Best Campgrounds near Kearney, MO

Camping options around Kearney, Missouri include several state parks and public recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. The region encompasses a mix of established campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles, from RV sites with hookups to tent camping areas. Watkins Mill State Park Campground, located near Lawson, provides year-round access to electric campsites in wooded settings. Several developed campgrounds in the area, including Worlds of Fun Village and Basswood Country RV Resort, offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options. Wallace State Park and Weston Bend State Park expand the camping landscape with additional established sites throughout the region.

Roads throughout the camping areas are generally well-maintained with paved access to most developed campgrounds. Most campgrounds near Kearney require reservations, especially during summer months and holiday weekends. The camping season peaks from May through October, though several state parks remain open year-round with limited amenities during winter. Electric-only hookups are common at state park campgrounds, while private RV parks typically offer full-service connections. Cell coverage remains reliable at most developed campgrounds in the area. One camper noted, "Nice quiet campground with newer bathroom/showers. Has nice blacktopped walking trail around the lake about four miles long, great for bikes also."

Campers consistently highlight the wooded settings and shade coverage at many area campgrounds. State park campgrounds receive particular praise for their natural settings and recreational opportunities. The paved trail around Watkins Mill lake serves as a popular feature for campers seeking hiking and biking opportunities. Several visitors mentioned the historical attractions at Watkins Mill State Park as adding value to their camping experience. Water activities including fishing, boating, and swimming are available at many of the region's campgrounds, though some reviews note occasional beach closures due to water conditions. Camping areas throughout the region generally maintain clean facilities and helpful staff. A visitor remarked, "Very nice and convenient. We stayed for three nights. All spots have plenty of shade when we walked around. Shower house and bathrooms were clean and nice."

Best Camping Sites Near Kearney, Missouri (78)

    1. Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Excelsior Springs, MO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 580-3387

    $12 - $42 / night

    "Watkins mill SP is located a short distance from Kansas City off I-35 near Kearney. The park has a large lake that you can fish and boat as well as multiple hiking options."

    "This place offers peace and quiet outside of a small town with close by amenities. Clean and helpful staff"

    2. Crow's Creek Campground

    28 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    9 miles
    Website

    "The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing.  We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table."

    "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance."

    3. Camp Branch Campground

    15 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    10 miles
    Website

    "Pleasant campground, very nice lake. I camp with kids from infant through 18 and hot showers and decent bathrooms are a must for us. Close to Smithville Missouri."

    "The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site. only downside is it is only electric hookups. ( only a downside if you are a travel trailer/rv)"

    4. Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping

    10 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    11 miles
    Website

    "Close to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip."

    "These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake! Amazing sunsets!

    You can rent a boat for a half day or full day with advanced notice!"

    5. Blue Springs Lake Campground

    45 Reviews
    Blue Springs, MO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 503-4805

    $33 - $48 / night

    "The sites were well situated such that you felt you had plenty of privacy."

    "The original plan was to be in Blue Springs for an outdoor off-road RC event, camping in our pup with a generator at the track."

    6. Wallace State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Cameron, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 632-3745

    "Great MO state park, close to the city with easy access to 35 N. Trails, lakes, camping, great spot! If you don’t want/need electric, try campground 1, the spots are tucked into the trees."

    "Not far off of RT 36 going East through Missouri. Cost only $13 with hot showers. Nice campsite with table and fire pit. The night of our stay the ranger did a naturalist talk about stream life."

    7. Worlds of Fun Village

    8 Reviews
    Randolph, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 454-4545

    $300 / night

    "Easy walk to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, with some back-in sites offering tremendous views of downtown KC. "

    "Built on a hillside adjacent to the amusement and water park. The camp ground pool is huge and fun for the kids on non park days."

    8. Campus RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Independence, MO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 254-1815

    $37 - $48 / night

    "The RV park is really close to downtown Independence, Missouri and has everything we needed for the night."

    "Trains nearby can be load with their horns but it's close to airport which was necessity for me."

    9. Basswood Country RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Platte City, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 858-5556

    $56 - $59 / night

    "The only two things I wasn’t expecting were: 1. it’s pretty close to the airport, but you don’t notice the planes except when you’re outside; 2. the sites (except premium ones) are pretty close together"

    "This park is convient to I-29 but far enough off the highway to be quiet and peaceful. Tent sites, full hookups as well as rooms and cabins are available."

    10. Weston Bend State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Weston, MO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 640-5443

    $12 - $48 / night

    "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."

    "We enjoy camping there to get away from routine and responsibilities and simply hang out at our camper. The campground is wooded, generally cool, and peaceful."

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Recent Reviews near Kearney, MO

466 Reviews of 78 Kearney Campgrounds


  • Rae B.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park

    Will return

    We just started the check in process and the staff is so great and helpful that I've already added this place to favorites and hope to return next time I'm in Missouri

  • Daniel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Blue Springs Lake Campground

    Great in town option

    Great option, clean and well ran. Quiet and I will stay agian!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA

    Just off the freeway

    Easy to access. Great for an overnight. Cable not working. My site was a bit small for my 29’ rig. It is a toy hauler and I asked for more room. It was promised, but not delivered.

