Fall is a great time to camp in the Midwest once the weather has cooled down and the mosquitos are gone. There are many beautiful options for family friendly campsites within a few hours of the Kansas City metro. Read on for 10 places to camp near Kansas City this fall.
Places to Camp in Missouri
Wallace State Park in Cameron Mo.
Less than an hour from Kansas City, Wallace State Park offers four scenic trails for hiking, a lake for fishing and shaded picnic sites. Playground equipment is offered near campsites 2 and 4.
Restrooms: Modern toilets with hot showers
Campsites: Basic, electric, family campsites and walk-in
A 100-acre lake with a paved bicycle path around it, plentiful fishing, a picturesque campground and a choice of picnic spots make Watkins Mill State Park an ideal place for a camping adventure close to home. The park is adjacent to Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark.
Restrooms: Modern with shower house.
Campsites: Basic, electric, family campsites
Pomme de Terre State Park
Pomme de Terre State Park offers campgrounds in both the Pittsburg and Hermitage areas of the park. Both offer a variety of amenities and family campsites for those who need a little extra space.
The Pittsburg area features a full-service marina, beach, shelter house and trails. The Hermitage area amenities include a large beach, a picnic area and trails. Park stores, which sell camping supplies, are located in both areas of the park.
Restrooms: Modern with showerhouse
Campsites: Basic, electric, full hook-up, family
Weston Bend State Parkin Weston, Mo.
Weston Bend State Park is close enough to the delightful town of Weston, which offers wineries, good restaurants, shopping and fun for all ages. You can ride bikes from the campsites to town.
Restrooms: Modern, showerhouse
Campsites: Basic, electric, family
Cooper’s Landing, Columbia, Mo.
Cooper’s Landing is a year-round, full-service marina, campground, store, and live music venue on the banks of the Missouri River right off the Katy Trail, about two hours from Kansas City. You’ll find food trucks, live music on the weekend.
Restrooms: Showers
Campsites: RV, tent, rental tent
Postcard Cabins in Osceola, Mo.
For those who want a taste of camping without roughing it, the Postcard Cabins offer a natural setting with air conditioning. Cabins have queen bunk beds (maximum of four people) or one queen bed along with a well-stocked kitchenette. Rollaway beds and cribs are not allowed.
You will be close to neighbors so you have to keep noise to a minimum. There is no front desk but the cabins are party of the Marriott family so you can even earn some reward points!
Places to Camp in Nebraska
Indian Cave State Park, Southeast Nebraska
Named for the large sandstone cave within the park, Indian Cave State Park encompasses 3,052 rugged acres bordering the mighty Missouri River. The park is well-known for its beautiful camping and picnicking spots, as well as for its 22 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. The park boasts sweeping views of the wide, winding Missouri River and a majestic hardwood forest that puts on a spectacular show of colors each autumn.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Ashland NE
Located between some of our favorite cities to road trip form Kansas City — Lincoln and Omaha, this state park is perfect for both camping and exploring fun attractions. You’ll find an aquatic center and indoor playground, hiking and biking trails, a treetop ropes course, climb the observation tower and, indoor rock climbing, sledding and ice skating.
For those who prefer more modern accommodations, Peter Kiewit Lodge offers 40 guest rooms, most with balconies that offer a stunning view of the Platte River valley. The park also offers an arts and crafts center, an array of cabins, as well as camping opportunities.
Places to Camp in Kansas
Clinton State Park in Lawrence, Kan.
With a marina offering boat, paddle board, and kayak rentals, multiple hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, cabins, numerous playgrounds, and more, there is something for every family at Clinton State Park!
Campsites: Primitive, full hookup, cabins, cottages coming soon!
Hillsdale Lake – Scott Creek Campground in Miami County, Kan.
When the need to reconnect with nature hits, there is no better place than Miami County. Scott Creek Campground offers self-pay campsites for the last minute camping trip. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent and usage on Hillsdale Lake.
Restrooms: Valut toilet, no showers
Campsites: full hookup
