Best Camping near Independence, MO

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Independence, MO has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Independence campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Independence. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Independence, MO (71)

Showing results 1-10 of 71 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Independence

Recent Reviews In Independence

420 Reviews of 71 Independence Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Wallace State Park Campground
    September 22, 2024

    Wallace State Park Campground

    Rain camping

    We came here fully expecting rain and we got it. Only problem was we planned to tie up some tarps to sit under but we didn't know that it was against the rules to tie to the trees at these sites. luckily we made it work tieing to the roof of the table and a stump. As far as the camp ground its self, rules aside, it is amazing. All the tent sites are separated by trees and bushes so you get plenty of room to your self but they are close enough you can still connect with other groups if you want. Another great part about it is that there are walking paths through the woods from each site that meet up at a central restroom. The main bathrooms and showers are over by the office and are super nice but it is good that there are a couple stalls close for the middle of the night situations. Tons of walking trails are around and a decent playground for the kids as well. Overall loved this place.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Love's RV Hookup-St. Joseph MO 235
    September 13, 2024

    Love's RV Hookup-St. Joseph MO 235

    Limited parking

    We arrived around midnight and there was very limited parking. We did not plan to use the RV hook ups but there seemed to still be one available slot if we wanted it. The rest of the parking lot was pretty full with limited spaces, but we were able to grab a spot. A little noisy but what you would expect from a truck stop with 18 wheelers in and out all night.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    September 13, 2024

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Over nighters.

    We arrived around 1 pm and got the pull through site. It is a nice little park that will be closed from November 1, 2024 through April 14, 2025. An electric site was $25.00. The facilities were exceptionally clean and the camp hosts were very polite.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Warnock Lake Park
    August 18, 2024

    Warnock Lake Park

    Quiet with what you need

    Stayed for a one nighter on a tent site. Area was clean and maintained. There is no restroom close to tent sites but it is just up the hill at the rv side.. also when I decided to camp here showers were not listed as an amenitie but there are showers in the restroom which was a present surprise. My kid enjoyed the playground near the lake and I enjoyed the disc golf course on site. Bring cash for your fees to put in the drop box.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Great Escape RV Park & Campground
    August 12, 2024

    Great Escape RV Park & Campground

    Nice for overnight

    Just stopped for one night on our way east. Friendly host checked us in. Nice dog park with bench and shade. All sites are FHU. They offered to move us to a pull thru, but I picked our site based on proximity to the dog park, so I declined the move. We were in site 38, back-in 30 amp. Sites are a bit tight but no one next door so ok. I recommend for a stopover. Less fancy but nicer for dogs imo than Owl Creek which is one exit away. There is a pond for fishing (no license required) and a swimming pool.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Love's RV Hookup-St. Joseph MO 235
    August 1, 2024

    Love's RV Hookup-St. Joseph MO 235

    Not the Best Option

    This Love’s RV Hook Up is right off I-29. We’ve enjoyed several stays at these new Love’s campgrounds(CG) and they are normally away from the main car and truck fueling areas. After cruising around the truck area, we found that we needed to go to the car area as the CG is literally off the auto-side fuel pumps/parking lot. There is a lane that we could have driven through from the truck area and this would've put us in the right position to back into our site. However, there was a Love's fuel truck parked there the whole time of our stay. There are six back-in sites with water and electric. They give you a code if you want to use the dump station. We reserved site 1 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). It still could have been an easy back-in but there was a big U-Haul truck parked outside of the formal parking areas in our path. We were still able to maneuver around and get in our site. After parking, we checked in online to activate our utilities. We quickly found out when we auto-leveled that site 1 was not a level site as our passenger side tires were off the ground. And whoever designed these sites thought boulders between sites was a good idea? We had to position our rig to avoid a boulder on the pad, so that we could open our basement slide drawer. The utilities are at the far backside of the pad and based on our rig’s configuration with the wet bay towards the front, we needed 25’ or more of hose and electric cord. The water pressure here is good. The WiFi is also for general public use and not very fast. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi for internet as we were not comfortable putting out Starlink in this general public area. We were next to Love’s two-sided dog park, which if not for dog poop on the inside and around the outside would have been a great convenience. Concerning the uncomfortable comment, two stealth campers in cars were in parking spaces adjacent to our site for the night. We shared the CG with a Scottish Rugby cycling team traversing the USA raising AHS awareness. We did not know that starting around 6:00 AM the sprinklers came on and all of their gear got wet. The sprinklers also make mud puddles at the dog park entrance. Loves should gravel the small and large dog entrances. There should also be signs to let campers know about the sprinklers. The other Love’s RV Stops we stayed in had restroom and shower facilities, here you go in the main building and pay to use the trucker showers. The dump station is hard to get into with a large rig. Wrapping up this unpleasant stay, this Love’s was one up on a Walmart parking lot as it had water and electric.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Crooked River Conservation Area
    July 18, 2024

