Clinton State Park offers 50 amp hookups and water connections at developed sites, with primitive camping areas providing more seclusion for tent campers. Located just 20 miles west of Lenexa, the park's network of hiking trails winds through mixed hardwood forests surrounding a 7,000-acre reservoir. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and August, requiring campers to plan water consumption carefully during longer stays.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Clinton State Park features an extensive disc golf course that draws players throughout the season. "There is disc golf, an archery range, hiking trails, and the lake," notes Charles F., who enjoyed the recreational diversity during a two-week stay at Prairie Clover Campground.
Paddle sports on Hillsdale Lake: Rent canoes and kayaks directly at Hillsdale State Park for water exploration. "There are kayaks and canoes to rent, there is a great marina, fishing, and tons of water access opportunities for private kayaks," reports Jamie S., who stayed at Hillsdale State Park.
Archery practice range: Clinton State Park maintains a dedicated archery range with elevated platforms. "It also 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 Jason W. from Hillsdale State Park.
Historical site visits: Fort Osage National Historic Landmark provides a day trip option during rainy weather. "Rainy weather for the most part but did take time to go to the Fort Osage National Historic Landmark and Missouri Town which is part of the Jackson County Parks & Rec," shares Shirley M. from Blue Springs Lake Campground.
What campers like
Bathroom facilities: Many campers specifically note the clean facilities at Weston Bend State Park. "The whole experience was awesome. The entire place was spotless... Bathrooms were incredibly clean and the camp hosts or some of the nicest ones I've ever encountered!" says NomadBrad D. at Weston Bend State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Pool access at select campgrounds provides relief from summer heat. "The camp ground pool is huge and fun for the kids on non park days. The campground is all paved and perfect for scooters and bikes for the kids," notes Jennifer H. from Worlds of Fun Village.
Affordability: Blue Springs Lake Campground offers reasonable rates compared to private options. "A good price with 30 Dollars, quiet, clean, good and helpful staff," reports Jochen H., highlighting the value at Blue Springs Lake.
Site separation: Several campgrounds maintain adequate spacing between sites. "The sites were well situated such that you felt you had plenty of privacy," observes Shirley M. from Blue Springs Lake Campground, contrasting with the tighter spacing at some facilities closer to Kansas City.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several Lawrence KOA campers mention significant train noise. "This is a good KOA but the trains run ALL NIGHT long," warns Darius C. from Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA, while another camper notes, "Trains passed by really loudly all night long - it finally stopped at about 5am."
Reservation timing: Weekends fill quickly at most campgrounds within 30 miles of Lenexa. "Electrical sites sold out weekends so mid week may be your best bet," advises Kent F. regarding Prairie Clover Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require leveling equipment for RVs and careful tent placement. "The site slopes to the passenger side and down hill to the road, so we used a few levelers. Many sites here are sloped," explains MickandKarla W. at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Water quality: Lake conditions vary significantly between locations. "The lake is disgusting and we ended up leaving after one night," reports Evan G. about Clinton Lake, while Joyce M. found Hillsdale Lake "gorgeous" for kayaking despite limited visibility.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Choose sites near play areas at larger campgrounds. "Many prime locations near the playground for our kids. Campground staff were beyond friendly and accommodating," shares Chris W. about Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park.
Individual bathroom units: Some campgrounds offer private bathroom facilities. "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," notes Fawn W. about Lake Jacomo.
Security considerations: Campgrounds with controlled access provide additional safety. "We felt very safe here since they require an access code to get into the gate," shares Jessica C. about Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Pool facilities: World of Fun Village includes both a pool and hot tub, with Jessica C. noting, "There is a pool, hot tub, laundry and clean bathrooms with showers. The campground did attempt to improve privacy with strategically placed trees and shrubs."
Tips from RVers
Dump station positioning: When departing Blue Springs Lake, MickandKarla W. advises, "As you exit the park, if you have a big rig, you'll want to stay to the left side of the dump station for a wider right turn out of the park."
Premium site selection: Opt for pull-through sites for additional space at cramped campgrounds. "Pay more for the pull through you'll have tons of parking even if your rig is big. Our rig is 44 ft and we parked two 2500's on the pad no problem," recommends E C. from Worlds of Fun Village.
Highway noise proximity: Select sites away from main roads when possible. "Row 1 (sites 1-20) is along a busy highway with semi truck noise 24 hours a day. I recommend either paying more for the pull-through (further from the road) or the back in sites 69-82 in row 3," suggests John L. regarding Worlds of Fun Village.
Full hookup availability: Campus RV Park offers complete connections close to downtown Kansas City. "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. Full hook ups, concrete pads, showers and laundry," explains Wendy T. about the pet friendly camping near Lenexa.
