Favorite Places to Camp in the KC Area
Nothing feels so much like fall as sitting by a crackling fire on a cool autumn evening with s’mores and a warm mug of apple cider. From Lawrence, KS, to Weston, MO, our region has numerous options for a great fall campout. Here are a few favorites:
In Missouri
Weston Bend state Park 16600 MO-45, Weston, MO 64098, 816.640.5443 Campground features: Nearby apple picking and beautiful fall foliage make this an obvious choice for your fall camping exploits. Downtown Weston is a small town with classic charm and local shops, including McCormick Distilling’s country store that features hard-to-find offerings and free samples. This town hosts two fantastic fall festivals each year, AppleFest (Oct. 3-4) and the Weston Irish Festival (Oct. 9-11).
Watkins Woolen Mill state Park 26600 Park Rd. N., Lawson, MO 64062, 816.580.3387 Campground features: A fantastic choice for history buffs. The Music Festival and Back Porch Jam (Sept. 12) invites attendees to join in or just enjoy folk music at the Watkins home. Fall on the Farm (Oct. 10) features a number of reenactment activities and fun for the whole family. For those looking for a creative trick or treat option, the park has a Halloween Campout (Oct. 24) with dog costume contests and a spooky nature program.
Lake Jacomo 22807 Woods Chapel Rd., Blue Springs, MO 64015, 816.503.4800 Campground features: A great option for camping near the city with boat rentals, fishing and a hooved animal enclosure to view bison, elk and white tail deer. For canine lovers, the Kemper Outdoor Education Center hosts Dogtober Fest on Oct. 18. Or step back in time with a visit to Missouri Town 1855 for the Festival of Arts, Crafts and Music (Oct. 3-4) or a spooky Spirits from the Past experience (Oct. 23-24; advance reservations required).
In Kansas
Clinton Lake State Park 798 N. 1415 Rd., Lawrence, KS 66049, 785.842.8562 Campsite features: Clinton Lake offers tent camping as well as ADA compliant cabins for those who want an indoor escape from the cold autumn nights. The park offers eight trails, fishing and archery for a variety of outdoor adventures. Camping only 4 miles from Lawrence, you can explore Mass Street’s shops and restaurants or the Museum of Natural History at KU. Of course, for any basketball fan a trip to Lawrence would be incomplete without visiting the Booth Hall of Athletics at Allen Fieldhouse, re-opening in early October.
Hillsdale State Park 26001 W. 255th St., Paola, KS 66071, 913.783.4507 Campsite features: Hillsdale State Park offers equestrian, biking and hiking trails. You’ll be only 20 minutes from Louisburg Cider Mill, so be sure to pick up a gallon of cider or a six-pack of Lost Trail root beer to enjoy as you sit around the campfire. Louisburg Cider Mill also hosts Ciderfest Sept. 27-28 and Oct. 4-5, featuring a corn maze and pumpkin patch, cider donuts, bluegrass and lots of local arts and crafts vendors.
Melanie Somogie lives in Kansas City and enjoys a camp- out with her family.