106 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Lenexa ranges from RV parks with electric hookups to tent-friendly state park sites, all within a short drive of Kansas City. Nearby campgrounds include Walnut Grove RV Park in Merriam and Hillsdale State Park, both offering a mix of tent and RV accommodations. Within 30 miles, campers can access Blue Springs Lake Campground, Weston Bend State Park, and Clinton State Park with their diverse range of facilities. These campgrounds typically feature electric hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables, with many also providing shower facilities and trash disposal. The proximity to Kansas City makes these locations convenient for weekend trips while still offering an outdoor experience.
Campground availability varies throughout the year, with some facilities like Blue Springs Lake Campground operating seasonally from May to September, while others such as Hillsdale State Park and Walnut Grove RV Park remain open year-round. "This CG is a good option as it's just east of Kansas City," noted one visitor about Blue Springs Lake Campground. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer weekends. Day-use and vehicle permits are common at state parks, with Clinton State Park charging a $5 daily vehicle fee separate from camping fees. Cell coverage is generally reliable across most campgrounds, with visitors reporting solid service on major carriers, facilitating remote work possibilities while camping.
Campers frequently mention the balance between natural settings and urban proximity as a key advantage of the Lenexa area. One camper described Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park as a "nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it's still really camping." Water-based recreation features prominently in reviews, with several campgrounds offering access to lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming. Site spacing varies considerably between facilities, with state parks generally providing more room between campsites than private RV parks. Many campgrounds feature both sunny and shaded sites, with tree coverage being an important consideration for summer visits when temperatures can climb. Most campgrounds offer mixed-use sites accommodating both tent and RV camping, though some areas specialize in specific camping styles.
"Only 10 minutes away from Joe’s original Kansas City BBQ (super delicious).
We did pay for the premium pull through site, so we had more room.""My husbands job took us to Merriam Kansas and we needed a place to stay, we made reservations at Walnut Grove. We were surprised to find it in the middle of a neighborhood."
from $62 - $131 / night
Check Availability"Quiet, beautiful campground located just outside of Kansas City, Mo. We had a full hookup site located right by the playground and it was perfect for our family."
"A campsite not to far from Kansas City but had a feeling far removed. The campground was super clean and well maintained."
from $33 - $48 / night
Check Availability"Nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great."
"Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!"
"This campground is about 35-40 mins outside Kansas City City. The town that it is located in has a lot to do as well! Campgrounds is clean and well kept! We visited in November so not many people."
"We missed a KOA in Kansas City because of construction. Went to Lawrence KOA instead. Glad for the misfortune. The park has all you need for short or long term camping and RV trips."
"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."
"The RV park is really close to downtown Independence, Missouri and has everything we needed for the night."
from $35 - $55 / night
Check Availability"The site is long but has a 1/4 moon turn so we had to pull back around to get better positioned on the pad so we could disconnect our 39’ 5th wheel and F450 for our 3-night stay."
"attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"The great part is that the sites are so large, at least on the lake side, which is actually a bit away from the lake, but accessible by stairs from the camp sites."
"The park is also at a lake so there’s a beach access area where you can go and swim or just sit by the very large lake."
from $10 - $150 / night
Check Availability"This campground is close to home for us, but we love it as a quick get away. It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. "
"We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views. Not bad for what it is, I do wish they had more options."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"There are limited sites for camping at Hillsdale Lake. But they are all nice and many offer waterfront access. "
"Crappie Cove has the best sites, and it is very close to the kayak/boat ramp and the swimming beach."
from $23 / night
Check Availability"I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave."
"I assume they went fishing at the lake. Bathroom was a little rough but manageable."
RangerI lived near Basswood for 20 plus years and did not know anything about it but where it was. My wife and I decided to live in our camper while we transition homes and I am so pleased with this place. Friendly, easy going, safe.
TravelerLovely, large site with water and electric. Site fee plus daily park entrance fee of $5
ScoutWonderful free campsites overlooking a lake. There is a boat dock and outhouse. It is primitive and you need to pack your trash out, but it’s beautiful, free, and not far off the highway.
ScoutGreat location and nice shady spots to camp
ScoutSometime starting g in 2026 this became a day use fee campground. You can still hike but if the car is left overnight "camping" it has to have a reservation paid on recreation.gov for 10 dollars a night. There is a park host so its not like you can sneak it. Unless your dropped off.....
TravelerFriendly and helpful staff.
GuideRoad tripping from CO to the east coast. Stoped here for the night. Got in at about 1am. Many spots available and it appears to be all water front. Sunrise was absolutely amazing. Honestly wish we could stay longer!
RangerNice campground, host was super friendly. Bathrooms were average but clean, men's sinks need some TLC. Water was a trickle. Site was nice with shade. Has full hook up Would stay again
ScoutI’m the attendant. Nice campground but very busy on weekends. A few sites have a view of Lake Jacomo.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV parks near Lenexa offer full hookups and amenities?
Campus RV Park provides full hookups with concrete pads just 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City. This park offers essential amenities including showers and laundry facilities, making it an ideal base for exploring the Kansas City area. Walnut Grove RV Park is another excellent option with premium pull-through sites and full hookups, located just 10 minutes from Kansas City's famous BBQ restaurants. Trailside RV Park, while experiencing some highway noise due to its proximity to I-70, offers helpful staff and is undergoing renovations to improve facilities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Blue Springs Lake Campground offers full hookup sites in a beautiful setting with playground access, making it perfect for families with RVs.
Are there any private camping options near Lenexa for a more secluded experience?
Rutlader Outpost RV Park offers a more private camping experience near Lenexa. While specific details about its seclusion are limited in reviews, it's highly rated by visitors. For a more traditional camping feel with some privacy, Weston Bend State Park Campground features large, private, and shaded sites about 40 minutes from Kansas City. The park's layout provides a secluded feel while still being accessible. Lake Miola City Park also offers camping options that feel more removed from urban areas. When seeking privacy, consider visiting these locations during weekdays or off-season when fewer campers are present, and look for sites that are separated by natural features like trees or terrain variations.
Where are the best campgrounds near Lenexa, Kansas?
Lenexa is conveniently positioned near several excellent camping options. Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping offers a clean, friendly environment right next to Smithville Lake, making it perfect for quick getaways from the city. Just outside Kansas City, Blue Springs Lake Campground provides a beautiful setting with well-maintained grounds and shaded sites. For those willing to drive a bit further, Watkins Mill State Park offers multiple hiking options and a large lake for fishing and boating. Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park provides a camping experience that feels remote while still being accessible to urban amenities. Most of these campgrounds are within 30-45 minutes of Lenexa, offering the perfect balance of convenience and natural escape.
Keep Exploring
