Campgrounds near Mission, Kansas offer varied terrain with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet throughout Jackson and Johnson counties. Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences, with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms between June and August. Winter camping remains available at several year-round facilities with temperatures typically ranging from 20-40°F.
What to do
Water activities at Blue Springs Lake: Located in Lee's Summit, the lake provides fishing and boating opportunities with kayak rentals available seasonally. One camper notes, "Beautiful Lake, with fishing, and boating. We stayed for nights. The sites were well situated such that you felt you had plenty of privacy" at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Historic sites exploration: Within a 30-minute drive of Mission, visit the Truman Library or Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. "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. Nice way to spend a rainy kind of day," mentions a camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Trail hiking at Weston Bend: Located 45 minutes north of Mission, this state park features multiple hiking trails through deciduous forest. "Weston Bend was everything I could hope for. The camp site were small and compact but it was nice," writes a reviewer about Weston Bend State Park Campground.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities, particularly appreciated during extended stays. "Bathrooms were incredibly clean and the camp hosts or some of the nicest ones I've ever encountered!" reports one visitor to Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Concrete camping pads: Several parks offer level, paved sites for easier setup. "Both RV Life Trip Wizard navigation and GPS took us to Campground Rd where there were signs to the camping area... The site slopes to the passenger side and down hill to 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," notes a reviewer at Blue Springs.
Urban proximity with natural settings: Campus RV Park in Independence combines accessibility with natural elements. A camper shares, "Great campground, centrally located... Good hookups that worked and WiFi worked very well. Would definitely return."
What you should know
Train and traffic noise: Some campgrounds experience occasional disturbances. A Campus RV Park visitor mentions, "Great little spot right in downtown Indep. Only drawback is all the sirens, all night and day," while another notes, "Occasional train but not often enough to be a nuisance."
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at most area campgrounds. "The site slopes to the passenger side and downhill toward the road, so we used a few levelers," reports a camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground.
Seasonal walnut issues: At Walnut Grove RV Park, natural elements create unique challenges. "We were surprised to find it in the middle of a neighborhood... During our stay I was awakened to a startling noise and couldn't figure it out until I went outside and saw the walnuts falling onto our camper," explains a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience with children. About Watkins Mill State Park Campground, a visitor shares, "Great place to make memories," while another mentions it's "very family oriented! lots of great spaces. fishing and walking trail with in a short walk!"
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pool access during summer months. "This was our first visit to this campground. the sites were well kept up, with many prime locations near the playground for our kids," notes a camper at Blue Springs.
Security considerations: Some parks offer gated access for added safety. "You can't see the lake from the campground, and there was some road noise from morning commuters but overall it's a nice stop for a night or two. We felt very safe here since they require an access code to get into the gate," reports a visitor to Blue Springs Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: At Basswood Country RV Resort, premium sites offer more space. "What is weird is that this is almost two parks - the front is the 'resort' or old-fashioned campground... 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," advises one RVer.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Mission: Bring your pets to various parks with designated areas. "They had a dog run which was not fenced but provided some grass for the pups," notes a Walnut Grove visitor about the dog-friendly facilities.
Internet access variations: WiFi quality differs significantly between parks. "The WiFi is working well as I am working online from this location. I would recommend this location if you want to be close to downtown," mentions an RVer staying at Walnut Grove RV Park, highlighting the reliable connectivity for remote workers.
