Camping cabins near Riverside, Missouri offer lodging options within 30 miles of this Kansas City suburb. Situated in the Missouri River floodplain at approximately 750 feet elevation, the area experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters. Most cabin sites in the region remain open year-round, though seasonal amenities like pools typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What to Do
Outdoor recreation at Lewis and Clark State Park: The park features a small lake perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing from the shoreline. "The roads to, around, and within the campground are paved and great for a family walk or bike-riding. Most camping spots have at least some shade, and there is a playground for children and a small lake nearby for swimming and which draws in wildlife," notes reviewer Tori G. of Lewis and Clark State Park Campground.
Fishing without a license: Basswood Country RV Resort allows fishing in their five small lakes without requiring a fishing 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," shares Shannon G. at Basswood Country RV Resort.
Biking on paved trails: Watkins Mill State Park Campground offers dedicated biking paths. "Great place to make memories. There are 2 shower houses, 1 new one towards the front and one in the farthest loop. The trail wraps the lake and connects to the edge of the campground," explains Jason C. of Watkins Mill State Park Campground.
What Campers Like
Access to amusement parks: Worlds of Fun Village provides discounted tickets 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. from Worlds of Fun Village.
Convenient stopover location: For travelers passing through the region, several cabin options provide easy access from major highways. "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," mentions Deb M. regarding her off-season stay.
Cabin alternatives for non-RVers: Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA provides standard cabins for those without camping equipment. "Our friends stayed in the cabins which are awesome. The RV sites were right on top of each other so would not great. Very little green space but had a lot of amenities and the cleanest bathrooms!" reports Ashley S. from Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA.
What You Should Know
Airport noise considerations: Some camping facilities experience flight path noise. "Hope you like airplanes!!! Not too far from KCI and planes making their final decent fly right over top. Campground itself was clean with very friendly staff," explains GW C. from Basswood Country RV Resort.
Train noise disruptions: Light sleepers should consider cabin locations carefully. "There was a train passing through, and the person I spoke to offered to throw in a pair of ear plugs and a night mask. Now I know why... the trains were one right behind the other... ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!!" cautions Myron C. about his experience at the Lawrence KOA.
Security variations between properties: Some properties lack gated access. "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," notes John L. from Worlds of Fun Village.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for organized activities: Some resorts offer scheduled entertainment for children. "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," shares Tori G. from Lake Paradise Resort.
Seek out zero-entry pools: Lake Paradise Resort features family-friendly swimming options. "The pool is renovated and very nice. It is very large, zero entry, up to mostly around 5 ft deep with a small area that was 9ft; there is a children's area with a sprinkler," describes Julie B.
Check playground locations: Lewis and Clark State Park positions recreation areas centrally. "Great family and kid friendly place. Kids playing with each other going from group to group getting more kids to play. You can see them from anywhere in the camp ground," notes Jason C.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions for large rigs: Basswood Country RV Resort has varying road quality. "Roads going up higher past us were a little rough but made for great walks with kids. Quiet and well spaced," mentions Brandi D.
Pay extra for pull-through sites: At Worlds of Fun Village, premium sites provide more space. "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," suggests E C. from Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA.
Research site layout before booking: Some cabin areas have non-standard arrangements. "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.