    Crooked River Conservation Area

    Missouri Department of Conservation Area, free camping

    Free camping in designated camping area per MO Dept of Conservation rules. Pit toilets and mowed area for camping. Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities inside the area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
    July 10, 2024

    Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

    A beautiful spot by the lake

    Beautiful spot by the lake. Be sure to turn left at first sign to find campsites. Was a little frustrating that a family seemed to have taken up permanent residence and was obnoxious with the generator. Trash was overflowing and could use a little more attention. Clean vault toilets with TP. It was really beautiful with the sunset.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Worlds of Fun Village
    July 7, 2024

    Worlds of Fun Village

    Amazing memories here

    Beautiful park. 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. We reserve our days in advance and if we need to cancel we just change our reservation to a different date with no fees. The pool and clubhouse are well kept so are the bathrooms and laundry room. This Is our favorite campsite to date. So much to do.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area
    July 1, 2024

    Bonanza Conservation Area

    Parking lot camping only

    It is against their rules to camp anywhere but on a gravelly parking lot. We camped just off the road and got a citation. It's not really disbursed camping.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    June 30, 2024

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Short stay

    Very nice lots was a Lil disappointed because this camp site was in mid missori and the agent I contacted it from was in meridian ms and had never been there was told it would have water n 30 amp service but all that was there was 30 amp no water but it was really nice I didn't have time to stay long just the night .

  • Camper-submitted photo from Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake
    June 22, 2024

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Nice and quiet

    Camped here several days in late June. The were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light. I assume they went fishing at the lake. Bathroom was a little rough but manageable.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    June 8, 2024

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Site 26 is Peaceful

    This was our 2nd stay at Weston Bend SP. Both times, we had site 26, one of the few basic sites. While some of the other sites were very close to each other, this one is relatively isolated. It's big too. There's a vault toilet close by. It was clean and roomy. We didn't use the water but there are a few spigot throughout the campground. There's also a regular restroom near the campground entrance, but we didn't use it. We will definitely camp here again if we are passing through.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Powell's Creekside Haven
    May 29, 2024

    Powell's Creekside Haven

    Small but cute

    This is definitely a smaller campground, but when communicating with the owners they were super nice and accommodating. We have a rooftop tent in our car, so we parked in one of the tent sites down by the creek and we had a very private space away from all of the RVs. The facilities were also very clean. There is a private indoor accessible toilet, as well as a hot shower and laundry. There are also indoor and outdoor games on site. Since we were closer to the pond it was pretty buggy, but putting on some bug spray helped.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
    May 10, 2024

    Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

    A Small Free Drive-in Campground

    This free campground has a water tap and a pit toilet. There are at least three first come first served campsites that have a picnic table and a fire ring.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    May 7, 2024

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Quiet campground close to many Kansas City attractions

    Campground is hilly, sites are level, gravel pads. Lots of space between sites. Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground. Majority of sites had shade. Most sites are back in, there are 2 pull through sites and 2 family sites. Firewood is available for sale on the honor system near the camp host. Nice shower facilities and laundry available (one washer, one dryer). Regular trash dumpster and also recycling. Pit toilets also available. Dump station across from dumpsters and recycling. Entrance gate closes at 9 pm.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
    April 15, 2024

    Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

    Great spot on the west side of the lake

    We drove by the east side campsite and it was packed. We ran into a local and he told us about a spot on the east side of the lake. An old boy scout camp. It wasn’t maintained but there was nobody there. Our dogs ran free and that was what we were looking for. We ran our generator at night because we had no neighbors. We were a mile from the lake so we drove around and had access to the lake.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Basswood Country RV Resort
    April 8, 2024

    Basswood Country RV Resort

    Very mixed bag

    We booked a site here on our drive back East in August 2023. I saw “resort” and was like “Sign me up” after some real hot and grimy parks earlier in the trip.

