Camping spots near Leavenworth, Kansas primarily cluster around Smithville Lake, approximately 20 minutes east of the city. Several campgrounds in the area remain open year-round despite temperature fluctuations that range from below freezing in winter to regularly exceeding 90°F during summer months. Most camping areas feature paved roads and moderate terrain, making them accessible for standard vehicles without specialized equipment.
What to do
Fishing without a license: At Basswood Country RV Resort, campers can fish in five small lakes without purchasing a fishing permit. "We watched kids get excited as they caught fish after fish," reports Shannon G., making it ideal for impromptu fishing trips.
Explore historic towns: Weston Bend State Park Campground places you within walking distance of quaint Weston. "The town of Weston is walkable from the park. I left before the shops opened, but the town was quaint and inviting," notes Donna H.
Hiking on paved trails: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers accessibility for all skill levels. "The roads to, around, and within the campground are paved and great for a family walk or bike-riding," says Tori G.
What campers like
Quick trips from Kansas City: The short drive makes camping areas like Smith's Fork Recreation Area perfect for weekend getaways. "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," says Lawrence W.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness. At Lewis and Clark State Park, "Bathrooms have AC and are cleaned with disinfectant daily. Very clean campground and has a playground," according to Sabrina E.
Waterfront sites: Several campsites offer direct lake views. "We had a nice RV site with electric. The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing," Julie B. writes about Crow's Creek Campground, adding that "We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake."
What you should know
Security measures: Campgrounds implement varying security protocols. At Weston Bend State Park, "Security: Gate w code for night time entry," explains Roger W., providing campers added peace of mind after dark.
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. At Riverfront Park Campground, "You have to cross train tracks to get there and the campsites are right next to it. The train came through 3 times through the night and 5 more times while making breakfast," warns Jillian B.
Seasonal water shutoffs: Water systems may close during cold months. "We stayed in October and due to unseasonably cold weather they shut off water with no notice and halfway through our stay," reports Bridget U. about Crow's Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Structured recreation keeps children engaged. At Basswood Country RV Resort, "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," shares Tori G.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment. At Smiths Fork Recreation Area, "There is a really nice walking/riding trail that goes all through the park! This is a family favorite!" according to Steven N.
Visibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer better supervision opportunities. At Lewis and Clark, "was great kids playing with each other going from group to group getting more kids to play. You can see them from anywhere in the camp ground," notes Jason C.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose specific sites for more space. At Weston Bend State Park, "While some of the other sites were very close to each other, site 26 is relatively isolated. It's big too," advises Barbie G.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some parks. "Our spot was 13" unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out," explains Caitlin R. about Camp Branch Campground.
Seasonal hookup differences: Full hookups aren't universal. Julie B. notes about Crow's Creek Campground, "the full hookup sites don't have a view of the lake. This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank."
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