Best Dispersed Camping near Leawood, KS
Dispersed camping near Leawood, Kansas centers around two primary locations: Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake in Kansas and Crooked River Conservation Area across the state line in Missouri. These primitive camping areas offer free or low-cost options for tent and RV campers seeking basic accommodations without developed facilities. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake features designated camping zones along the 160-acre lake, while Crooked River Conservation Area provides more remote access with both drive-in and walk-in camping opportunities.
Access to both sites involves navigating county and gravel roads that may present challenges during inclement weather. Leavenworth features gravel pull-off areas and a lakeside gravel road but is not suitable for larger vehicles. Both locations permit campfires with proper containment, though neither provides firewood. A strict 7-day camping limit applies at Leavenworth State Fishing Lake, according to camper reports, while Missouri Department of Conservation rules govern stays at Crooked River. Neither location offers drinking water, trash disposal, or hookups.
These primitive sites remain relatively quiet even during peak seasons, with minimal crowding reported by visitors. At Leavenworth, campers note the "beautiful view of the lake" and that designated camping areas can be located using online brochures. A recent review mentioned that "many slept in their cars and left at first light" to fish, indicating the area's popularity with anglers. Crooked River Conservation Area features "pit toilets and mowed area for camping" with opportunities for "hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities." Both locations provide basic facilities - Leavenworth offers rudimentary pit toilets described by one camper as "a little rough but manageable," while Crooked River has similar primitive facilities. These areas represent some of the few free camping options within reasonable driving distance of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
