Top Tent Camping near Kansas City, MO
Looking for tent camping near Kansas City? Find the best tent camping sites near Kansas City. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Kansas City, Missouri's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Kansas City, MO (8)
1. Woodridge
13 Reviews•22 Photos•152 SavesThis recreation area is part of Clinton Lake
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
2. Scott Creek Campground
1 Review•1 Photo•29 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$10 - $50 / night
3. Tent Sites at Milo Farm
Be the first to review!•10 Photos•9 SavesTent camping at MILO FARM - SACRED LAND- The 50 acres of Milo Farm is a nature retreat with a cedar forest, a hardwood forest, 2 ponds, bohemian lodge, art studio, pool, barn, miles of trails, campsites & other buildings. Great for the spiritually minded with several meditation spots and portals. Check out the Hippie Trailer and Bunkhouse glamping options too!
With our regular tent campsites you will have your own firepit, grill and picnic table. You'll be assigned either the entire campsite #1 or #2 in the east field of Milo Farm. These are family friendly! Each site is private and near the animal pen! Meet our goats and donkeys! There is an outhouse with compost toilet between the two campsites. Campsite #1 is bigger and can hold up to 6 tents. Campsite #2 is quant for a smaller group 1-2 tents.
Ask about availability of boat and art cart golf cart rental if interested. Fill water jugs at spigots located at the animal pen or pool pump. Outdoor shower is by the pool pump as well.
If you like being more secluded and like to primitive camp there are over 20 spots in the 22 acres of our Freedom Field on the west side of the property. You pick your location, pack in and pack out trash. There's a creek, big open sky, sunset watching opportunities and amazing energy in this field. There are no outhouses in Freedom Field. Water jugs can be filled at the lodge.
Milo Farm is located in the country just 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City & 20 min from the sports stadiums.
There's a short hike to the campsites, no parking near. So unfortunately camping buses, vans, RVs won't work for these locations.
Full details will be sent with check-in information email!
MILO FARM AMENITIES
- Miles of trails to hike
- Fresh air and nature to bask in
- Many spots of interest to discover
- 8 Fire pits to sing and make s'mores around
- Events to join
- Two stocked ponds to fish
- Farm animals to pet & feed
- Art cart golf cart you can rent
- Paddle boat the south pond you can rent
- Many fields for frisbee, kickball, football or softball game
- Saltwater pool to splash in
- Zen Garden meditation spot
- Art Studio Shop to explore
- Observatory to sky watch
- Wildflowers and grasses to enjoy the pollinators in Freedom Field
- Three creeks to explore
- Tibetan Prayer Flag tree to contemplate under
- Oracle card readings upon request
- Mythical trails to find magic and spot fun trinkets in
- Art class to join
- Sculptures to admire
- Cornhole and volleyball games to play
- Outdoor cold water campers shower by pool pump
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
$25 - $40 / night
4. Agency Conservation Area
2 Reviews•2 Photos•15 SavesThe land for this area was donated to the Conservation Department in 1991. The timbered property straddles Rock Creek Road. The north tract of the area offers walk-in access to the Platte River. A graveled parking lot is located south of the county road. Both tracts are prone to flooding.
On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section.
Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m. On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Alcohol
5. Bonanza Conservation Area
3 Reviews•4 Photos•29 SavesThe Conservation Department created this area in 1968 with the purchase of 1,024 acres from several landowners. Later acquisitions of 924 acres have increased the area's current size. This conservation area was acquired in part through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pittman-Robertson funds are generated from a federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition. Because of its size and diversity of habitat, Bonanza Conservation Area is managed for a wide range of game and nongame wildlife species. The area's open fields are managed by farming, haying and controlled burning. Other habitat management includes tree, shrub and grass plantings and selective timber harvest. Native grasses have been planted and managed to improve nesting habitat and winter cover. A few streams run through the area; the largest of these are Shoal Creek and Crabapple Creek. Bonanza Conservation Area is a Quail Restoration Landscape. This means additional emphasis is placed upon managing the area for early successional species such as Bobwhite quail.
Area closed to bicycle use (and horseback riding) during all portions of the firearms deer hunting season and spring turkey hunting seasons.
On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section. Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m. On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
6. Marysville
Be the first to review!•3 SavesThis recreation area is part of Hillsdale Lake
- Reservable
- Tents
8. Overlook Park
Be the first to review!•4 SavesOverview
This day-use picnic area, located just north of Clinton Lake in the hills of Kansas, is the perfect spot for a party or family gathering.
