Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City in Missouri began in the early 1800s, following the arrival of French fur traders who constructed rough cabins along the Missouri River. The town of Kansas was established in 1838, after which a trail was formed to connect the river landing and Santa Fe Trail. A few residential and commercial buildings were constructed along the river as trading activities increased, but the Civil War significantly affected the city's development.

After the war, the first bridge across the Missouri River was constructed, along with several railway lines, leading to population growth. The increased population resulted in more development as community members built homes, businesses, learning institutions, and more. The last decades of the 19th century were more prosperous and gave birth to a building boom that contributed to the construction of many iconic buildings in Kansas City. Most of the buildings, including the New York Life Building and the Board of Trading, still stand today.

When you tour Kansas City with your travel trailer, drive to the Kansas City Zoo to see hundreds of wildlife species, including leopards, gazelles, elephants, and tigers. You'll want to visit the city's historic Union Station, which flaunts its original 1920s grandeur and has been modified into a unique dining and entertainment center. History buffs will love the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum covering over 75 years of African American baseball in America. Stop at the Boulevard Brewing Company with your Kansas City, Missouri RV rental to enjoy tasty drinks before visiting downtown Kansas City to explore its vibrant dining and shopping centers.

National Forests Near Kansas City, Missouri

Mark Twain National Forest is about four hours east of Kansas City and one hour 30 minutes south of Gateway Arch National Park. This forest covers over 3 million acres of noncontiguous land in southern Missouri. Fishing is common thanks to this forest's lakes and reservoirs, which are usually abundant with bass, stocked trout, and crappie. Hiking is another popular activity, with over 25 miles of trails traversing the forest.

Shawnee National Forest is 156 miles east of Mark Twain National Forest and 415 miles east of Kansas City. With multiple streams, 53 ponds, and 11 lakes, this forest provides excellent fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. If you love history, spend time at the intriguing Underground Railroad sites used to transport fleeing enslaved people to the North. You can also go to the Garden of the Gods wilderness area to peek at ancient sandstone cliffs and formations.

Ozark and St. Francis National Forests are tucked 272 miles south of Kansas City. The two forests, which cover 1.2 million acres in central and northwestern Arkansas, offer limitless recreation opportunities. Hiking and mountain biking are popular in the forested area. You can also enjoy scenic driving with your Class A motorhome on the Ozark National Forest Scenic Byway.

Events Near Kansas City, Missouri

• KC Riverfest – Drive your Class C motorhome to Kansas City to enjoy fireworks, live entertainment, food trucks, and more at this annual event every July.

• Fringe Festival – This 14-day event celebrates art and culture in the Kansas City metropolitan area every year in July.

• KC Summer Beer Fest – Every summer, hundreds of people attend this one-day festival featuring over 50 breweries, food trucks, and other fun activities.

RVshare Top Picks for Nearby Parks and Campgrounds

Multiple parks and campgrounds near Kansas City can cater to your Kansas City, Missouri RV rental camping needs. RVshare's top pick is World of Fun Village, conveniently located in the heart of Kansas City, with pull-through sites for larger fifth-wheel trailers measuring up to 100 feet. All sites in this area come with a charcoal grill, a picnic table, and a satellite television.

Another incredible campground is Campus RV Park sprawling about 17 acres in Independence. This pet-friendly park includes a recreation field, a shower, and a restroom.

Stadium Park and Campground, located one mile from Interstate 70, is near many attractions, including casinos and antique shops. Additionally, the campground provides showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station for guests.