State Parks Near Kansas City, Missouri
10 state park units lie within 50 miles of Kansas City, including 2 parks across the line in Kansas. The closest is Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, about 5 mi southwest of town. 3 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site5 mi southwest
- Within 25 miles
- 3of 10 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 62 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 4pets allowed
State parks near Kansas City, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Kansas City; driving distance is usually longer.
Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site
The park supports historic sites and ranger programs.
Hours, fees and rules for Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site →Watkins Mill State Park
Things to do include mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and swimming. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Watkins Mill State Park →Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site
Things to do include historic sites and ranger programs.
Hours, fees and rules for Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site →Weston Bend State Park
Popular activities here are mountain biking, biking, ranger programs, picnicking, and hiking. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with full hookups and tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Weston Bend State Park →Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
Things to do include historic sites, ranger programs, picnicking, and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Battle of Lexington State Historic Site →Hillsdale State Park
Popular activities here are golf, horseback riding, disc golf, archery, and canoeing and kayaking. Its trail network totals roughly 48 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for Hillsdale State Park →Lewis and Clark State Park
Things to do include mountain biking, biking, ranger programs, hiking, and picnicking. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Lewis and Clark State Park →Wallace State Park
Visitors come for boating, fishing, ranger programs, hiking, and picnicking. For overnight stays there are 2 camping areas (tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Wallace State Park →Confederate Memorial State Historic Site
Things to do include historic sites, fishing, and picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for Confederate Memorial State Historic Site →Clinton State Park
Visitors come for golf, disc golf, archery, biking, and wildlife watching. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and group camping. There are also cabins for rent.
Hours, fees and rules for Clinton State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Kansas City
- Watkins Mill State Park 25 mi northeast · Campground listed
- Weston Bend State Park 25 mi northwest · Campground listed
- Hillsdale State Park 37 mi southwest · Campground listed
- Lewis and Clark State Park 39 mi northwest · Campground listed
- Wallace State Park 41 mi northeast · Campground listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Kansas City
- Hillsdale State Park 37 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Clinton State Park 45 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Kansas City
- Watkins Mill State Park 25 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules
- Weston Bend State Park 25 mi northwest · Pets allowed under park rules
- Lewis and Clark State Park 39 mi northwest · Pets allowed under park rules
- Wallace State Park 41 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Kansas City
- Watkins Mill State Park 25 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Kansas City
- Watkins Mill State Park 25 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Weston Bend State Park 25 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Battle of Lexington State Historic Site 36 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Hillsdale State Park 37 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Lewis and Clark State Park 39 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Fishing near Kansas City
- Watkins Mill State Park 25 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Hillsdale State Park 37 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Wallace State Park 41 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Confederate Memorial State Historic Site 44 mi east · Fishing listed
- Clinton State Park 45 mi west · Fishing listed
Questions about state parks near Kansas City
What is the closest state park to Kansas City?
Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site is the closest, about 5 miles southwest of Kansas City in a straight line. Next are Watkins Mill State Park and Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site.
How many state parks are near Kansas City?
10 state park units are within 50 miles, and 3 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Kansas City have camping?
6 parks list camping, the nearest being Watkins Mill State Park, Weston Bend State Park and Hillsdale State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Kansas City?
Yes, at 4 parks, including Watkins Mill State Park, Weston Bend State Park and Lewis and Clark State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Kansas City?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Overland Park, KS18 mi southwest
- Near Lawrence, KS40 mi west
- Near Atchison, KS44 mi northwest
- Near St. Joseph, MO46 mi north
- Near Topeka, KS62 mi west
- Near Sedalia, MO76 mi east
- Near Maryville, MO86 mi north
Or see all Missouri state parks, Kansas state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.