RV parks near Kearney, Missouri provide diverse camping options between Kansas City and northern Missouri. Located in Clay County at about 900 feet elevation, this area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers and moderate winters. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though some seasonal closures occur between November and March.
What to do
Amusement park access: Worlds of Fun Village offers convenient camping adjacent to Kansas City's largest theme park. "The theme park offered discounted tickets when staying at the campground and parking for the parks was included. Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are internally connected, making it easy to walk between the two," notes John L. who stayed at Worlds of Fun Village.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities for days when you're not exploring area attractions. "The camp ground pool is huge and fun for the kids on non park days. The campground is all paved and perfect for scooters and bikes for the kids," shares Jennifer H. about her family's experience at Worlds of Fun Village.
Fishing opportunities: Basswood Country RV Resort maintains multiple fishing ponds that don't require a state license. "You could fish in the lakes and didn't even need a license. We watched kids get excited as they caught fish after fish," notes Shannon G. The resort was once a favorite fishing spot of President Harry S. Truman.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the Kearney area generally maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "Bathrooms were top-notch. Every campground should have the same set up. Handicap accessible, all in one in same room. So great if you have kids or someone with a disability," writes Mary D. about A Country Charm RV Park.
Historical connections: Independence offers numerous historical sites within minutes of camping areas. "Independence has some cool stuff to check out and has a very midwestern, small-town feel to it, even though it is basically a suburb of the greater Kansas City area. There is a lot of charm and some interesting architecture in the immediate area. The Truman Library, the Community of Christ Church, the downtown theater and court house are all interesting and worth a look," explains Shari G. who stayed at Campus RV Park.
Water quality: Some RV parks in the region boast exceptional water quality. "First off, the water in Independence MO top 10 in the world over time, and in #3 currently," notes Kevin H. about Campus RV Park, highlighting an often overlooked amenity for campers.
What you should know
Highway noise: Several RV parks near major roads experience traffic noise. "The sites were very small and close. Our site was not very level. Hookups were fine and worked well. It appeared that most of the occupants were full time. I would only stay here for a night as there appeared to be little nearby except the Stadium and the park was not very attractive," shares Charles F. about his experience at Stadium RV Park.
Train activity: Multiple campgrounds experience railroad noise at night. "Only issue was trains blowing their horns during the night," notes a visitor about Campus RV Park, while another camper mentions: "Nice campground and great staff. Trains nearby can be load with their horns but it's close to airport which was necessity for me."
Security considerations: Some parks have limited security features. "Security was disappointing, as there was no gate to the campground, nor a gate around it. So our campsite (site 2) that backed up to the road was 10 feet off the public sidewalk. Reviews of this campsite on other websites mentioned some petty theft, so we kept our outdoor compartments locked," advises John L. about Worlds of Fun Village.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: When traveling with children during summer months, look for parks with swimming facilities. "There is a pool, hot tub, laundry and clean bathrooms with showers. The campground did attempt to improve privacy with strategically placed trees and shrubs," notes a visitor to Worlds of Fun Village.
Recreational activities: Walnut Grove RV Park offers pet-friendly amenities for families traveling with dogs. "They had a small dog run which was not fenced but provided some grass for the pups," shares a camper, noting the park's consideration for four-legged family members.
Safety considerations: Some parks are located in areas that may require extra awareness. "On the way in the neighborhood itself did not seem very likely to hold an RV park this close to urban areas. But the place is nice, has Laundry, Showers etc. No campfire pit, and our spot was a tight fit, but seems nice," writes Luna L. about Campus RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Off-season advantages: Visit during shoulder seasons for quieter stays and better availability. "Stopped here on our way south for spring break. The amusement park was not open yet, so the campground area was relatively quiet and the price for full hookups was not bad. Nice shower/bathroom building too. I imagine it's very different on a busy weekend when the park is open," advises Deb M. about Owl Creek Market and RV Park.
Site selection: Choose sites strategically based on location within parks. "Row 1 (sites 1-20) is along a busy highway with semi truck noise 24 hours a day. I recommend either paying more for the pull-through (further from the road) or the back in sites 69-82 in row 3," suggests John L. about positioning at Worlds of Fun Village.
Local amenities: Many RV parks near Kearney provide on-site convenience stores with regional specialties. "Great camp store with selections of sausage and cheese. Also, small selection of wine," notes Kirk H. about Owl Creek Market and RV Park.
