Cabins near Leavenworth, Kansas offer visitors easy access to both Missouri and Kansas state parks within a 30-40 minute drive. The region sits in the western edge of the Missouri River valley with elevations ranging from 760 to 1,100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F with high humidity from June through August, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for cabin camping.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground features a small lake perfect for shore fishing. "The campground is a great setting for a quiet family weekend. The roads to, around, and within the campground are paved and great for a family walk or bike-riding. Most camping spots have at least some shade, and there is a playground for children and a small lake nearby for swimming and which draws in wildlife," notes a regular visitor.
Kayaking and canoeing: Several parks near Leavenworth offer water recreation. "There is a small lake for fishing and kayaking. Whole campground is nice and level. If you have kids you can see them anywhere in the campground especially when they are playing with other kids in the playground located on the middle," explains a camper at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground.
Disc golf and archery: Prairie Clover Campground at Clinton State Park includes uncommon recreational facilities. "Solid large state park, great hikes. Staying 2 weeks and couldn't have been more pleased! Website is little to no help unless visiting in peak season, but the camp hosts and park rangers are the tops. Visiting in non peak is as easy as driving in, finding a spot and paying your fees. Full bath houses, disc golf, archery range, and an abundance of hiking all around the camps," shares one visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabins offer varying levels of privacy. "This park is convient to I-29 but far enough off the highway to be quiet and peaceful. Tent sites, full hookups as well as rooms and cabins are available. 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 a visitor at Basswood Country RV Resort.
Child-friendly amenities: Cabin rentals with kid-friendly features are popular. "We have been camping at Basswood for several years, first with our children and now with our grandchildren. Basswood provides amenities that are great for entertaining children, including a swimming pool and splash park, two playgrounds, a basketball goal, and fishing. 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," reports a repeat visitor.
Lake access from sites: Several cabin locations offer water proximity. "We stayed in the Hobie Cove campground and the site itself was OK. Not a lot of choices for sites that are flat or offer a lot of shade. We did have a good time though exploring the area," shares a camper at Perry State Park Campground. Another visitor adds: "Great place for a day or two... Stayed in lot 93, nice spot on end with extra privacy. Only complaint, cold shower in facility near marina."
What you should know
Airport noise impacts some locations: At Basswood Country RV Resort, aircraft noise affects the camping experience. "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, and I think they shut down flights around 10pm. At least I didn't hear them. The campground itself is clean and the staff was nice."
Train noise affects sleep: Several cabin locations experience train disruptions. "This is a lovely campground but we'll sadly never stay here again - because trains passed by really loudly all night long - it finally stopped at about 5am," reports a visitor at Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA.
Seasonal bathroom closures: Plan for limited facilities in off-peak times. "We asked for water, electricity, and somewhere close to the bath house. I guess two out of three aren't bad. The bath house that we were closest to was closed for the season. The open one was at least two hundred yards away. Getting up in the middle of the night, we decided to drive to it in the dark."
Tips for camping with families
Fenced dog areas: For those traveling with pets to cabins near Leavenworth. "Easy access off of highway, well maintained grounds and facilities. Very, very clean bathrooms and laundry. Hosts present and helpful. Would stay again without hesitation," notes a visitor at AOK Campground.
Themed weekend activities: Families enjoy organized events. "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. Nice play area for kids as well as themed weekends with lots of activities planned that kids can do."
Playground proximity: Consider cabin location relative to play areas. "Very family oriented! lots of great spaces. fishing and walking trail with in a short walk!" advises a camper at Watkins Mill State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Overnight stopover convenience: Several cabins work well for travel breaks. "We booked a site here on our drive back East in August 2023. I saw 'resort' and was like 'Sign me up' after some real hot and grimy parks earlier in the trip. Ultimately, most of the amenities were closed by the time we arrived. The game room, the restaurant, and store were all closing or closed. My kids did get some pool time (it was a nice pool) and loved the blob (whatever you call the bounce pads)."
Site selection strategy: Choose wisely when booking cabin locations. "What is weird is that this is almost two parks - the front is the 'resort' or old-fashioned campground, but where we were placed was in the back with what looked like a lot of long-term, single male residents. It was a longish-walk to front where the pool and store was and it definitely didn't feel like a resort."
Early reservation requirements: During peak season, secure cabins months in advance. "There were spots open in the front closer to the pool and lake - if we had camped there I think the experience would have been different."
