Discover the 11 Absolute Best Camping Near Kansas City

From sports and museums to jazz and BBQ, Kansas City in Missouri is a stand-out location. It is the largest city in the state and home to many young professionals and families. And while the city features everything you could ask for from a significant metropolis, what about outdoor recreation? With temperatures heating up, you may wonder what campsites are nearby for a fun summertime adventure. Discover the 11 absolute best camping near Kansas City, including their locations, proximity to the city, and amenities.

1. Basswood Resort

The Basswood RV Park and Campground is a family favorite near Kansas City. This lakeside resort is nestled on a secluded 73-acre estate and features everything you need for a fun summer vacation. The resort offers campsites for traditional camping, or you can rent deluxe cabins with full kitchens and appliances. Many people choose to spend their holiday weekends here or book their family reunions. 

Their amenities include a seasonal swimming pool, stocked fishing lakes, outdoor games, playgrounds, themed events, a country store, and a pizza parlor. There are also showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and designated WiFi areas. Basswood Resort is an excellent option for making memories with loved ones, and it’s only about a 30-minute drive north of Kansas City.

2. Crows Creek Campground

If you’re searching for a little more space and serenity, check out Crows Creek Campground. At this location, you can enjoy spaced-out campsites and a peaceful lake for fishing, swimming, and canoeing. This campground offers tent, RV, and equestrian camping. It features water, electricity, playgrounds, walking trails, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, firewood, and bagged ice. Not only can you bring your horse, you can bring your boat, too! 

The campsites are a short walk from the water, where you will be immersed in natural beauty and wildlife. Keep your eyes open for deer and snapping turtles. Cows Creek is quiet, clean, and not overly crowded, depending on the season. It is about a 40-minute drive north of Kansas City.

3. Wallace State Park

The campgrounds at Wallace State Park are well-known for the secluded sites away from neighbors and their quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s about a 45-minute to an hour drive, but it’s worth it for some of the best camping near Kansas City. Wallace State Park is a fantastic natural area where you can get up close to many species, such as birds of prey, deer, and turtles.

They offer both basic and electric campsites, where you can access showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and firewood. You can also fish from the fully stocked six-acre lake or hike a scenic trail. 

4. Worlds of Fun Village

Do you want the thrill of camping without leaving the city? Considering making a reservation at Worlds of Fun Village on the northeast side of town. While you may not have the seclusion and nature like other picks on this list, you definitely have plenty of fun attractions. This campground features RV camping and rental cabins just a short walk from the Worlds of Fun amusement park. 

Modern amenities make your family retreat convenient, and the seasonal swimming pool is a great way to relax after a fun day riding roller coasters. The campground offers theme park ticket packages, a fully stocked store, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The only downside is the loud ride music, which you can hear from certain areas in the campground.

5. Blue Springs Lake Campground

With 81 sites ranging from basic to premier, Blue Springs Lake Campground has you covered. This quiet campground about 25 minutes’ drive from Kansas City is excellent for families looking to get away for the weekend and be in nature. Pitch your tent or bring your camper and enjoy amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, playgrounds, and firewood. 

While the sites are not directly on the lake, they are only about five minutes away. You can watch the sunrise over the water or stay up late and stargaze. Some of the best activities include swimming, fishing, volleyball, and hiking. Plus, you are only a few minutes from city shopping and restaurants.

6. Longview Campground

Located in Lee’s Summit, just a short drive from downtown Kansas City, Longview Campground is a shady, clean country park. It is the largest campground in Jackson County, featuring 88 campsites and plenty of activities. Visitors have access to boating, fishing, swimming beaches, biking and hiking trails, and golf courses. And each campsite is near playgrounds, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. 

It is a quiet area with well-spaced sites close to the lake. And there is plenty of wildlife around. Keep an eye out for deer and coyotes. Longview Campground is about a 25-minute drive from Kansas City.

7. Walnut Grove RV Park

If you’re looking for a place to park your RV in the city, check out Walnut Grove RV Park. The campground features 50 lots near the downtown business district. It provides all the amenities you need for your stay, including hot showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and a dog park. You will be in a prime location for some of the year’s best events. Just be sure to reserve your lot ahead of time; spaces fill up fast depending on the time of year. There is a small onsite store, but you are also very close to shopping and dining.

8. Cedar Ridge Campground

The Cedar Ridge Campground is about an hour west of Kansas City. It’s not to be confused with the other Cedar Ridge Campground in Stockton, which is over a two-hour drive south. However, both are excellent choices. The Cedar Ridge campsite in Lawrence, Kansas, is near a large lake and features boating, fishing, geocaching, hiking, and disc golf. The site is also close to the college town, where you will find shopping and dining. This campground has secluded sites near bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

9. Kansas City East/Oak Grove KOA Holiday

The KOA in Kansas City is right near the Oregon Trail and has all the amenities you could ever need for your camping trip. There are several ways to stay at this campground, including a tent, an RV, a cabin, or a covered wagon. When you’re not hanging out at your campsite, you can mine for gems, swim in the pool, play mini golf, jump on a giant pillow, or rent bikes and roller skates. They are also dog friendly and feature a dog park!

10. Lakeview Campground and RV Park

The Lakeview Campground is a newer facility in the Lawson area, about 40 minutes northeast of Kansas City. There are 21 reservable sites featuring access to fire pits, picnic tables, showers, bathrooms, laundry, shelters, and a playground. But the star of the campground is the 25-acre lake and fishing dock with a boat ramp. There is also an impressive 18-hole disc golf course that goes around the lake. Unfortunately, no swimming is allowed at this location.

11. Jacomo Campground

Jacomo Campground is in Lee’s Summit, about a 25-minute drive southeast of Kansas City. It’s a shady campsite with clean, well-maintained grounds. The amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and a playground. You also have close access to the lake for fishing. However, if you don’t like being too close to other campers, you may want to choose another location. While the sites are big enough to spread your tents and other items out, you may hear noise from nearby people.

Summary of the 11 Absolute Best Camping Near Kansas City

Here’s a recap of the 11 top camping spots located near Kansas City, MO that we took a look at.