The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Mineral spring waters once brought travelers to this small Missouri town, located 30 minutes northeast of Kansas City. Today, that history is celebrated at museums and historic sites, and visitors come to enjoy the hip vibe, wineries, and natural landscape, with hills that resemble the southern Missouri Ozarks. Private RV parks are found in Kansas City, Independence, Odessa, and other neighboring towns. For public camping, head out to the nearby waters of Lake Smithville, Lake Jacomo, or Blue Springs Lake.

95% (1.4K) • 181 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Excelsior Springs

Forest Retreat & Spa

1. Forest Retreat & Spa

77%

(13)

28mi from Excelsior Springs · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

*NEW UPDATE construction work is complete - easier access to camping/RV site #1 with level clearings at site #2 & #3. one acre fenced dog run for four legged campers - can access with a 4 wheel drive or dispersed camping to relax under the stars with your your furry friend.* 8 acres of Foraging orchard with a meandering creek - close to city attractions Learn more about this land: Forest Retreat Located 10 min from downtown and 7.5 miles from Legends ( home of Sporting KC! ), this historic farmstead boasts 8 acres of foraging orchards, a meandering creek and a bevy of sweet hens. (Free eggs :) Multiple campsites available : Forest Garden - ( 2 campsites ) Autumn Olive grove - ( 4 campsites ) Stoney Creek - ( 1 campsite ) Meadow Pass - ( 3 campsites ) One acre fenced dog run (drive in) RV site with water and electrical hook up (RV and campers 18' and under please)

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Showers

from

$75

/ night

Odessa Waterfront loft

2. Odessa Waterfront loft

88%

(4)

30mi from Excelsior Springs · 1 site

Unplug and unwind in this charming loft cabin nestled on the water’s edge. With large windows, a peaceful pond view, and a private dock, it's the perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature. Inside, enjoy a warm, wood-accented space with a comfy loft bed, cozy living area, and everything you need for a restful stay. Ideal for couples, families and solo travelers or anyone craving a quiet escape.also a short 40 min drive to the Kansas City chiefs and KC royals stadium

Toilets

Showers

Campfires

from

$130

/ night

Mineral spring waters once brought travelers to this small Missouri town, located 30 minutes northeast of Kansas City. Today, that history is celebrated at museums and historic sites, and visitors come to enjoy the hip vibe, wineries, and natural landscape, with hills that resemble the southern Missouri Ozarks. Private RV parks are found in Kansas City, Independence, Odessa, and other neighboring towns. For public camping, head out to the nearby waters of Lake Smithville, Lake Jacomo, or Blue Springs Lake.

95% (1.4K) • 181 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Excelsior Springs

Forest Retreat & Spa

1. Forest Retreat & Spa

77%

(13)

28mi from Excelsior Springs · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

*NEW UPDATE construction work is complete - easier access to camping/RV site #1 with level clearings at site #2 & #3. one acre fenced dog run for four legged campers - can access with a 4 wheel drive or dispersed camping to relax under the stars with your your furry friend.* 8 acres of Foraging orchard with a meandering creek - close to city attractions Learn more about this land: Forest Retreat Located 10 min from downtown and 7.5 miles from Legends ( home of Sporting KC! ), this historic farmstead boasts 8 acres of foraging orchards, a meandering creek and a bevy of sweet hens. (Free eggs :) Multiple campsites available : Forest Garden - ( 2 campsites ) Autumn Olive grove - ( 4 campsites ) Stoney Creek - ( 1 campsite ) Meadow Pass - ( 3 campsites ) One acre fenced dog run (drive in) RV site with water and electrical hook up (RV and campers 18' and under please)

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Showers

from

$75

/ night

Odessa Waterfront loft

2. Odessa Waterfront loft

88%

(4)

30mi from Excelsior Springs · 1 site

Unplug and unwind in this charming loft cabin nestled on the water’s edge. With large windows, a peaceful pond view, and a private dock, it's the perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature. Inside, enjoy a warm, wood-accented space with a comfy loft bed, cozy living area, and everything you need for a restful stay. Ideal for couples, families and solo travelers or anyone craving a quiet escape.also a short 40 min drive to the Kansas City chiefs and KC royals stadium

Toilets

Showers

Campfires

from

$130

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

S

Sarah

October 2025

With pets

4 nights at Odessa Waterfront loft

This was an amazing stay. Small and cozy. The cabin was clean and had pretty much everything we needed. Despite having people in the areas around us, it was so quiet and peaceful. The neighbor we did interact with was friendly and helpful. The host responded quickly and was very helpful in explaining the things we needed to know. The only issue we had was really out of the owners control and not his fault at all. Off leash dogs come right up on the deck. 🤦‍♀️ Overall a great stay, and I would definitely stay again.

P

Philip

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Forest Retreat & Spa

Nice, off the beaten path place. Would stay again!

Y

Yasmin

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Odessa Waterfront loft

Nice and quiet spot to relax and get away for a moment.

Dave

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Odessa Waterfront loft

Nice clean place Very comfortable Very quiet. I had a very nice time

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best dog-friendly camping near Excelsior Springs guide

Where to go

Watkins Mill State Park

History, recreation, and camping can all be found at Watkins Mill State Park. Step back in time to the 1870s by touring the historic farm home and mill. A 100-acre lake serves as a centerpoint for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and paddling. Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails can be found on the shores. An onsite campground has almost 100 tent and RV sites, with the majority having electric hookups.

Smithville Lake

Smithview Lake is a regional travel destination, with over 7,000 acres of sparkling waters. Stay entertained for days while boating, swimming, and fishing. Hiking trails meander along the shores, as do the greens of two public golf courses and a disc golf course. Clay County Parks, Recreation, Historic Sites operates two campgrounds with over 700 campsites, providing dry camping, electric, and water/electric hookups at Camp Branch and Crow’s Creek. Smithville Parks and Recreation has 80 full hookup sites and wide-open views.

Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake

Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake are approximately 40 miles to the south of Excelsior Springs. With 1700 acres of waters, these adjacent hotspots offer boating, fishing, paddling, and hiking opportunities, with Fleming Park being at the center of it all. Three campgrounds are found on the shores, operated by Jackson County Parks & Rec. Blue Springs Campground, Jacomo Campground, and Longview Campground offer tent and RV camping with primitive, electric-only, and full hookup sites available.

When to go

For sun seekers who will be enjoying the lake, summer is a prime time to visit Excelsior Springs. The cool waters provide relief from the heat and humidity. Fall is picturesque, as the surrounding hills and woods see the annual changing of the colors. Pleasant weather is easy to find. Spring is generally mild, with temperatures warming late in the season. Winter isn’t the best time for camping due to cold temperatures and occasional freezing precipitation. Cabins or glamping accommodation may be cozy options for keeping warm.