    Ultimately, most of the amenities were closed by the time we arrived. The game room, the restaurant, and store were all closing or closed. My kids did get some pool time (it was a nice pool) and loved the blob (whatever you call the bounce pads). There was a nice playground, pavilion and courts.

    What is weird is that this is almost two parks - the front is the “resort” or old-fashioned campground, but where we were placed was in the back with what looked like a lot of long-term, single male residents. It was a longish-walk to front where the pool and store was and it definitely didn’t feel like a resort.

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake
    April 1, 2024

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Quiet spot

    This is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. The pit toilet is not well maintained. Not suitable for larger vehicles.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA
    March 28, 2024

    Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA

    Friendly, clean and close to the freeway

    Nice to spend the night. Friendly staff and clean bath/shower facilities. Close proximity to the interstate does come with some traffic noise. Many retail options within a short drive.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA
    March 21, 2024

    Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

    Ridiculous

    Had to call numerous times to acully get thru. Asked about 6 weeks of staying. Inquired about long term. Was told that it would cost me $3400.00 to stay a mo th here. That's insane

  • Camper-submitted photo from Owl Creek Market and RV Park
    March 1, 2024

    Owl Creek Market and RV Park

    We absolutely adored this campground.

    We spent about two weeks here around September . It’s well maintained and the staff was so friendly. If we are ever in the area we will definitely stay here again. The market is a great touch.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    February 17, 2024

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Absolutely beautiful

    This place is absolutely beautiful great for taking your family but if you need RV parts or repairs stay away from Camping World they will rip you off or even if you want to purchase an RV read the reviews on them.



Guide to Independence

Camping near Independence, MO, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape the city.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Watkins Mill State Park Campground, have beautiful trails. One visitor noted, “The area was clean and the bathrooms well maintained,” making it a great spot for a nature stroll.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Blue Springs Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing or take your boat out. A camper mentioned, “Quiet, beautiful campground located just outside of Kansas City,” perfect for a day on the water.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Clinton State Park Campground are home to plenty of wildlife. One reviewer shared, “PLENTY of wildlife. Bunnies, raccoons, and deer,” making it a fun spot for animal lovers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Wallace State Park Campground said, “The bathrooms are pristine—nicer than some restaurants or hotels I’ve been to.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Crow's Creek Campground mentioned, “We’ve stayed here several times without any problems,” highlighting the spaciousness and comfort.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts can make a big difference. One camper at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA noted, “Friendly staff and clean bath/shower facilities,” which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

  • Traffic Noise: Some campgrounds, like Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA, are close to highways. A visitor mentioned, “Close proximity to the interstate does come with some traffic noise,” so be prepared for some background sounds.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake pointed out, “While some amenities are lacking, it’s the dispersed nature that makes it special.”
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Blue Springs Lake Campground is open from May 16 to September 3, so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at Watkins Mill State Park Campground said, “We had a full hookup site located right by the playground and it was perfect for our family.”
  • Pack for Bugs: Be ready for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Clinton State Park Campground warned, “The bugs were horrible here. Swarms of gnats and mosquitoes.”
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to keep the peace. A visitor at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA mentioned, “This campground would get 5 stars for being family-friendly,” but noted some noise complaints.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A camper at Crow's Creek Campground said, “We have Verizon cell service and had no issues,” which is great for those needing connectivity.
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park advised, “Some sites are not very level, so bring blocks.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to attractions. A reviewer at Weston Bend State Park Campground mentioned, “Campground is hilly, sites are level, gravel pads,” and also highlighted the nearby attractions.

Camping near Independence, MO, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Independence, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Independence, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 71 campgrounds and RV parks near Independence, MO and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Independence, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Independence, MO is Blue Springs Lake Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Independence, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Independence, MO.

  • What parks are near Independence, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Independence, MO that allow camping, notably Blue Springs Lake and Clinton Lake.