Camping near Lenexa, Kansas offers RV and tent options within 20-50 miles of the Kansas City metro area. Sites across eastern Kansas and western Missouri range in elevation from 700 to 1,000 feet, with summer humidity often exceeding 70%. Fall camping brings temperatures between 45-70°F, making it the most comfortable season for outdoor exploration.
What to do
Disc golf at Clinton State Park: Located 30 miles west of Lenexa, Clinton State Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course that attracts players of all skill levels. "Lots to do in the area including more unusual things like archery. Lake is surprisingly big, good wildlife and birding," notes one camper who visits regularly for both recreation and racing events.
Archery practice: Clinton State Park features a dedicated bow range where you can practice shooting from various elevations. "It has a great bow range for siting in and practicing with your bow. You can even climb towers to practice shooting from 'tree-stand' elevations," explains a regular visitor who appreciates the diverse recreational offerings.
Wildlife viewing: Set aside time for spotting local wildlife, especially around water bodies. A camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground reported, "We saw eagles, turkey vultures, and possible osprey" during their stay. Early mornings and evenings typically offer the best viewing opportunities.
Historical sites exploration: Weston Bend State Park Campground serves as a convenient base to explore nearby historical attractions. "This is a nice campground to visit Leavenworth from," mentions a 72-year-old camper. Fort Osage National Historic Landmark and Missouri Town are also accessible from several campgrounds in the region.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Many campers consistently praise the bathroom facilities at parks around Lenexa. At Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, one reviewer noted, "The bathrooms are the nicest campground bathrooms I've ever used - large, clean, and not communal, so you get a sink, toilet, and shower all to yourself."
Proximity to entertainment: Worlds of Fun Village offers a unique camping experience adjacent to amusement parks. "The theme park offered discounted tickets when staying at the campground and parking for the parks was included. Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are internally connected, making it easy to walk between the two," shares a visitor who appreciated the convenience.
Site spacing and privacy: Campers frequently mention the spaciousness at certain campgrounds. At Blue Springs Lake Campground, a visitor observed, "The sites were well situated such that you felt you had plenty of privacy. The staff was nice but since entrance time and exit time are both 2:00 we had to wait for our spot to open."
Well-maintained trails: The trail systems around several parks earn positive reviews. "The trails were the best feature of this park," noted a camper at Weston Bend State Park, while another mentioned, "Weston Bend was everything I could hope for."
What you should know
Seasonal scheduling: Some campgrounds operate with specific seasonal hours. Blue Springs Lake Campground operates from May 16 to September 3, while Worlds of Fun Village runs from March 1 to October 30. Plan accordingly, especially for spring and fall camping trips.
Train noise concerns: Several campgrounds experience disruption from nearby railways. A camper at Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA reported, "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... Every thirty minutes or so, a train passed by. It wouldn't be so bad, but it was LOUD!"
Entrance fees: Campus RV Park requires no additional vehicle fee, making it economical for families with multiple vehicles. However, other state parks in the region charge daily vehicle fees separate from camping costs.
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at several locations. One camper at Clinton State Park mentioned, "The site slopes to the passenger side and downhill toward the road, so we used a few levelers. Many sites here are sloped. The premium cement pads seemed to be more level than gravel sites."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near playgrounds for convenience with children. A visitor to Blue Springs Lake Campground shared, "The sites were well kept up, with many prime locations near the playground for our kids. Campground staff were beyond friendly and accommodating."
Swimming options: Hillsdale State Park offers swimming beaches that families appreciate during summer months. "Crappie Cove has the best sites, and it is very close to the kayak/boat ramp and the swimming beach," recommends a regular visitor. The lake provides a cooling option when temperatures climb into the 90s during summer.
Security features: Some campgrounds offer added security measures. At Blue Springs Lake, a camper noted, "We felt very safe here since they require an access code to get into the gate," providing peace of mind for families with young children.
Weather preparedness: Spring camping often brings thunderstorms and heavy rain. "Hard to give an accurate account for our stay due to it raining basically the entire time. When it wasn't raining the sites were nice and spacious and relatively level," reported a camper at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park.
Tips from RVers
Utility locations: RVers should check utility placement before booking. At Walnut Grove RV Park, one camper observed, "Hookups were very easy to access, but spacing is a little tight and the surrounding views are meh at best. Being right off Johnson Drive, there is considerable road noise."
Pull-through availability: For larger rigs, prioritize pull-through sites where available. "The gentleman at the desk was exceptionally pleasant... I made it known that this was our first time and he put us in a pull-thru spot, which was a huge relief," shared a first-time RVer at Walnut Grove RV Park who appreciated the easier setup.
Off-season value: Consider camping during weekdays or off-season for better site selection. A visitor to Clinton State Park advised, "Visiting in non peak is as easy as driving in, finding a spot and paying your fees," highlighting the flexibility available outside peak summer weekends.
