Happy & Healthy

Be one of those happy, healthy campers.

June 2021

Be one of those happy, healthy campers.

Are you spending enough time outdoors? A growing body of research shows that it’s good for you. More time in nature can reduce stress and insomnia, boost energy, and revitalize health. Just ask any happy camper. 

Camping is a great way to get fresh air, be physically active, and unplug from your electronic devices and pressures of daily life. 

Within 30 miles (or less) of downtown Kansas City, you’ll discover plenty of places to pitch a tent and be one with nature. And here’s the beautiful thing – you can drive there in as little as half an hour. 

Close to home and far away from it all there’s … 

Blue Springs Lake 

Just 17 miles from the heart of downtown, you’ll find a camping area with 82 campsites, including 30 with full hookups. This camping area is but a stone’s throw from a reservoir known for boating, fishing, and hiking. 

Longview Lake 

Nineteen miles from downtown KC in Lee’s Summit, you’ll find Jackson County’s largest public campground with 113 campsites – 59 have electrical hookups. The reservoir land is home to a swim beach, golf course, and softball complex. There’s great fishing and hiking to boot. 

Lake Jacomo

Welcome to the grandaddy of the local reservoirs, located in Lee’s Summit and just 21 miles from downtown. Folks come for the fishing, sailing, hiking, and day-use areas. Take your pick of 57 campsites, including 19 with full hookups. 

Smithville Lake

Drive 30 miles north of the city, and you’ll find plenty of places to pitch your tent or park your RV. Between Crows Creek Campground and Camp Branch Campground, you’ll find 777 campsites in all. Cast for bass, crappie, white bass, walleye, and catfish. Or hit the beach, a marina, or some scenic hiking and horseback trails. 

Watkins Mill State Park 

Wildly enough, there’s real wilderness just 30 miles northeast of downtown. This state park has a 100-acre lake with a hiking trail that goes all the way around and sports amazing views. The campground is comfortably shaded and offers 96 campsites – 74 with electrical hookups. 

Source: Kansas City Star 

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