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The best camping near Watkins Mill State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Watkins Mill adventure.

100% (8 reviews)
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

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Watkins Mill State Park

98%
(247)

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.
from 
$30
 / night
93%
(123)

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.   
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$24
 / night
100%
(3)

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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$35
 / night
99%
(791)

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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$25
 / night
97%
(15)

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.
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$20
 / night

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.
from 
$65
 / night
Booked 4 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.
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$65
 / night
100%
(13)

Seven Oaks

9 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. three other tent camp sites are also available. If you have a large group and desire to have the whole SHABANG, we will close all sites and the entire area will be yours! 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!
from 
$35
 / night
Booked 1 time

Inner City Oasis

1 site ¡ Tent1 acre ¡ Independence, MO
1.4 acres, heavily treed, located minutes from downtown highway access, and the Royals/Chiefs stadium. This property was neglected and abandoned for 20 years. It is clear it was loved at one point, but the owners were too old to maintain it. We are still uncovering mysteries, finding statues, benches, and unexpected niches. Feel free to explore the abandoned path (if you can find it), the slanted orchard, and an open area we call "The Secret Garden." You can even enjoy a short scavenger hunt to help you engage with the various objects we have found along the way!
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$28
 / night
100%
(2)

Sankara Farm

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents27 acres ¡ Kansas City, MO
Sankara Farm is a 27-acre, Black owned and operated organic farm positioned in the natural beauty of the Little Blue River Valley. The unceded ancestral land of the Osage, Otoe-Missouria, Kaw and Kansa. We see food sovereignty as an integral decolonial practice, our Agricultural and our Cultural work are grown with revolutionary potential. The farm host a wide range of Afroecological programming and operates as the organizational hub of several local projects directly engaged with Black food sovereignty and Agroecology. Our membership with the National Black Food and Justice Alliance created the possibility to align our local organizing with regional and national efforts and movements. Description of Land Site + Housing Options Sankara Farm is on a 27 acre Black Family owned farm in Kansas City, MO. Participants will have the option of a limited number of private or collective accommodation. The NorthStar farmhouse will offer 3 individual bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, collective accommodations space, kitchen, and laundry. We also encourage participants who are comfortable camping to take advantage of the land. We also have a RV available for housing. **Sankara Farm is asks that you please refrain from bringing alcoholic beverages to the land.**
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$50
 / night

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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$25
 / night
100%
(33)

Treloar Ranch

9 sites ¡ RVs, Tents28 acres ¡ Bates City, MO
We can’t wait to welcome you to Treloar Ranch. We have 28 beautiful acres for you to enjoy. RV electric and water hookups are available towards the back of our property. Enjoy the evening sitting under a tree lit with lanterns and a fire pit. You will have a view of our horses and donkey in the pasture with a sunset backdrop. Come enjoy the peaceful country not far from the major highways!
from 
$30
 / night

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

  1. A handful of sites are open year round. The majority are open April 15 through October 31.
  2. Reservations are accepted for dates between April 15 through October 31.
  3. Showers and water are available April 15 through October 31. Potable water is available at a single spigot in the off season.
  4. Weekend reservations require a two-night stay (Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday).
  5. Reservations open 12 months in advance. This park may require advanced reservations, especially for holidays and summer weekends.
  6. 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.

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