RV campgrounds near Lawrence, Kansas offer full-service accommodations within a 40-mile radius of the city. The eastern Kansas location features rolling prairie landscapes with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Most campsites experience hot summers with average highs in the 90s and cold winters where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, affecting seasonal availability of water hookups.
What to do
Visit local lakes: Lawrence sits between several recreational lakes including Clinton Lake (5 miles southwest) and Perry Lake (20 miles north). "Just stayed 1 night and it was an easy set up. Wide open lots that were level and the hookups were all lit up so easy to see at night," noted a visitor at Deer Creek Valley RV Park.
Explore historic sites: Independence, Missouri (40 minutes east) offers numerous historical attractions. "Central Topeka location minutes from the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, the Capitol, the Topeka Zoo, and the Evel Knevel Museum," mentions a reviewer at Deer Creek Valley RV Park.
Try local dining: The region is known for excellent barbecue restaurants. "We stopped here on our way south for spring break. The amusement park was not open yet, so the campground area was relatively quiet and the price for full hookups was not bad," reports a camper at Worlds of Fun Village.
What campers like
Concrete pads: Many area RV parks feature level concrete sites. "Clean level concrete pads with hook ups that worked! A pool that was warm enough to get all the way into (but still truly refreshing!) and a well organized check in with a great list of local trades people included," noted a visitor at Deer Creek Valley RV Park.
Pet amenities: "Huge grassy enclosed dog run which is priceless traveling across country with two dogs," reports a reviewer at Deer Creek Valley RV Park. Similarly, Basswood Country RV Resort features "a fenced dog run which was great for the pups."
Family-friendly activities: "Plenty of grass and a little dog run area too for our pup. We'd definitely stay here again!" notes a visitor at Deer Creek Valley RV Park. Another camper adds: "Kids loved playing on the playground in the morning while we packed up."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad proximity affects several campgrounds. "There was a train that comes by every couple of hours," reports a camper at Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA. Another notes: "There was a train passing through, and the person I spoke to offered to throw in a pair of ear plugs and a night mask. Now I know why."
Airport proximity: "The campground is on the final approach for the airport, so you get to see a lot planes flying overhead, which you don't even notice cause they are quieter than they used to be," explains a reviewer at Basswood Country RV Resort.
Site spacing: "The spaces are smaller although it is in a nice area where it's shady," notes a camper at Campus RV Park. At Walnut Grove, a reviewer mentions: "The sites were on gravel and very close to each other."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: "This campground is a must for anyone with children. Awesome sites with full hook ups. They have several ponds you can fish from. My kids love that," shares a visitor at Basswood Country RV Resort.
Playgrounds and activities: "Nice play area for kids as well as themed weekends with lots of activities planned that kids can do," according to a Basswood Country RV Resort camper. Another adds: "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."
Theme park access: "Located on the property there are RV sites and rental cabins. All RV sites were concrete with 50/30/20 amp, water and sewer. The theme park offered discounted tickets when staying at the campground and parking for the parks was included," notes a visitor at Worlds of Fun Village.
Tips from RVers
Urban camping benefits: "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," explains a visitor at Campus RV Park.
Utilities in winter: "Winter camping options exist but watch for limited services. "It is gated, several spots mostly pull through. The roads and parking spots are all concrete with grass and picnic tables," reports a camper at Deer Creek Valley RV Park.
Site leveling: "The sites slope to the passenger side and downhill toward the road" is commonly reported in the area. At Shady Acres RV Park, visitors appreciate the "15 RV spots that are graveled with a fire ring and picnic table at each."