Natural Features:
Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop.
Clinton Lakes beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clear water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible.
Clinton spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley and covers 7,000 surface acres. If the lake ever approaches the top of its flood pool, an additional 5,800 acres will be covered, extending the area to 13 miles along the valley floor.
Recreation:
A horseshoe pit, sand volleyball court, softball field and playground are all provided at Overlook Park.
Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction to area.
The lakes fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass.
Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake.
Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.
Facilities:
Overlook Park has two picnic shelters available for up to 100 guests. Flush toilets and drinking water are available for visitors convenience.
Nearby Attractions:
The Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, just down the road from Overlook Park, has several informative displays covering topics such as the history of the area, reasons for the dam and the wildlife in the area.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews In Kansas City
482 Reviews of 8 Kansas City Campgrounds
Tripi A.
Scout
Milo Farm Sacred Land Retreat
The best camping
No. Hay palabras para describir esto tan increíble
- kkarl
Guide
Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA
Good but pricey for overnight
Nice level sites. Clean facilities and friendly staff. Cost was a little steep for off season.
- Ioan P.
Legend
Trailside RV Park
For one night, ok
Is situated near very busy Hwy and rails road. It is a little tight but the stuff is very nice.
- Jeff L.
Traveler
Weston Bend State Park
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.
- JJochen H.Traveler
Blue Springs Lake Campground
Nice and clean
a good price with 30 Dollars
quiet
clean
good and helpful staff
no pool, but you can drive to a lake
- MMaggie C.Legend
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.
Mitch M.Scout
Clinton State Park Campground
Close to town but far enough to enjoy the wilderness
Overall it was a good experience. We came on a weekend with good weather and were able to reserve easily a couple days in advance. There were a few campers near to us that we could see but no one that was right next to us and we couldn't hear them at all.
Pros:
Access to "modern" toilets that flushed. While the one closest to us was closed (see cons) there was one a bit further, maybe another 4 minutes walk away that was open. It had a few stalls and were in decent enough condition.
PLENTY of wildlife. Bunnies, Racoons (and babies), PLENTY of deer, a possum.
Bugs - While I've been here in early July and the bugs made me want to scream, in late July it seems they are better or at least being more in the open helped. A few flies and mosquitos. Nothing too bad.
Cons:
- It didn't seem like the host was there. There was a car driving around that asked us where a campsite was but it was in a weird format and they said the host wasn't around.
- The bathrooms nearest to us were a modern toilet and they were closed, but it didn't really say they were closed so the only indication was no lights and more spiders than I care to admit.
- Many of the camping areas (a vast majority) are surrounded by woodland and brush that makes it impossible to see, or even smell the lake. Getting down to it is a bit of a chore if you choose to do so.
- Though it had rained a few days before our campsite was bone dry, which is fine except that the ground was so hard that 80% of our set up time was trying to stake in. Could have just been our location though
- GGary S.Guide
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.
- EE C.Traveler
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.
Kevin C.
Ranger
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.
Scott B.RangerClinton State Park Campground
Not bad
Nice park in a beautiful setting. Only downside was the bugs were horrible here. Swarms of gnats and mosquitoes. The bathrooms were pretty dated too.
Terry D.ScoutWeston Bend State Park
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 .
- Kevin C.Ranger
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.
- DDaniel T.Scout
Clinton State Park Campground
Peaceful
Camped out at site 13 for a real peaceful Saturday. Half of our group took the trail and hiked to the campsite, the other half got there by kayak/paddleboard. The site was very secluded and had a very interesting layout. Lots of hammock tree setups too.
Only real issue we had was there wasn’t a lot of flat ground. The tents we pitched were pretty close to the fire, and the biggest patch of flat ground was down wind from the fire.
- JJohn R.Legend
Wallace State Park
Small but beautiful.
Small park with some very private sites and some very exposed sites. Nice showers and dump station.
Barbie G.TravelerWeston Bend State Park
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.
Craig W.Traveler
Woodridge
Nice campground with a group
We recently took our scout troop to Woodridge and had ample space for the group. The 4.5 mile trail was a nice activity for the scouts during the morning. The trail was moderately difficult and could be problematic if raining. The vault toilet was pretty clean and well taken care of. It was fairly busy between the car campers and those who utilized one of the many hike in sites. Several of the hike in sites looked promising and I hope to one day return and use one as well.
- EEmily S.Traveler
Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
Great spot- Quiet and not busy
Stayed one night in Walnut at site 286. $20 a night. Clean showers and bathrooms. Plenty of hot water. Plenty of spaces in walnut, hickory was busier. Beautiful lake.
