Cabin camping near Platte City, Missouri offers year-round opportunities in the rolling hills of northwest Missouri, where the elevation ranges from 750 to 1,100 feet above sea level. The region experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows around 20°F. Most cabin facilities remain open throughout winter months, though some amenities may be seasonal.
What to do
Fishing in multiple stocked ponds: Basswood Country RV Resort offers fishing in five small lakes without requiring a 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., who discovered the resort while returning from the Ozarks.
Hiking on paved trails: At Watkins Mill State Park Campground, visitors can access a paved trail system that encircles the lake. "Paved walking/biking trail, fishing, swimming and even history lessons. If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool," shares Josh P., who grew up near the park.
Basketball and volleyball: AOK Campground provides sports facilities for active visitors. "There was a pool, a playground, a sand volleyball area, and a basketball area," according to Shannon G., who observed these amenities during their overnight stay.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground maintains well-sanitized bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms have AC and are cleaned with disinfectant daily. Very clean campground and has a playground," according to Sabrina E., who appreciates the park's maintenance standards.
Weekend activities for children: Organized events at Basswood Resort keep younger campers entertained. "Every weekend there are organized activities such as arts and crafts, fishing contests, duck races and frozen t-shirt contests in the pool, and a Saturday evening outdoor movie," explains one visitor who regularly camps there with grandchildren.
Quiet natural settings: Watkins Mill State Park offers a peaceful atmosphere despite proximity to urban areas. "Beautifully laid out with paved access, trees spots and a nice lake. Clean facilities include plenty of stalls and sinks, separate showers and laundry. Well lit and accessible," observes Anita M., who appreciated the park's maintenance.
What you should know
Train noise impacts some locations: Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA experiences frequent train traffic. "Trains passed by really loudly all night long - it finally stopped at about 5am," reports LauraJane B., who stayed on a Friday night. Multiple reviewers mention trains running approximately every 30 minutes throughout the night.
Airport proximity affects certain campgrounds: Basswood Country RV Resort sits under flight paths for Kansas City International Airport. "The campground is on the final approach for the airport, so you get to see a lot planes flying overhead, which you don't even notice cause they are quieter than they used to be," explains Brian A., who notes that flights typically cease around 10 PM.
Seasonal swimming beach closures: Some state park beaches experience periodic closures. At Perry State Park Campground, "The swim beach has been closed because of excessive vegetation growth," according to Jason C., though the park remains popular for boating and fishing.
Tips for camping with families
Book cabins early for summer weekends: Prairie Clover Campground at Clinton State Park fills quickly during peak season. "We stayed 2 weeks and couldn't have been more pleased! Website is little to no help unless visiting in peak season, but the camp hosts and park rangers are the tops," shares Charles F., who visited during the off-season.
Consider splurge-worthy entertainment options: Worlds of Fun Village provides direct access to adjacent theme parks. "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," explains John L., highlighting the convenience for families.
Look for campgrounds with amenities for rainy days: Several cabin facilities include indoor recreation options. "There was a store which had a pizza place inside, playgrounds, swimming pool, outdoor games, a game room, volleyball, trails, and even golf carts for rent. Very family friendly place," notes Shannon G. about Basswood Resort.
Tips from RVers
Choose sites strategically for privacy: Worlds of Fun Village has varying site quality based on location. "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," advises John L., who noted security concerns at roadside sites.
Pack extension cords for some electrical sites: Hookup locations vary significantly between campgrounds. At AOK Campground, "Appreciate the back to back campsites so your neighbor's sewer isn't in your area," mentions Joseph S., highlighting the thoughtful site layout that separates utility connections from dining areas.
Consider water access needs: Lewis and Clark State Park provides lakeside camping opportunities. "This campground is a great setting for a quiet family weekend. The roads to, around, and within the campground are paved and great for a family walk or bike-riding," describes one regular visitor who appreciates the layout and proximity to water.
