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 love taking our horses to Crows creek, there is an amazing barn with stalls and it’s withing viewing distance of your camper/tent so you don’t have to worry."
$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."
"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!"
$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."
"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."
"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."
"These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake! Amazing sunsets!
You can rent a boat for a half day or full day with advanced notice!"
"Quaint campground an hour outside of Kansas City. Beautiful fall foliage. The last weekend in October they have a lot of great activities for kids. Pumpkin Carving games."
"Great MO state park, close to the city with easy access to 35 N. Trails, lakes, camping, great spot! If you don’t want/need electric, try campground 1, the spots are tucked into the trees."
$10 / night
"This campground is close to home for us, but we love it as a quick get away. It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. "
"We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views. Not bad for what it is, I do wish they had more options."
$12 - $23 / night
"Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
"Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends. Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station"
"Only complaint, cold shower in facility near marina. I would recommend a spot closer to marina if you're not In an RV. We were a rooftop tent and could heat distant trains all night."
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.
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.
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.
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!
Guidesite: large. private. shaded. amenities: clean. well maintained. attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again.
TravelerPne of the closest to the Kansas city metro lots of glamping
TravelerQuaint campground an hour outside of Kansas City. Beautiful fall foliage. The last weekend in October they have a lot of great activities for kids. Pumpkin Carving games. There’s a campsite decorating contest. Kids can go trick or treating at the campsites that choose to participate. Showers are immaculate. Vault toilets are extremely well maintained. Well marked trails and friendly people all around.
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.
Horse camping in Kansas offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for horse lovers seeking to explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the equestrian campgrounds near Kansas City?
The Kansas City area offers several equestrian campgrounds for horse enthusiasts. Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground is specifically designed for horse camping, featuring open space with campsites along the perimeter and plenty of areas to tie off or enclose horses. Hillsdale State Park also offers equestrian camping options at their Saddle Ridge Campground. Both provide direct access to horse trails, making them convenient bases for riding adventures.
What amenities are available at horse camping facilities near Kansas City?
Horse camping facilities near Kansas City typically offer specialized amenities for equestrians. Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground provides shaded campsites, designated manure disposal areas, areas to tie off and enclose horses, plus access to horse trails. The campground also features a playground, picnic shelter, and central open space. Perry State Park Campground offers water access, toilet facilities, and accommodations for larger rigs, making it suitable for horse trailers. Many equestrian campgrounds in the region also provide hitching posts, corrals, and proximity to trail systems.
Are reservations required for horse camping near Kansas City?
Reservations are generally recommended for horse camping facilities near Kansas City, especially during peak seasons (spring through fall) and weekends. Hillsdale State Park requires reservations for their equestrian camping areas, including Saddle Ridge Campground. Weston Bend State Park Campground, while not exclusively equestrian, also operates on a reservation system. It's advisable to book several weeks in advance during summer months, as these specialized facilities have limited spaces for horse trailers and equestrian setups.
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