The Kansas City West / Lawrence KOA welcomes campers.
The new Kansas City West / Lawrence KOA combines quintessential Midwest charm with the convenience of big-city accessibility. Owned by Ralph and Kim Newell, the former Kansas City Jellystone RV Park & Resort turned KOA is managed by the couple’s son-in-law, Shawn Blackwell.
Before becoming the manager of the Kansas City West/Lawrence KOA, Shawn’s career was in the medical field. “I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I wanted more time with the kids,” he says. Although it keeps him busy throughout the season, he confirms it’s been a good fit for him and his family.
“We have an activity program, which has been a lot of fun,” he says. “On Friday and Saturdays from mid-afternoon to 10 p.m. there’s all kinds of stuff going on.”
The Kansas City West / Lawrence KOA features comfortable pull-through, back-in and pull-in RV Sites with up to 30-amp service and either full or partial hookups. Deluxe Cabins, Camping Cabins and Tent Sites are also popular accommodations.
“This campground has been here for 50 years, but most people are surprised to learn that we have 15 cabins back here,” says Shawn.
Guests enjoy the water balloon shooter, mining, pedal cart bikes, a gaga pit and outdoor movie theater, among other things. “We have a jumping pillow, basketball, volleyball shuffleboard and more,” Shawn says. “And we’ll be expanding within the next year or so.”
Other amenities include a swimming pool, two playgrounds, gem mining, wagon rides, and even a dog park for four-legged camping guests. Even the well-stocked store is a big draw.
“We have eight flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, a popsicle cooler—and you should see the store!” Shawn chuckles. “It’s a mix between a campground store and a toy store. We have all kinds of things to cater to kids.”
Located at 1473 Highway 40 in Lawrence, the Kansas City West / Lawrence KOA is one of 500 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the Kampgrounds of America system in the U.S. and Canada.
The campground is open May 12 through October 31. For more information, please visit www.koa.com or phone 785-842-3877.
