Best Camping in and Near Watkins Mill State Park

100% (8 reviews)

Explore history and scenery just minutes from the heart of Kansas City.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Watkins Mill State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Watkins Mill State Park

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Watkins Mill Campground

96 sites · RVs, Tents In Watkins Mill State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Watkins Mill State Park

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Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

30 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Wellington, MO

Harmony Lake welcomes you to our Farm. We are proud to be a registered member of Missouri Agritourism. Agritourism connects our guests with the great outdoors via Farm Stay. We hope you enjoy your stay at Harmony Lake Farm. We are walking distance to Harmony Lake: a private 12-acre lake for fishing, swimming and paddle boats. Our lake is home to record large-mouth bass and Missouri's longest free-floating walkway leading to a private island. We are located just 15-minutes from the highway and one hour to sites and attractions of Kansas City. We are 15-minutes to Lexington historic district or Odessa. We have a variety of tent and RV sites for your party to choose from so just reach out if you would like clarification on anything. Campfires and pets are allowed and all sites have access to bathrooms, a shower, bins, and an outdoor grill house.

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Milo Farm Sacred Land

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Buckner, MO

Milo Farm was established organically just a few years ago. The energy here so amazing we wanted to share! There's a story behind the sacredness of this land, Loni can share that with you if you ask! The lodge was built then the camping sites, then the Hippie Trailer, which is located near the west woods near the Fairy Forest. Then the Bunkhouse was established, it's just past the barn on the north end of the property. The lodge, where the Airbnb and pool are is centrally located on the land. We rent out the lower level guest quarters for non-campers. It has two saunas. There are 2 stocked ponds, miles of trails, pool, Zen garden, farm animals and more. Feel the energy of the sacred land. Find the vortexes here! Bless Mother Earth and spend some time in nature at this magical place Great for the spiritually minded with several meditation spots and portals. Ask about availability of the art golf cart rental if interested. Loni can take you on a guided history, nature and meditation hike if you sign up for that. There are events happening some weekends you can participate in. Loni is a spiritual intuitive and can do a reading using the Milo Farm Oracle cards she created! Ask for availability of these things. Milo has a lot to offer! Located in Eastern Jackson County MO, just 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City & 20 min from the sports stadiums.

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Hummingbird Lane

1 site · RV7 acres · Lathrop, MO

Perfectly located on 7 acres in a peaceful and quiet area just outside of a small town, you can enjoy watching the many hummingbirds that come to visit April thru September, try your luck at fishing in our small pond (catch & release only), take a nap in the hammock or just relax and watch the clouds float by!

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Big River Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents1600 acres · Lexington, MO

At Big River Ranch, you'll always find something to do. From fishing to enjoying the 20 miles of riding trails the Ranch has to offer you'll never get tired of it. - Enjoy views of the Missouri River from the 100 foot elevation of the bluffs. - Over 20 miles of horse riding and UTV trails. - Diverse habitat of deciduous forests, cedars, and pines, wildflowers, ponds, streams, and rolling hills.

Booked 5 times

Owl Creek Cabins

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Independence, MO

Owl Creek is a beautiful secluded wooded valley with a spring fed stream running down the center. We have 2 swimming holes, a beautiful waterfall, and a swimming pond with a sand beach. We have a miles worth of walking trails and beautiful bluffs to explore. We have 2 beautiful resident goats ready to greet you.

Booked 2 times

Peaceful Camper At The Lake

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Excelsior Springs, MO

Experience the Midwest charm at its finest in this unforgettable gem. Situated amidst the breathtaking scenery of two picturesque lakes visible from the front yard, this is a place you'll remember for years to come. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor activities, this camper has you covered with cooking, dining, and sitting areas both inside and out. Stocked with everything you need, it's the perfect setting for creating lasting memories with family and friends. Step outside into the spacious yard and take in the beauty of the surrounding lakes, which are perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating. With all the details available upon request from the host, your Midwest getaway promises to be an experience you won't soon forget.

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Seven Oaks

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents92 acres · Edgerton, MO

Seven Oaks is our home. There are 40 acres of hardwood timber on the Platte river and 10 acres of grass and wildflowers; Miles of rustic trails for hiking or biking, some appropriate for hayrides; picnic table and a 300 sq. ft. treehouse with hammocks for relaxation; Play a game of Cornhole; Fish in our pond or the Platte river. Kayak available but must use life vests. We are 15 minutes from Smithville lake boat ramp. We are limiting the 40 acres of timber to five groups of campers to provide privacy and seclusion for all. Topside RV/Camper Site includes the newly refurbished 28 ft. camper that sleeps 4 comfortably. The Hickory Forest RV/tent site has water and RV power hookups available. The lower level has three other tent camp sites available. WARNINGS! Hazards on our property include, but are not limited to: Biting insects, wild animals, dead fall trees (especially on the river bottom), slick and muddy approach to the river. In general, keep in mind you are camping in a timber and nature happens!

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Perdue Homestead Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Edgerton, MO

Nestled in historic Platte County, Missouri, our property provides an rural agritourism experience off-grid out in the natural environment. We are 20 minutes from historic Weston, MO, 30 minutes from historic St. Joseph, and 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City.

The Old Orchard

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Rayville, MO

This 4 acre site features an established Orchard with mowed grass parking and fire pit on each of the 4 secluded camping spaces. the acreage is surrounded by horse ranch and a Bison Farm along with 100s of flowing hay fields. Best of all only Minutes from Rays Off Road Park. Come enjoy fast action all day and the tranquil nights.

