Kansas City, in westernmost Missouri near the Missouri-Kansas state line, is the state's second largest metropolitan area. The Kansas City area, including nearby Kansas communities such as Shawnee and other Missouri towns--Independence, Lee's Summit and Rushville, for example--offers visitors a diverse dining scene, easy access to historic, cultural and outdoor activities and attractions, and dozens of area campgrounds. And the city itself, situated on the Missouri River, is home to one of the nation's largest city parks.
Attractions
Tent campers will be happy to know that the Kansas City area is home to a diverse variety of state parks. Kansas City's Swope Park, which at 1,805 acres is one of the country's largest city parks, features hiking trails, road biking and mountain biking trails, and golf courses, a zoo, nature center. Macken Park offers hiking trails, tennis courts and a playground while Shawnee Mission Park features the 11-mile Mill Creek Steamway Trail, along with picnic areas. Kids will enjoy visiting Penguin Parks with its many slides and its lake, or participating in water sports at Fleming Park's Blue Springs Lake. Area state parks and protected areas include Harry S. Truman State Park, the Battle of Lexington Historic Site, and Lewis and Clark State Park.
Other Activities
Campers also can enjoy professional sports. Kansas City is home to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Wizards. Campers who want to dine out will find Kansas City restaurants that have grilled chicken, steamed vegetables and salads as well as traditional, beef-oriented menus. India Cafe, Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill, Bluebird Bistro, and Aladdin's Cafe all feature vegetarian or vegan dishes. Campers who prefer to dine in can buy locally grown produce and even organic products at area farmers markets. Campers who prefer to stay active indoors can head to a local gym or fitness center. Most offer daily, weekly, and monthly passes.
Public Campgrounds
Many Kansas City area parks have RV and tent camping availability. Public parks tend to offer fewer amenities and services than their private counterparts, but allow guests to be closer to nature and offer lower rates. Tent camping is allowed at parks such as Fleming Park, Blue Springs Lake, and Shawnee Mission Park. In general, public campgrounds offer the basics such as hiking/nature trails, shower/restroom facilities and limited full hookup tent and RV sites.
Private Campgrounds
Private campgrounds in the Kansas City area tend to cater to RV and trailer campers. But a number of area campgrounds do allow tent camping. You must call Miller's Kampark to make a tent camping reservation. Amenities here include complimentary Wi-Fi, full hookups, pool, laundry and shower/restroom facilities. Cottonwood Campground features shower/restroom facilities, seasonal outdoor pool, laundry, games, hiking trails and tent and RV sites with some full hookup sites available. The Kansas City KOA has tent and RV sites, as well as cabins, and has a seasonal outdoor pool, complimentary mini-golf and Wi-Fi, laundry and restroom/shower facilities.
Camping Considerations
On holiday weekends and during the summer, area campgrounds tend to fill up quickly, so make your reservation a couple of months ahead of time. If you are traveling with younger children, you may be more comfortable at a private campground, as these tend to have more child-friendly amenities and services. If you plan to go hiking in local parks, bring appropriate hiking gear, such as boots, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce the risk of lyme disease, poison ivy, poison oak and snake bites, and don't forget the bug repellent. Lastly, if you plan on visiting one of Kansas City's many lakes, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen.
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