Hello, I am new to the forum, looking for some advice on finding dispersed camping the Kansas City area. I am from Denver, taking my son to a Royals game this summer and would like to disperse camp near the city. Does anyone know any spots to try in wooded areas near lakes or streams? We are looking for something less than an hour away from the city.

Thanks in advance for your help! -Mike

Dispersed camping, by definition, is camping outside designated camping areas in a National Forest. I supposed you could extend that definition to National Grasslands and BLM land. You will find NONE of those in the Kansas City area on either side of the state line. I would simply check out the various state parks and commercial campgrounds to find one that is in your budget. At least you are willing to go out a ways as there is little really inside the urban/main suburban KC area.

Good luck with your search! We have family on the southern edge of the KC area and it is always a challenge to find someplace convenient to park the rig.

Just as with boondocking, I don't think there is really a definition of dispersed camping although the Forest Service and BLM do define it in their regulations and have restrictions on where it can be done. Other land management agencies like the Arizona Land Bureau, some New Mexico State Parks and others across the country allow camping in areas other than developed or designated campgrounds. Kansas and Missouri both allow camping on some of their state fishing lakes and wildlife management areas. The Free Campsites Website lists three within 35 miles of Kansas City (2 in Kansas, 1 in Missouri). I have not stayed at any of them. We have stayed at some of the County parks with lakes near Lees Summit Southeast of the city. I suggest that you contact the area(s) that you might be interested in to find out all the regulations. There may be day use fees or you may need a fishing or hunting license to access the property.

Edited June 5, 2016 by trailertraveler

Consider the heat. You might want air conditioning. You've gotten some good suggestions to check out. Good luck!

  On 6/6/2016 at 2:50 AM, 2gypsies said:

Consider the heat. You might want air conditioning.

That actually is a very good point! People from Colorado (I am one) don't really have a good understanding of heat and humidity like you find there in the summer. I grew up in Kansas City and still try to avoid it in the summer.

check out freecampsites.net - They can be a lot of help finding places in each state. Also campendium.com - there is a tab for free camping, but explore the site. Has some city parks that are free in some states and there are even hookups at some.

We used to stay a the Leavenworth State Fishing Lake near Tonganoxie, KS when visiting KC.

Guess you could stay at one of the several Casinos in town. I've not found any of them to have electric service and I'm not sure what, if anything, they charge. There is no BLM land here in KC. All the Casinos have decent access to the Stadiums. I'm not sure if it's okay to leave your rig for the time it takes to go to a game or not.

I've checked out most all the RV Parks north of downtown and I think Smithville Lake is the best although they don't have sewer hookup but do have dump stations. Some also stay at World's of Fun. I've not checked out any of the RV places south of downtown, which would have better access to the ball stadiums. Check out Jackson County Parks.

Here is a list of a few of the RV parks around KC.

I'll have to add Leavenworth State Fishing Lake to the list Bob.

Edited June 7, 2016 by mds1

Here are some links to county run campgrounds on the Missouri side: Fleming Park, Blue Springs Lake, Lake Jacomo and Longview Lake.

Summer time boon docking in Kansas during the summer will not be fun.

Now I know what dispersed camping is and It is not for me.

In the summer I want AC.

Here is a link to casino camping in Kansas.

http://www.casinocamper.com/kansas