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Old Goat Farm

1 site · Tent5 acres · Bates City, MO

Learn more about this land:Pitch a tent in our pasture with our cute friendly goats and enjoy a panoramic view of the countryside. Or, if you prefer, RV camping is available close to the main road. there is one 30 amp hook up available with water no sewer. We are a small goat dairy with chickens and ducks and lots of wildlife with a peaceful countryside to enjoy. Campers are welcome to join in with farm chores and activities or just sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet.

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Wathena Riverfront Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Wathena, KS

Wathena Riverfront Campground is a new mom and pop private camping club which is made up of 10 waterfront acres along the main channel/current of the majestic Missouri River. It is about 2.5 miles SW of Wathena, KS and is bordered by Walnut creek to the south and a small creek just north of the boat ramp. We do not have staff on site on a scheduled basis. Campground and riverfont access is for registered guest only, there are no public facilities. Larger RV sites with electric only (30 amp camper plugs). The nearest RV dump station is at Love's Truck stop in St. Joseph 14 miles to the East. Each site has its own fire ring. You may bring your own wood or buy some at Casey's in Wathena. We often have some self service wood on premises as well (pay through Venmo). There is a hydrant near the elevated deck which is supplied with city water in case you need to fill jugs. Feel free to fish and enjoy shore fires along the banks of the Missouri River, but do so at your own risk and supervise minors at all times. Remember to bring your own fishing gear for an immersive experience by the water. Experience the tranquility of the riverfront and make the most of your stay. To help you choose which site is best for you: RV sites 2-6 are our largest RV sites. Tent camping site 12 is our largest overall site and is the only tent camping that you can drive right up to your tent. Sites 9 and 10 are the only 2 that you can park at, walk to nearby river and pitch a tent riverfront. Site 11 is the closest site (along with 7-10) to our tiny home/AirBnB. Site 11 is our only 50 amp service, sites 1-8 are 30 amp camper plugs, sites 9 and 10 share a standard outlet plug. Sites 1-6 and 12 are surrounded by grass, sites 8-11 are surrounded by sand. There is a fairly steep boat ramp past site 10. There are public boat ramps that are maintained in nearby Elwood, St. Joseph (near the Casino) and Atchison. This ramp can only be used by registered campground guest only and users assume all risk to themselves and property. The campground is at the original steamboat landing and downtown of the now ghost town of Palermo, KS. Nearby town of Wathena (2.5 miles) is the site of the beginning of the California Trail where settlers were let off at the river NE of town (area and trail is marked) and headed west. The Pony Express started at nearby St. Joseph, MO (9 miles) and passed through the area. It has a museum. Wathena has Star 36 Diner (breakfast, lunch and supper), the legendary Dairy Barn (ice cream and food options), Doniphan Nutrition (drinks), VFW bar, quilting store.

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Powell’s Creekside Haven Campground

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Kingsville, MO

Powell’s Creekside Haven Campground and RV Park We are the nearest accommodations to beautiful Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s Botanical Gardens! Come experience the peaceful serenity of Powell’s Creekside Haven! Powell’s Creekside Haven is both a convenient, safe place for RVers on the road and a great destination for families looking for a clean, affordable camping experience. We focus on providing a reasonably priced, friendly and relaxing destination. We are family and pet friendly,* with a playground, walking trail and a creek to explore. WE ARE OPEN during development. Easy access and fast driving distance to many popular local and Kansas City attractions. Within a half hour from many communities, including Kingsville, Holden, Odessa, Warrensburg, Lee’s Summit, Bates City, Oak Grove, Peculiar, Pleasant Hill, Pittsville, Blue Springs. *Some of the cabins are pet friendly.

The best camping near Watkins Mill State Park guide

Overview

About

Watkins Mills State Park is one of those parks that is truly an unexpected gem. VIsitors rave about the 4-mile lake trail that circles the 100-acre lake at the park’s center. Williams Creek Lake provides scenery and recreation, offering fishing, boating, and swimming. Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site is connected to the park, and it tells the story of 19th-century life in Missouri, with a well-preserved home, mill, and other historic sites. If the bustle of the big city becksons, venture into Kansas City to find museums, nightlife, foodie-approved restaurants, and more.

Notable Camping Spots

Best for group camping: Watkins Mill Campground’s family sites have paired camping pads with communal spaces.
Best for big rigs: Watkins Mill Campground has a handful of sites with 50-amp hookups.
Best for a classic campout: Watkins Mill Campground’s basic campsites are perfect for tent camping.

Tips for snagging a campsite

A handful of sites are open year round. The majority are open April 15 through October 31.
Reservations are accepted for dates between April 15 through October 31.
Showers and water are available April 15 through October 31. Potable water is available at a single spigot in the off season.
Weekend reservations require a two-night stay (Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday).
Reservations open 12 months in advance. This park may require advanced reservations, especially for holidays and summer weekends.
This park offers basic and electric sites. Water and sewer are not available at individual sites.

When to go

Summer is the busiest, with warm weather and visitors enjoying the outdoor activities. Spring is pleasant, with trees budding in May. Fall generally has good weather, and the park’s woodlands are particularly beautiful, with colors peaking in October. While a handful of sites are available in the winter, visitors will find limited services and may encounter freezing temperatures.

Know before you go

This park has a camping gate that locks each evening at 9pm during the regular season and 8pm during the off season. Campers must arrive before the gate locks.
Bring your bike—or your horse. The park has trails with access for bicycling and horseback riding.
In the summer, grab a swimming suit and take advantage of the swim beach.
A boat dock and boat launch are available on Williams Creek Lake.
Visitors may register for the opportunity to go metal detecting in specified areas of the park, a unique activity only offered at a handful of state parks in Missouri.