Best Campgrounds near Independence, MO

Independence, Missouri provides a range of camping options within easy reach of Kansas City's metropolitan area. Established campgrounds like Campus RV Park in downtown Independence and Blue Springs Lake Campground about 10 miles south offer both tent and RV accommodations with varying levels of amenities. Fleming Park's Lake Jacomo Campground provides waterfront sites with electric hookups, while Worlds of Fun Village offers cabin rentals alongside traditional camping spaces. The area features primarily developed campgrounds rather than dispersed camping, with most sites offering electric hookups and basic amenities.

The campground season in this region typically runs from April through October, with some facilities like Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA remaining open year-round. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. "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," noted one camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground. Road access to campgrounds is generally good with paved routes, making most sites accessible for RVs and trailers without high-clearance vehicles. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures ideal for camping.

Campers frequently mention the convenient proximity to urban amenities while still enjoying natural settings. The campgrounds near Blue Springs Lake and Lake Jacomo receive positive reviews for their water access and fishing opportunities. A visitor remarked, "It's a very lovely county park. The sites have great drainage, other campers were very quiet, Fleming Park has a lot to do and see." Several developed campgrounds feature full hookups, shower facilities, and dump stations, making them suitable for extended stays. While highway noise can be heard at some locations, most sites provide enough tree cover for shade and a sense of seclusion despite being relatively close to urban areas. Many campgrounds in the region serve as convenient bases for exploring both natural attractions and historical sites in Independence, including the Truman Library and local historic landmarks.

Best Camping Sites Near Independence, Missouri (80)

    1. Blue Springs Lake Campground

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

    $33 - $48 / night

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

    "Very central to Lee’s Summit and Independence, but secluded near the lake and peaceful."

    2. Campus RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Independence, MO
    0 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."

    "It is close to downtown Independence, for local shopping and food. We already booked out place for next years event. It has full hookups and that's about it. "

    3. Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park

    20 Reviews
    Lee's Summit, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 503-4805

    "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"

    "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."

    4. Worlds of Fun Village

    8 Reviews
    Randolph, MO
    7 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."

    5. Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA

    19 Reviews
    Oak Grove, MO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 690-6660

    $45 - $130 / night

    "Easy access to Interstate and pull through sites were long enough for our truck and 32’ trailer without having to unhitch. Stayed just one night as we passed through."

    "Decent KOA off the highway in a neighborhood. Sites are close together with some shaded."

    6. Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Excelsior Springs, MO
    22 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"

    7. Walnut Grove RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mission, KS
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 262-3023

    $62 - $131 / night

    "Its all about the location and supply and demand. It was very over priced for the tiny amount of space you get and subpar wifi."

    "We made a last minute decision and decided to stay somewhere near KC after a long cross country trip."

    8. Crow's Creek Campground

    28 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    22 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."

    9. Blue Springs Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Blue Springs, MO
    7 miles

    $34 - $50 / night

    10. Jackson County Fleming Park Jacomo Campground

    3 Reviews
    Blue Springs, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 795-8200

    "We enjoyed taking time to go to Osage Fort and Missouri town. Two historical landmarks worth the visit. Our StarLink worked well."

    "It’s really close to the lakes so that’s great but there’s minimal tree coverage and several of the sites are at the bottom of a hill which get water logged when it rains."

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Recent Reviews near Independence, MO

472 Reviews of 80 Independence 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.

  • 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!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Walnut Grove RV Park

    A little hidden Gem

    Stayed for 2 nights for a softball tournament. A very nice Rv park just off I35 hidden in a nice quiet suburban area. Sites were gravel and level with FHU. A nice little store on site with free coffee, water and a cappuccino machine. Family owned with great hosts. Clean 24-7 bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities. A re-visit and stay is a must. Close to stores, eats and fuel for Rv’s.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

    A great little KOA campground with lots of amenities.

    The staff is very nice, the camp is clean the bathrooms are clean the laundry is clean the pool is clean overall a very pleasant little camp. Please see attached video and pictures for more details.

    The only two negatives are one there are probably not enough shade trees and two there is a train that comes by every couple of hours.


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 80 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 4.3-star rating from 45 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.