Beach camping near Lake Lotawana with hiking
Missouri’s largest private lake offers a waterside retreat near Kansas City.
- Lake Lotawana
Popular camping styles for Lake Lotawana
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Beach camping near Lake Lotawana with hiking guide
Overview
With a name that translates to “sparkling waters,” the town of Lake Lotawana is named for Missouri’s largest private lake. It is far enough from Kansas City to feel like a relaxed retreat, while still offering easy access to the city for sightseeing and more. To access the 400-acres of water, you’ll need an invitation from a resident, though a number of upscale restaurants offer waterfront views. To the north and west, Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit are extensions of the KC suburbs, offering some private RV parks with amenities like full hookups and free wifi.
Where to go
Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake
Though Lake Lotawana is a private lake, there are plentiful public options nearby, offering wider accessibility. Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake have 1700 acres of waters, with Fleming Park being a great jumping-off point for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and paddling. Three public campgrounds are operated by Jackson County Parks & Rec, including Longview Campground, Blue Springs Campground, and Jacomo Campground. Each offers basic and electric tent camping and RV sites, and some full hookup campsites are available.
Kansas City
Downtown Kansas City is just over 30 minutes west of Lake Lotawana. Head into town for big-city attractions, culture, history, nightlife, and more. Private RV parks are found across the metro region and through the suburbs, offering free wifi and full hookups. Venture outside of the city proper to find public campgrounds and outdoor recreation at Watkins Mill State Park and Weston Bend State Park, which have basic and electric tent and RV campsites.
Knob Noster State Park
The closest state park to Lake Lotawana is Knob Noster State Park, which showcases two lakes and a variety of recreational opportunities, including paddling, fishing, biking, and hiking. The onsite campground has RV and tent sites, both with and without electric hookups. The McAdoo Trail offers backpackers trailside primitive camping, as well.
When to go
If the lakes are your destination, summer is a best bet, though temperatures can rise into the 90s and above. Humidity is to be expected, but the cool waters provide a refreshing contrast. Spring is generally pleasant, though lake waters remain chilly late into the season. While fall isn’t best for swimming, it is a scenic time for a drive or hike, with good weather and colorful landscapes.