Angela C.Ranger
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.
Leni K.RangerClinton State Park Campground
Relaxing Car/Tent Camping Spot
Pros Off-season was quiet Open bathrooms were nice and well kept. Easy access to trails Lots of wildlife, vultures, deer, etc. Well marked and plenty of them spots Marina was a quick bike ride away and had a lot to offer during the season. Primate loops had some good spacing and tree cover, along with views of the lake. Inner loops not so much Potable water available year round. Was drinkable.
Cons Signs marked closed bathrooms but not the closest open bathrooms. One per campsite was still open with heat and electric. Weirdly all vaults were closed Office and hosts were unavailable so we had to leave for Casey's for firewood. While before the season, someone told us it's typically impossible to get firewood because the office is usually closed. Signs to the entrance to park and n avigation were pretty small, impossible to read at night, not lit. Electric parking pass only issued one day pass at a time. Would do the paper pass across the parking lot next time. Spacing is definitely a bit crowded for tent camping privacy this time of year. Will be curious to see how it feels in the summer/fall.
John G.ScoutLeavenworth 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.
- Terry C.Scout
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
- Cassie B.Scout
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.
BLBJRScoutWeston Bend State Park
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.
- MMaggie C.Legend
Owl Creek Market and RV Park
Nice for overnight
Stayed one night while traveling back to the east coast. It is a decent campground. The bath house was clean and showers were hot. Sites are close together. Mine had shade. There is a small dog park at the top of the hill.
I came late and left early, so didn't get to browse the cheese shop, but it looked nice. I would stay here again.
Jamie V.Traveler
Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping
Nice little campground below the dam at Smithville Lake
We tried Smith Fork and liked it. The only downside is that some of the campsites are close together/congested, but that’s not necessarily a big negative. We have Verizon and service was good. Camp hosts were great!
- Jamie V.Traveler
Crow's Creek Campground
Great Campground near Smithville Lake
Very nice campground and we’ve stayed here several times without any problems. The hosts are great too. We’ve stayed at sites in Loop C improved which have water and 50amp service. We have Verizon cell service and had no issues.
Guide to Kansas City
Camping near Kansas City, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Watkins Mill State Park Campground, have trails that let you enjoy the great outdoors. One visitor mentioned, “The area was clean and the bathrooms well maintained,” making it a great spot for a family hike.
- Fishing and Boating: At Clinton State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing or take a boat out on the water. A camper noted, “Access to modern toilets that flushed... plenty of wildlife,” which adds to the experience.
- Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Crow's Creek Campground are great for spotting local wildlife. One happy camper shared, “We’ve stayed here several times without any problems. The hosts are great too.”
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Blue Springs Lake Campground said, “Clean and spaces not too close together. Well set up for either tent or RV.”
- Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Wallace State Park Campground remarked, “Camp hosts were always available and polite and friendly.”
- Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the sites. One reviewer at Knob Noster State Park Campground mentioned, “It was nice to hear the aircrafts from the base and next time we will bring our kids so they can experience it too.”
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, may lack certain amenities. A camper noted, “Some sites are not very level so bring blocks.”
- Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Bloomington East - Clinton Lake is open from early April to late September.
- Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a plus, be aware of ticks and other critters. A visitor at Watkins Mill State Park Campground mentioned, “My only complaint were the ticks, but it was a rough tick season this spring.”
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and spacious sites. A family at Blue Springs Lake Campground enjoyed their stay, saying, “We had a full hookup site located right by the playground and it was perfect for our family.”
- Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One camper at Clinton State Park Campground mentioned, “There were a few campers near to us that we could see but no one that was right next to us.”
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand makes family camping easier. A visitor at Lake Shawnee County Campground said, “Friendly staff, clean facilities. Perfect spot for our truck topper.”
Tips from RVers:
- Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Crow's Creek Campground noted, “We have Verizon cell service and had no issues.”
- Arrive Early: Popular sites can fill up quickly, so get there early. One reviewer at Weston Bend State Park Campground mentioned, “Campground is hilly, sites are level, gravel pads. Lots of space between sites.”
- Be Prepared for Weather: Bring gear for rain or shine. A visitor at Knob Noster State Park Campground said, “Great trail network and very nice stock mo state park campground.”
Camping near Kansas City, Missouri, has something for everyone. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kansas City, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kansas City, MO is Woodridge with a 4.7-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Kansas City, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Kansas City, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.