  • Sayler O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Elrod Mill Access

    Peaceful, Off-the-Beaten-Path Camping Spot

    Elrod Mill Conservation Area is a quiet, hidden gem for anyone who enjoys dispersed camping. There’s no developed campground here, but you can camp, and that’s part of what makes it special. It’s very much off the beaten path, so what you get is peace, quiet, and a chance to camp out in the woods without the noise and crowds of more popular spots.

    There aren’t any amenities—no bathrooms, no picnic tables, no hookups—so you’ll need to come prepared and be self-sufficient. But if you like the idea of just pulling in, setting up camp, and enjoying nature, this is a great place to do it.

    Fishing access is available as well, which makes it a nice combination of camping and recreation. Overall, Elrod Mill is best suited for folks who want a primitive camping experience and don’t mind roughing it a little for the sake of solitude.

  • R
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Owl Creek Market and RV Park

    Great place to stay overnight.

    This was a great park for us to pull over and get off the freeway overnight we did it on our way to Kansas from MI and from Kansas to MI. The store was very nice and the staff there were friendly and accommodative.The only thing I would recommend is getting some shade in the center of the park where the pull-throughs are on concrete.

  • NomadBrad D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Blue Springs Lake Campground

    Perfect Spot

    Great campsite, very clean… Bathrooms were spotless. As washer and dryer, showers, three toilets, playground for kids, firewood for sale.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Mayview RV Park

    Small town charm, CHEAP!

    $20/night including full hookups! Town population only 600. There’s a bar & grill and a brunch cafe around the corner from the RV park. Payment is self serve, no reservations. Couldn’t get WiFi to work but cell connection (T-Mobile) was fine

  • NomadBrad D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Blue Springs Lake Campground

    Great Campground!

    The whole experience was awesome. The entire place was spotless, the sites were far apart enough that you didn't feel like your neighbors were on top of you. Bathrooms were incredibly clean and the camp hosts or some of the nicest ones I've ever encountered! I think their names were Robin and Jim. 5 stars for sure!

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    AOK Campground & RV Park

    AOK IS OK!

    A little dusty, gravel sites, i was in 29.. has pool , updated facilities, playground..


Guide to Kearney

Camping near Kearney, Missouri, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent or an RV.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails around Watkins Mill State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The area was clean and the bathrooms well maintained," making it a great place to enjoy a hike.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Blue Springs Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper noted, "Well set up for either tent or RV," highlighting the versatility of the campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Clinton State Park Campground is known for its wildlife. One reviewer shared, "PLENTY of wildlife. Bunnies, raccoons, and deer," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. A visitor at Wallace State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms are pristine—nicer than some restaurants or hotels I’ve been to."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. One reviewer at Crow's Creek Campground mentioned, "The hosts are great too," which adds to the overall experience.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers often comment on the space between sites. A guest at Knob Noster State Park Campground noted, "The sites have nice trees for shade and are nicely spaced for hammocking."

What you should know:

  • Road Noise: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, like Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA, are close to highways. One camper said, "Close proximity to the interstate does come with some traffic noise."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park mentioned, "The hiking trails were overgrown and no longer accessible," so check ahead for trail conditions.
  • Seasonal Availability: Many 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 activities for kids. Clinton State Park Campground is noted for its peaceful environment, making it great for families.
  • Pack for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Watkins Mill State Park Campground mentioned, "Ticks were a concern," so bring bug spray.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys. One family at Longview Campground enjoyed their stay, saying, "The caretakers here are the sweetest people," which can make for a fun family experience.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Crow's Creek Campground appreciated the "water and 50amp service" available at their site.
  • Level Sites: Look for level sites to make setup easier. A camper at Knob Noster State Park Campground noted, "The sites list grade so you can find an even surface for your vehicle."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. One reviewer at Weston Bend State Park Campground mentioned the convenience of having a dump station nearby.

Camping near Kearney, MO, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available in Kearney, Nebraska?

The Kearney area offers several camping options within driving distance. Watkins Mill State Park Campground is located near Kearney with multiple camping areas, fishing and boating on a large lake, and hiking trails. The park also features a historical site dating back to the 1800s. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Hamilton City Lake provides free dispersed camping with a peaceful atmosphere and spacious sites. Both locations offer different camping experiences while providing convenient access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

What amenities are offered at Fort Kearney campground?

While specific Fort Kearney campground information isn't directly available in our reviews, nearby parks offer comparable amenities. Weston Bend State Park Campground provides well-shaded campsites nestled among trees, creating a peaceful environment. The campground features water access, clean facilities, and wooded surroundings. Similarly, Camp Branch Campground offers large shower houses, clean bathrooms, and amenities like ice and firewood sales at the gates. Typical state park campgrounds in this region generally include electrical hookups, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings at most sites.

Are camper van rentals available in Kearney?

While specific camper van rental services in Kearney aren't mentioned in the reviews, the area has RV-friendly accommodations that support van travelers. Love's RV Hookup-St. Joseph MO 235, located off I-29, provides convenient overnight stops for travelers with hookups and easy highway access. For those already equipped with a camper van, Campus RV Park offers convenient facilities close to downtown areas. To find camper van rentals, check local RV dealerships, online rental platforms, or outdoor equipment stores in Kearney or nearby larger cities for availability and pricing.