Sites for family camping are located all around the KC area. Kansas and Missouri state and county parks offer perfect sites for tent, cabin or even RV camping. Here are some of our favorite places to enjoy the outdoors, including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and so much more! These sites are not too far from home and offer an array of activities and amenities. Before you go, be sure to check out each site for information about restrooms, water, firewood, parking and other facilities.
WESTON BEND STATE PARK
16600 Hwy. 45 N., Weston
Weston is a hot spot for a day trip. Only 40 minutes north of Kansas City, Weston Bend Park offers basic and electric sites, along with water and showers. There are many attractions in Weston, like the orchard, shops and restaurants on Main Street and beautiful views of the Missouri River from the park. The scenic overlook is accessible to those with disabilities and connects to about 10 miles of trails, including 3 miles of paved trails for bikers and hikers.
Why we love it:
Weston Bend State Park has so much to offer, and being so close to Downtown Weston, it will give you all the small-town feels! Check out the Weston Chamber of Commerce for festivals and events throughout the fall and plan a camping trip around that!
SMITHVILLE LAKE
Smithville Lake in Clay County is home to two campsites: Camp Branch Campground (17201 Paradesian) and Crow’s Creek Campground (4601 Crow’s Creek Rd.). Smithville Lake is located just 20 miles from Downtown Kansas City and has several recreational activities to offer, like swim beaches, over 700 campsites, marinas, two public 18-hole golf courses, disc golf, equestrian trails and more! You’ll find tent and RV sites for your convenience.
Why we love it:
With so many fun outdoor activities, you could spend a few days camping or stay the whole week. This is the perfect spot for a staycation and a great place to explore the beautiful outdoors!
BASSWOOD RESORT
15880 Interurban Rd., Platte City
Basswood Resort offers the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate while exploring the outdoors. The campground has RV and tent camping sites along with cabin and RV rentals and suites. The property has a seasonal swimming pool, fishing spots, outdoor games, themed weekends and a play structure for younger guests. The resort also provides laundry facilities, Wi-Fi in designated areas and an on-site pizza parlor!
Why we love it:
Basswood Resort brings the comforts of home to a fun outdoor getaway. There are activities that are fun for the whole family, so there is no reason to leave the property. This is what we would consider “glamping,” and the kids will love it!
BIG LAKE STATE PARK
204 Lake Shore Dr,. Craig, Mo.
Big Lake State Park is the perfect spot for a weekend of camping around KC. The park is located near the Big Lake, the largest remaining oxbow lake in Missouri. The property has a campground, camper cabins, day-use areas and access to Big Lake. There are places for boating, fishing and two playgrounds for young campers to choose from. The campsites have basic and electric amenities along with showers and water.
Why we love it:
This park offers various camping opportunities: you can “rough it” if you want to, or there are cabins available to rent. This is a perfect spot for a weekend of outdoor fun with the family!
HILLSDALE STATE PARK
Hillsdale State Park, Paola, Kan.
Hillsdale State Park offers many outdoor recreation opportunities just south of the Kansas City metro area. With tent and RV camping spots and full water and electric hookups, this is perfect for a weekend of true camping! The State Park offers boat rentals, hunting areas, birdwatching spots, 51 miles of shoreline for fishing, and horseback riding with the Saddle Ridge Equestrian Area. Plus, there is an area south of the dam designated for radio-controlled model airplane flying. The park also has 5 miles of paved trails that are accessible for the whole family!
Why we love it:
Located just 13 miles north of Paola, this is a great spot to explore the outdoors, then explore Paola’s historic Downtown Square. There are many restaurants and shops and a Victorian Gazebo to see.
LONGVIEW LAKE
1499 SW County Park Rd., Lee’s Summit
Longview Lake offers tent and RV campsites with water and electric hookups, playgrounds, restrooms, showers and more! The marina has pontoon and fishing boat rentals for spending a day on the lake. There are paved trails around the lake for hiking and biking, along with spots for fishing. The lake is located in the metro area, so it’s not too far from home for most. There is a lot to do at the lake and it is close to restaurants and shops in greater Lee’s Summit. The close proximity to the metro makes this a perfect camping getaway!
Why we love it:
Longview Lake offers many outdoor activities, like fishing, boating and partaking in the trails around the lake. You can rent bikes from RideKC at Shelter 14 to ride around the park. There is also a designated swimming beach and golf course to maximize your time enjoying the outdoors!
Grace Park, senior in journalism at Kansas State University and summer intern at KC Parent, loves exploring KC and seeing new places!