Every now and then you stumble upon an RV park that just gets it right. It’s not flashy, it’s not trying to be a resort, but it delivers exactly what a road-weary traveler needs: convenience, cleanliness, and a sense of calm. That’s precisely the feeling I get from Campus RV Park in Independence, Missouri. When you’re navigating the outskirts of a major metro like Kansas City, finding a reliable place to empty your tanks that isn't a chaotic travel center can be a real challenge. Campus RV Park is the answer. It’s tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, yet it’s incredibly close to some fascinating American history.
The location is a huge part of its appeal. Independence is, of course, Harry S. Truman’s hometown, and the city wears that history with pride. You can literally walk from the RV park to explore the historic downtown and the Truman Heritage Trail. It’s the kind of place where you can park your rig for a couple of days and actually explore on foot, grabbing a coffee at a local cafe or browsing the shops. It feels like a real destination, not just a pit stop. And if you’re craving some big-city action, the stadiums, museums, and barbecue joints of Kansas City are just a short drive away. This park gives you the best of both worlds: a peaceful home base with easy access to everything the region has to offer. It’s the perfect setup for someone who wants to break up a long cross-country haul with a bit of culture and sightseeing.
As an RV park, the entire experience is tailored for us. This isn’t a place where you’re an afterthought. The layout is thoughtful, the sites are well-maintained, and the focus is on providing a comfortable stay. When it comes time to do the necessary chore of dumping the tanks, you’ll find the process here is refreshingly straightforward. If you’re staying overnight with a full-hookup site, you’ve got your own private sewer connection. No waiting, no fuss. But for those just passing through, they offer a dedicated dump station service, which is a fantastic option. The listed fee of $10 is more than fair for the convenience and cleanliness you get. I’ve certainly paid more for a lot less. Just be sure to call ahead to confirm access, especially if you’re arriving after office hours.
Let’s break down the amenities, because this is where Campus RV Park really shines for the practical RVer. Each site has potable water, so you can perform a proper black tank rinse and fill up your fresh tank before you hit the road again. This is a non-negotiable for me. They are also pet-friendly, so your four-legged co-pilot is welcome. But the real game-changers are the on-site laundry and showers. After a week on the road, being able to wash a few loads of clothes while enjoying a long, hot shower without draining your own resources is pure gold. The bathhouse is modern and clean, which makes all the difference. You’ll also get full hookups with both 30 and 50 amp electric service and even Wi-Fi, which is great for catching up on emails or planning the next leg of your journey.
Now, there are a few things to be aware of. Like many dedicated RV parks, they don’t sell fuel or propane, and there are no repair services on-site. You’ll need to handle those errands in town before you settle in. The other unusual quirk is the lack of a central trash station. This means you have to pack out your own trash. For a full-timer like me, that’s a bit of a nuisance, but it’s a small price to pay for such a quiet and well-located park. Just be prepared to carry your garbage with you until your next stop. It’s a minor inconvenience, but one you should definitely know about ahead of time.
When it comes to the bottom line, the value here is excellent. The nightly rates are very reasonable for a park this close to a major city, and the ten-dollar dump fee is a steal. Remember that they take credit cards, not cash, so have your plastic ready. The office is open from 9 am to 5 pm Central Time, so for anything you need, from checking in to paying for a dump, you’ll want to aim for those hours. My pro tip is to always call them at their listed number, 816-254-1815, before you head over. Confirm the dump fee, ask about gate access if you’re arriving late, and just get a feel for things. A quick chat can save you a lot of headaches. So, if your travels take you through the Kansas City area and you’re looking for more than just a place to dump, Campus RV Park is a fantastic choice. It’s a comfortable, historic, and practical stop that will leave you and your rig feeling refreshed and ready for whatever comes next.
500 W Pacific Ave, Independence, MO 64050
(816) 254-1815
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV park
Has Water
campusrvpark.com