The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Kansas City. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Kansas City is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Kansas City, KS. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"We live near Crow’s Creek, and enjoy making spur of the moment camping trips here throughout the year. There are many spacious tent sites with great views of the lake."
"We had a nice RV site with electric. 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."
$12 - $48 / night
"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."
"We went back around and the person moved so we could get water. After that, we headed to pull through site 28 with electric(50/30/20 AMP) only."
"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."
"Both electric and primitive sites are available."
$12 - $42 / night
"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."
"Clean bathroom and shower facilities. The park and campsite are gorgeous. 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."
"Stayed on the A loop and had a beautiful view of the lake! Nice to be close to bathrooms and have a gorgeous view."
"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)"
"Close to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip."
"Of everywhere Smith's Fork is the only one (so far) that offers Electric (30 & 50 amp), Water (2) and Sewer at every campsite. At just $30 per day it is a steal!"
$45 - $130 / night
"Stayed here for one night after driving down from Nebraska. Great place to set up for the night, clean bathrooms, a nice fire pit, and plenty of room to set up a tarp for the rain."
"The tent campsites are just a small patch of turf, but they do have tables and a nice fire pit."
"Close to Kansas City but also really close to I-70. Lots highway noise. Staff very helpful & campground is being remodeled"
"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."
"Camp ground was very clean and the staff is very helpful! Drive you right to the campsite so no need to have to look for it. Pizza delivery a d wood was a nice touch."
"My kids love camping here, we came in an RV and we're barely ever inside it until we were ready to sleep."
LegendWatkins 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. The historical site is a neat step back in time to the 1800'. The campground is broken up into 3 different areas with plenty of space for campers, RV's and tents. Park features include an updated showerhouse, large playground for the kids and helpful and friendly park staff. Thanks to the staff for giving us an heads up on the raccoons that are bold! Reservations are recommended on holiday weekends.
ScoutClean bathroom and shower facilities. The park and campsite are gorgeous. 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.
It's a short drive from Kansas City and one of my favorite weekenders when the weather is nice. We've always had a great time on our stays.
GuideI was looking for a decent place to camp near Kansas City during the weekend and found this spot on Smithville Lake. When I camp, I typically do it while on vacation and checking out a national park. This obviously isn't an experience like that. This was the first time I've camped over a weekend in years.
The campsites are very spacious and there are even places with covered picnic tables. The bathrooms are also clean. If you're not the most adventurous type, you'll like this campground.
The thing I enjoyed most about this campground was the trail around the lake. The trails are fairly low traffic and there wasn't too much noise coming from boats on the water. It was a peaceful location to camp and enjoy views of the lake.
Overall, I recommend this as a quick place to go during a weekend if you're in the area and feel like camping. I probably wouldn't stay here for an extended period of time.
ScoutClose to Kansas City but also really close to I-70. Lots highway noise. Staff very helpful & campground is being remodeled
GuideClose to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip.
ScoutNice 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. Only negative is that some sites are right on the road, so kids can dart out at any time...just be careful!
GuideThis 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.
These are the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think Mabye ever. The camp hosts were super nice stop by to make sure that I was all set up and didn’t need any help.
I was only there overnight and I got there after a 10 Hour Dr. so I did not spend a lot of time there, but I absolutely think it’s an it’s a gem of a place right outside of Kansas City.
LegendGetting to the state park off I 29 and through the countryside was easy as the route had Weston Bend SP signage. We followed the SP signs to the campground(CG) where the gate was not manned so we headed to get water, but someone was sitting in the dump station waiting for another person to arrive so we went around this one-loop CG to see if there was a convenient spigot. There are spigots but with a larger rig, you will block the road, and/or you will be on a hill. We went back around and the person moved so we could get water. After that, we headed to pull through site 28 with electric(50/30/20 AMP) only. 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. There were tree branches overhead that we could not avoid. RVers next to us in site 30 had just arrived as well and were having trouble getting their travel trailer unhitched and leveled due to the pad’s slight incline and unlevel asphalt. They got their trailer positioned so they could get somewhat level. We got a solid two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. Due to our proximity to Kansas City, we got a lot of OTA channels. A satellite connection would be iffy in most sites here due to the number of mature trees. The trees in a lot of sites would also scrape the top of larger rigs. There’s a variety of sites with most being good for regular trailers versus tall rigs, and tent sites. They have a nice shower house with 1 washer and 1 dryer both for$1.50. There are also vaulted toilets here and there. There’s a 1.7-acre fenced dog park that includes one large area for large dogs and two other areas with one dedicated to smaller dogs. The dog area is at the front park entrance away from the campground and it would be a long walk to get there, so we drove up. There are a lot of hiking trails here plus an old tobacco barn that’s worth a look.
Guidesite: large. private. shaded. amenities: clean. well maintained. attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best season for glamping in Kansas City?
Late spring through early fall is ideal for glamping around Kansas City, with May through September offering the most pleasant conditions. Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping near Smithville Lake makes for a great summer getaway when you can take advantage of water activities. Camp Branch Campground offers beautiful lake views that are particularly stunning in early fall. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder temperatures in the 60s-70s. Be prepared for occasional thunderstorms in summer and check for seasonal closures or reduced amenities in winter months.
What types of glamping accommodations are available in Kansas City?
The Kansas City area offers diverse glamping accommodations to suit various preferences. Watkins Mill State Park Campground features upgraded sites with electricity and water hookups in a scenic setting with lake views. Weston Bend State Park Campground provides well-maintained facilities with clean, modern bathrooms and shaded, private sites. Other options throughout the region include luxury safari tents, cabins with air conditioning, yurts, and treehouse accommodations. Many sites come equipped with fire pits, grills, and picnic tables, while the more upscale options may include private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and comfortable furnishings.
How much does glamping cost in Kansas City?
Glamping prices near Kansas City typically range from $50 to $150+ per night, depending on the accommodation type and amenities. Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA offers upgraded sites with partial hookups starting around $50-70 per night, while their cabin options cost more. Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA has similar pricing structures with options for both short and long-term stays. During peak summer season and holidays, expect prices to increase by 20-30%. Many locations offer weekday discounts and seasonal promotions that can significantly reduce costs.
What are the best glamping locations near Kansas City?
The Kansas City area offers several excellent glamping options within a short drive of the city. Hillsdale State Park is particularly popular for glamping experiences and is one of the closest locations to the Kansas City metro area. For a unique glamping experience with family amenities, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Kansas City provides themed accommodations with modern conveniences. Both locations offer a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and comfort, allowing visitors to enjoy nature without sacrificing amenities.
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