Best Campgrounds near Riverside, MO

Camping options around Riverside, Missouri include several established campgrounds within a short drive of the city. The area features a mix of state parks, county facilities, and private RV parks that accommodate various camping styles. Weston Bend State Park Campground, located about 20 miles northwest of Riverside, provides tent, RV, and glamping sites in a wooded setting. Blue Springs Lake Campground and Crow's Creek Campground offer water-oriented camping experiences with boat-in access. Most developed campgrounds in the region support both tent and RV camping, with several also offering cabin accommodations.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the Missouri River valley area. Many campgrounds operate year-round, including Weston Bend State Park and Crow's Creek Park, while others like Blue Springs Lake Campground and Worlds of Fun Village have limited seasons running from spring through fall. A review noted, "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." Road access to most developed campgrounds is suitable for standard vehicles, though some primitive areas may require higher clearance. Cell service is generally reliable at established campgrounds near Kansas City, with multiple reviews mentioning adequate connectivity for both Verizon and T-Mobile users.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Riverside area. Camp Branch Campground and Crow's Creek Campground receive positive feedback for their lake views and water recreation opportunities. According to one visitor, "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. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake." Campgrounds closer to Kansas City like Campus RV Park provide convenient urban access but less natural scenery. Several state park campgrounds in the region feature wooded sites with ample shade and privacy. Wildlife sightings are common at the more natural settings, with deer, raccoons, and various bird species frequently mentioned in camper reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Riverside, Missouri (105)

    1. Blue Springs Lake Campground

    44 Reviews
    Blue Springs, MO
    19 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."

    2. Crow's Creek Campground

    28 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    16 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. Walnut Grove RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mission, KS
    11 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."

    4. Weston Bend State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Weston, MO
    20 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."

    5. Campus RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Independence, MO
    13 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."

    6. Worlds of Fun Village

    8 Reviews
    Randolph, MO
    8 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."

    7. Basswood Country RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Platte City, MO
    15 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."

    8. Camp Branch Campground

    15 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    18 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)"

    9. Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Excelsior Springs, MO
    25 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"

    10. Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping

    10 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    16 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!"

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Recent Reviews near Riverside, MO

609 Reviews of 105 Riverside Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • 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..

  • 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.

  • Soren B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    AOK Campground & RV Park

    Nice Stop Over

    We booked at the last minute while traveling through and heading home. When we came in after hours, we had our envelope ready with a map and route to our campsite. The campsites were nice, level gravel sites. The dogs enjoyed all the extra room, grassy areas, and small trail to explore.


Guide to Riverside

Camping spots near Riverside, Missouri range from urban-adjacent sites with full hookups to more secluded areas along the Missouri River and nearby lakes. Many campgrounds operate in spring through fall seasons, though several remain open year-round, including Weston Bend State Park and Smith's Fork Recreation Area. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures that can drop below freezing from November through March, with occasional snow.

What to do

Kayaking access points: Crow's Creek Campground offers direct access to Smithville Lake for paddlers. "We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake," notes one reviewer who enjoyed the lake access.

Historic exploration: Watkins Mill State Park Campground combines camping with history lessons. A visitor shared, "If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool." The park features paved walking trails connecting historic sites.

Family cycling routes: Several campgrounds feature paved bike paths suitable for all ages. "The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site," commented one Smithville Lake camper. Most popular routes circle the lakes, offering relatively flat terrain ideal for casual rides.

What campers like

Maintenance standards: Cleanliness consistently ranks high in camper reviews for many sites. At Blue Springs Lake Campground, one visitor noted, "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."

Airport proximity: For travelers needing quick airport access, Basswood Country RV Resort sits under flight paths. "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," mentioned one reviewer who found this unique feature appealing.

Affordable full hookups: Campers looking for budget-friendly full hookups appreciate certain parks. "Of everywhere Smith's Fork is the only one (so far) that offers Electric (30 & 50 amp), Water (2) and Sewer at every campsite. At just $30 per day it is a steal!" reported one frequent local camper.

What you should know

Limited privacy at urban sites: Campgrounds closer to Kansas City typically trade natural screening for convenience. At Campus RV Park, a camper noted, "The campsite itself wasn't private but was kept up descent. Should consider putting a fence up."

Evening noise variations: Train sounds affect some camping experiences. "Trains nearby can be load with their horns," mentioned one Campus RV Park visitor. At most lake sites, evening sounds consist primarily of wildlife and occasional weekend gatherings.

Winter water shutoffs: Late-season campers should verify utility availability. One October visitor reported, "Due to unseasonably cold weather they shut off water with no notice and halfway through our stay. Ended up leaving early since we had no water."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming access, though facilities vary significantly. At Worlds of Fun Village, "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."

Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas when traveling with children. One camper at Blue Springs Lake noted, "The sites were well kept up, with many prime locations near the playground for our kids."

Weekend activities: Some parks organize regular family events. "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," reported a grandparent who visits regularly with grandchildren.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many RVers report uneven sites throughout the region. "The site slopes to the passenger side and downhill toward the road, so we used a few levelers. Many sites here are sloped. The premium cement pads seemed to be more level than gravel sites," noted one RV camper at Blue Springs Lake.

Dump station positioning: When exiting with larger rigs, positioning matters. A helpful RVer advised, "As you exit the park, if you have a big rig, you'll want to stay to the left side of the dump station for a wider right turn out of the park."

Water fill strategies: At parks without full hookups, experienced campers use alternate methods. "This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank," shared one camper who prioritized lake views over full hookups at Crow's Creek.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Riverside, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Riverside, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 105 campgrounds and RV parks near Riverside, MO and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Riverside, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Riverside, MO is Blue Springs Lake Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 44 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Riverside, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Riverside, MO.

What parks are near Riverside, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Riverside, MO that allow camping, notably Blue Springs Lake and Clinton Lake.