Discover the best ranch and dog-friendly campgrounds near Lake Lotawana, Missouri

United States
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Missouri
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Lake Lotawana

98% (357 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake Lotawana

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

97%

(34)

RC Estate

9 sites · Tents100 acres · KS

We invite you to see what this land has to offer when we care in sustainable ways. A variety of flora and fauna are found here, from prairie plains to wooded creeks with clear water and flagstone foundation. Beautiful trails to hike, bike, ride or drive (horse carriage) are well marked with safety and good humor in mind. While we have paths mowed, they are not mowed weekly like lawns, so expect a bit of nature length on occasion. Bring your choice of bug deterrent for a comfortable stay. Be one with nature, and also a part of what is to come. From berries in the summer to eggs year round, we hope to offer a fully sustainable experience Opportunities to take part in this labor of love are bountiful! More info on request.

Fangthorn Forest

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Garden City, MO

In the 1840's there was a trading post on the property known as Lick Skillet because the owner would set the pans out at night for the dogs to lick. Today, we call it Fanthorn Forest and it's our dream, our haven and our home. We love sharing our farm with others and allowing them the same experience of peace and tranquility we get from the land.Learn more about this land:Located only 50 miles SE of Kansas City, MO! We have woods and pasture with Settle's Ford Wildlife area (fishing and hiking available) 1/4 mile away. Camping is primitive with only an outhouse and no shower facilities. There are MANY thorn trees, so hikers must have proper footwear. Fire ring, wood and a grate for cooking are provided. Livestock encounters are also available with owners in attendance. All proceeds are put back in the farm to care for the animals and the land. RV's are allowed, but we do not have any hook ups available and they are not allowed in the woods. Parking area is at the end of the driveway for both cars and RV's. We love kids and will provide lawn darts or any other games we have available if requested. Please visit our website at fangthornforest.com for more information.

100%

(2)

SundanceKC Ranch

6 sites · Lodging200 acres · Excelsior Springs, MO

Come enjoy our beautiful 200-acre national park-esque ranch fringed in gorgeous limestone boulders surrounding a spring-fed 15-acre private lake. Make lasting memories with your family and friends swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding and, of course, excellent fishing! From glowing tree houses floating above ephemeral streams to Bedouin-style canvas tents perched above rugged stone valleys, this is the way to experience nature at it's finest. With a choice of unique and magical rustic "camp" sites or beautiful, modern accommodations, our serene landscape offers outdoor activities for every skill level and all the amenities one could desire. Located just minutes from Kansas City we are an excellent location for your next stay-cation! Inspired to merge with the unparalleled beauty of our rugged, serene landscape, our unique accommodations reflect a simple, yet sophisticated ambiance. Surround yourself with the comfort of plush bedding and relaxed furnishings, all enhanced by a warm palette of sunny colors that welcome the dawn of the new day. Charm meets modern convenience with complimentary Wi-Fi and a flat-screen television lakeside in the common area.

Milo Farm Sacred Land

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

Milo Farm was established organically a few years ago. The energy at Milo 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! There are 5 different ecosystems at Milo, all which hold their own magic!🪄 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.

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.

5 top ranch and dog-friendly campgrounds near Lake Lotawana

98%

(334)

Milo Farm Sacred Land

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

Milo Farm was established organically a few years ago. The energy at Milo 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! There are 5 different ecosystems at Milo, all which hold their own magic!🪄 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.

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.

Fangthorn Forest

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Garden City, MO

In the 1840's there was a trading post on the property known as Lick Skillet because the owner would set the pans out at night for the dogs to lick. Today, we call it Fanthorn Forest and it's our dream, our haven and our home. We love sharing our farm with others and allowing them the same experience of peace and tranquility we get from the land.Learn more about this land:Located only 50 miles SE of Kansas City, MO! We have woods and pasture with Settle's Ford Wildlife area (fishing and hiking available) 1/4 mile away. Camping is primitive with only an outhouse and no shower facilities. There are MANY thorn trees, so hikers must have proper footwear. Fire ring, wood and a grate for cooking are provided. Livestock encounters are also available with owners in attendance. All proceeds are put back in the farm to care for the animals and the land. RV's are allowed, but we do not have any hook ups available and they are not allowed in the woods. Parking area is at the end of the driveway for both cars and RV's. We love kids and will provide lawn darts or any other games we have available if requested. Please visit our website at fangthornforest.com for more information.

SundanceKC Ranch

6 sites · Lodging200 acres · Excelsior Springs, MO

Come enjoy our beautiful 200-acre national park-esque ranch fringed in gorgeous limestone boulders surrounding a spring-fed 15-acre private lake. Make lasting memories with your family and friends swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding and, of course, excellent fishing! From glowing tree houses floating above ephemeral streams to Bedouin-style canvas tents perched above rugged stone valleys, this is the way to experience nature at it's finest. With a choice of unique and magical rustic "camp" sites or beautiful, modern accommodations, our serene landscape offers outdoor activities for every skill level and all the amenities one could desire. Located just minutes from Kansas City we are an excellent location for your next stay-cation! Inspired to merge with the unparalleled beauty of our rugged, serene landscape, our unique accommodations reflect a simple, yet sophisticated ambiance. Surround yourself with the comfort of plush bedding and relaxed furnishings, all enhanced by a warm palette of sunny colors that welcome the dawn of the new day. Charm meets modern convenience with complimentary Wi-Fi and a flat-screen television lakeside in the common area.

RC Estate

9 sites · Tents100 acres · KS

We invite you to see what this land has to offer when we care in sustainable ways. A variety of flora and fauna are found here, from prairie plains to wooded creeks with clear water and flagstone foundation. Beautiful trails to hike, bike, ride or drive (horse carriage) are well marked with safety and good humor in mind. While we have paths mowed, they are not mowed weekly like lawns, so expect a bit of nature length on occasion. Bring your choice of bug deterrent for a comfortable stay. Be one with nature, and also a part of what is to come. From berries in the summer to eggs year round, we hope to offer a fully sustainable experience Opportunities to take part in this labor of love are bountiful! More info on request.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Ranch and dog-friendly camping near Lake Lotawana 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.