "Some sites close to water. Great fishing, hiking, and 18 hole golf course close by."

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Recent Camping Photos near Kansas City, KS

165 Photos of 102 Kansas City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kansas City, KS

587 Reviews of 102 Kansas City Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • R
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Owl Creek Market and RV Park

    Great place to stay overnight.

    This was a great park for us to pull over and get off the freeway overnight we did it on our way to Kansas from MI and from Kansas to MI. The store was very nice and the staff there were friendly and accommodative.The only thing I would recommend is getting some shade in the center of the park where the pull-throughs are on concrete.

  • NomadBrad D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Blue Springs Lake Campground

    Perfect Spot

    Great campsite, very clean… Bathrooms were spotless. As washer and dryer, showers, three toilets, playground for kids, firewood for sale.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Mayview RV Park

    Small town charm, CHEAP!

    $20/night including full hookups! Town population only 600. There’s a bar & grill and a brunch cafe around the corner from the RV park. Payment is self serve, no reservations. Couldn’t get WiFi to work but cell connection (T-Mobile) was fine

  • NomadBrad D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Blue Springs Lake Campground

    Great Campground!

    The whole experience was awesome. The entire place was spotless, the sites were far apart enough that you didn't feel like your neighbors were on top of you. Bathrooms were incredibly clean and the camp hosts or some of the nicest ones I've ever encountered! I think their names were Robin and Jim. 5 stars for sure!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Walnut Grove RV Park

    A little hidden Gem

    Stayed for 2 nights for a softball tournament. A very nice Rv park just off I35 hidden in a nice quiet suburban area. Sites were gravel and level with FHU. A nice little store on site with free coffee, water and a cappuccino machine. Family owned with great hosts. Clean 24-7 bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities. A re-visit and stay is a must. Close to stores, eats and fuel for Rv’s.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

    A great little KOA campground with lots of amenities.

    The staff is very nice, the camp is clean the bathrooms are clean the laundry is clean the pool is clean overall a very pleasant little camp. Please see attached video and pictures for more details.

    The only two negatives are one there are probably not enough shade trees and two there is a train that comes by every couple of hours.

  • Sayler O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Crow's Creek Campground

    More for Family Gatherings, Not for a Nature Escape

    Crows Creek Campground is fine if you’re just looking for a place to get out of the house, be outside, and hang out with family, but it’s not great for anyone hoping to feel truly “out in nature.” The campground is huge, with several loops and tons of sites. The RV loops were packed and felt really crowded, while the tent site loops were almost empty during our July visit.

    One big downside for me was the lack of trees—there’s maybe one tree per tent site and even fewer around the RV spots. Shade is minimal, and there’s really no sense of being in the woods. To top it off, the campground has a lot of rules, like no fires past midnight and no tying hammocks to trees (not that there are enough trees to even try).

    If your goal is simply to camp near the lake with a big group or family, this place works fine. But if you’re looking for a quiet, natural setting or a campground that feels like an escape. This just doesn't feel like camping to me.

Guide to Kansas City

Camping near Kansas City, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or a family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Crow's Creek Campground, are close to Smithville Lake, making it easy to fish or take out a boat. One camper mentioned, "We had a short walk to the lake for fishing, and the loop had a restroom."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Watkins Mill State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "New asphalt roads throughout the park; nice for walking, biking, etc."
  • Playgrounds and family fun: Campgrounds like Blue Springs Lake Campground have playgrounds nearby. One family said, "We had a full hookup site located right by the playground and it was perfect for our family."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Weston Bend State Park Campground stated, "Showers and bathrooms are clean and the hosts are very nice."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Longview Campground said, "The on-site manager, Paul, and his wife were amazing!"
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA noted, "Staff were pleasant and sites were level."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Camp Branch Campground, may not have full hookups or showers. A visitor mentioned, "Tent sites are okay sized, and many are close to the water."
  • Road noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider this when choosing a campground. A camper at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA said, "Close proximity to the interstate does come with some traffic noise."
  • Strict rules: Some campgrounds have strict policies regarding passes and noise. A review for Camp Branch Campground mentioned, "The rules are super strict when it comes to day passes."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Look for places like Blue Springs Lake Campground that have facilities for kids. One parent said, "It was perfect for our family."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have fishing gear or bikes for trails. A camper at Watkins Mill State Park Campground suggested, "Be sure to get biscuits & gravy at 'The General Store' just down the road from the park entrance."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. A visitor at Crow's Creek Campground mentioned, "The camp store sells wood and everyone was extremely friendly."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Walnut Grove RV Park noted, "I would recommend staying at the premium pull-through sites."
  • Bring leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Weston Bend State Park Campground mentioned, "You will need leveling blocks on the gravel."
  • Use the dump station: Make sure to utilize the dump station available at many campgrounds. A visitor at Longview Campground said, "The grounds are close to town in case you forgot anything."

Camping near Kansas City, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the amenities and plan accordingly!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available on both the Kansas and Missouri sides of Kansas City?

Kansas City's metropolitan area spans both states, offering camping options on each side. On the Kansas side, Rutlader Outpost RV Park provides reasonable rates, clean facilities, and proximity to Hillsdale State Park. Hillsdale State Park itself offers primitive camping options and is popular among locals for weekend getaways. On the Missouri side, options include Campus RV Park with concrete pads and full hookups just 30 minutes from downtown and 15 minutes from Arrowhead Stadium. Missouri also features Trailside RV Park, Peculiar Park Place, and several state park campgrounds. The Missouri side tends to have more wooded, nature-oriented options, while the Kansas side offers more convenient RV facilities for visitors wanting quick access to the city.

Are there any lake camping sites near Kansas City?

Kansas City has several excellent lake camping options nearby. Blue Springs Lake Campground offers a peaceful lakeside experience with clean, well-maintained facilities and perfect tree coverage for shade, yet feels removed from the city despite its proximity. Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping provides a quick getaway right next to Smithville Lake with clean facilities and friendly staff. Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park features multiple recreation options including kayaking, pontoon rentals, and fishing, plus 27 hiking trails. Other lake options include Crow's Creek Campground on Smithville Lake and Camp Branch Campground. Most lake campgrounds in the area offer both primitive sites and those with hookups, allowing for various camping styles within 30-45 minutes of downtown.

Where are the best campgrounds near Kansas City?

The Kansas City area offers several outstanding campgrounds within a short drive of the city. Watkins Mill State Park Campground is a favorite weekender spot with clean facilities, multiple hiking options, and historical attractions, located just off I-35 near Kearney. Weston Bend State Park Campground provides large, private, shaded sites with well-maintained amenities and is only 40 minutes from downtown. Other excellent options include Peculiar Park Place for a quiet experience, Campus RV Park for convenient city access, and Rutlader Outpost RV Park with reasonable rates. Most campgrounds around Kansas City feature full hookups, clean facilities, and easy access to both outdoor recreation and urban attractions.

Are there wooded campgrounds near Kansas City for a more secluded experience?

For campers seeking a secluded, wooded experience near Kansas City, several options stand out. Jackson County Fleming Park Jacomo Campground offers a wooded setting just 30 minutes from downtown with access to numerous hiking trails and water activities. Crow's Creek Campground at Smithville Lake provides a decent weekend getaway with tree coverage for a more natural experience. Blue Springs Lake Campground has several nicely shaded sites, particularly on the hilltop near the entrance, offering some of the best tree coverage in the area. Weston Bend State Park also features large, private, shaded sites for those wanting seclusion. Most wooded campgrounds in the region are on the Missouri side and offer a surprising feeling of remoteness despite being just 30-45 minutes from Kansas City's urban center.

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