Camping options near Lansing, Kansas provide convenient access to both rural outdoor settings and Kansas City metro attractions. The area sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level in the rolling hills region of northeast Kansas. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with moderate seasonal temperature ranges, though summer humidity levels typically reach 70-80% during peak camping months.
What to do
Fishing access: multiple stocked lakes at Basswood Country RV Resort offer no-license-required fishing. "You could fish in the lakes and didn't even need a license. We watched kids get excited as they caught fish after fish," reports Shannon G. The resort features five small lakes with consistent catches.
Family activity centers: Organized weekend events keep younger campers entertained. "Every weekend there are organized activities such as arts and crafts, fishing contests, duck races and frozen t-shirt contests in the pool, and a Saturday evening outdoor movie," notes Tori G. about Basswood Resort's programming schedule.
Historical exploration: Visit President Truman's favorite fishing cabin at Basswood Resort. "As a point of interest, this used to be a favorite fishing spot of President Harry S. Truman, check out the Mother in Law cabin—built at his request," recommends Sara E. The historical site offers an educational element to camping trips.
What campers like
Convenient airport proximity: Worlds of Fun Village offers camping with downtown Kansas City views. "Easy walk to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, with some back-in sites offering tremendous views of downtown KC," reports Scott C., who appreciated the location.
Family-friendly amenities: Deer Creek Valley RV Park maintains clean facilities with recreational options. "Huge grassy enclosed dog run which is priceless traveling across country with two dogs," notes Julie F. Joseph F. adds it has a "fun little pool and awesome play area for kids."
Level concrete pads: Concrete parking sites at multiple campgrounds simplify setup. "The spot was 55 with a 5.50 Good Sam discount... The roads and parking spots are all concrete with grass and picnic tables," reports Clyde C. about Deer Creek Valley. Level sites mean less time spent on stabilizing rigs and more time enjoying the stay.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Campus RV Park sits near active rail lines. "Only issue was trains blowing their horns during the night," notes Carolyn M. Other reviewers mention the area's train schedules vary, with some parks having more frequent passes than others.
Seasonal operation schedules: Several campgrounds close during winter months. Parks like Worlds of Fun Village operate from March through October, while others maintain year-round accessibility with full hookups.
Varying site privacy: Space between sites differs significantly between campgrounds. "The spaces are very tight in the travelers section and more spread out in the long term section," notes one reviewer about site spacing at certain parks. At premium sites, more room allows for outdoor living space.
Tips for camping with families
Amusement park packages: Lake Paradise Resort offers pool access with camping fees. "Included in your camp fee you get 2 free daily passes per night of camping to the pool and a discounted rate for any other swimmers," explains Julie B. For a family of four, this means parents can use free passes while children cost just $3 each.
Zero-entry pool access: Kid-friendly water features make summer camping more enjoyable. "The pool is renovated and very nice. It is very large, zero entry, up to mostly around 5 ft deep with a small area that was 9ft; there is a children's area with a sprinkler," shares Julie B. about Lake Paradise Resort.
Playground availability: Several campgrounds feature play structures for children. "Kids loved playing on the playground in the morning while we packed up," reports Delci L. about Deer Creek Valley RV Park, noting the convenience while adults handle departure tasks.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Walnut Grove RV Park near Lansing, Kansas, choose premium pull-through sites for more space. "I would recommend staying at the premium pull through sites the other back-in sites are rather small," advises Bob M. These premium sites typically cost $10-15 more per night but provide significantly more room.
RV size accommodation: Big rigs require careful site selection. "We made a last minute decision and decided to stay somewhere near KC after a long cross country trip... When we arrived, the staff flagged us in and showed us to our site," reports Jayme J., appreciating the guidance for first-time RV travelers.
Seasonal maintenance considerations: Fall camping at walnut tree-shaded rv sites near Lansing brings unique challenges. "During our stay I was awakened to a startling noise and couldn't figure it out until I went outside and saw the walnuts falling onto our camper. By the time we left, everything was covered (stained) tarnish brown," shares Shannon G. about seasonal impacts at Walnut Grove RV Park.
