Kansas City Royals RV Camping Guide
Visit the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium and add to your Kansas City area RV trip with a baseball game in America's Heartland.
Event information
What Makes Kansas City Royals Games Special?
Kansas City Royals baseball at Kauffman Stadium represents authentic Midwestern sports culture, combining passionate fans, legendary BBQ traditions, and one of baseball's most beautiful ballparks. The stadium holds close to 38,000 fans and stands as a perfect example of modernist stadium design alongside Dodger Stadium, built in the late 1960s and extensively renovated between 2007-2009 to create a modern facility that honors baseball's heritage.
What sets Royals games apart is the fan experience—Kansas City faithful are baseball crazy, showing up with their distinctive royal blue pride and bringing that famous Kansas City BBQ love to every game day. The stadium sits right next to Arrowhead Stadium (home of the Kansas City Chiefs) within the Truman Sports Complex, giving visitors a true sense of professional sports culture in the heartland.
Kansas City's ideal location on I-70 between Denver and St. Louis makes Kauffman Stadium a natural stop for RVers hitting multiple baseball stadiums across the Midwest during a long weekend or extended road trip. The flat-as-a-pancake drive into Kansas City means easy navigation, and you might even catch the smell of BBQ in the air before you see the stadium.
To maximize your Royals experience, explore Kansas City, MO RV rentals for the largest selection and convenient access to both sides of the metro area, or discover Kansas City, KS RV rentals for options closer to I-70 and the western suburbs.
Tickets
How Much Do Royals Game Experiences Cost?
Planning your Royals game day involves several cost components that can fit virtually any budget, making baseball accessible for families and fans alike.
RV Parking: Oversized vehicle parking at Kauffman Stadium costs $41 when purchased in advance online or $50 when paying at the gate. General parking is $21 in advance ($30 at the gate), and Reserved parking is $31 in advance ($40 at the gate). Parking must be purchased in advance via the MLB Ballpark app—have the app downloaded before arriving at the stadium.
Game Tickets: Single-game tickets typically start as low as $15-$20 for upper-level seats, with slightly higher prices when more prominent teams visit Kansas City. Premium seating, suites, and boxes are available where the typical baseball experience is elevated with additional hospitality and amenities. The best place to purchase tickets is through the Kansas City Royals' official ticket office online.
Additional Costs:
- Food and beverages for tailgating (outside the stadium)
- Stadium concessions and merchandise inside
- Fuel and campground fees for your RV adventure
- Supplies for cooking at your campground
Money-Saving Tips:
- Purchase parking passes in advance through the MLB Ballpark app for significant savings
- Buy tickets early in the season for better pricing
- Bring your own food and drinks for tailgating in parking lots (nothing can be brought into the stadium)
- Stay at campgrounds with full amenities rather than paying for hotel rooms
Explore Kansas City Royals RV Camping Guide RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Kauffman Stadium sits within the Truman Sports Complex in eastern Kansas City, Missouri, easily accessible from all directions via major highways. The stadium is located at 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129.
From the East (via I-70):
Head into Kansas City on Interstate 70 and take Exit #9 - Blue Ridge Cutoff/Sports Complex. Follow signs to the stadium parking areas.
From the West (via I-70):
Head into Kansas City on Interstate 70 and take Exit 7A at U.S. 40 Highway, continuing east until intersecting with Stadium Drive or Blue Ridge Cutoff.
From the South (via I-435):
Head into Kansas City on Interstate 435 and take Exit #63C - Raytown Road/Stadium Drive, Sports Complex exit.
From the North (via I-435):
Head into Kansas City on Interstate 435 and take Exit 63A at U.S. 40 Highway, proceeding eastbound to either Stadium Drive or Blue Ridge Cutoff.
The drive into Kansas City is flat and straightforward, with clear signage directing you to the Sports Complex regardless of your starting point. Arrive early to secure the best tailgating spots and avoid traffic congestion, especially for weekend games.
Parking areas
Lot N serves as Kauffman Stadium's designated oversized vehicle parking area, accommodating RVs and large vehicles. This lot is most easily reached via Gate 5 or Gate 6 when approaching the Sports Complex.
Lot N Features:
- Oversized vehicle parking pass required: $41 advance / $50 at gate
- No electrical, water, or sewer hookups available
- No overnight parking permitted
- Tailgating is allowed in designated parking areas
- Parking lots close one hour after the game ends
- Vehicles may not be parked in grass areas
- Large tailgate groups will be directed to Lot N
Important RV Guidelines:
- All parking must be purchased in advance via the MLB Ballpark app
- Have your parking pass ready on your phone at tollgates
- Tollgates open several hours prior to the scheduled first pitch
- Day-of parking can be purchased at Gates 2-4, 5, or 6 with a credit card (cash no longer required as of 2025)
- RVs must park only in designated oversized vehicle areas
- No re-entry if you leave the parking area during the game
Public Transportation
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) provides public transportation options if you prefer leaving your RV at the campground and reducing your carbon footprint on game day. The KCATA offers a shuttle bus (the RideKC system) that starts in downtown Kansas City, passes through midtown and the Plaza, before heading to the stadium. This is an excellent option for exploring Kansas City's restaurants and attractions before first pitch.
From further distances, Greyhound bus service connects to local transit that can reach the Sports Complex area.
Where to stay
Onsite
Since overnight camping isn't available at Kauffman Stadium, the Kansas City area offers excellent RV campgrounds within 12-25 miles of the ballpark, providing comfortable bases with full amenities for your baseball weekend.
Nearby
Kansas City East / Oak Grove KOA(Oak Grove, MO) — Located approximately 20 miles east of Kauffman Stadium along I-70, this premier KOA offers 80 sites accommodating rigs up to 105 feet long. The campground features a saltwater swimming pool, jump pad, outdoor games including horseshoes, scheduled activities like ice cream socials and pancake breakfasts, and a dog park for your four-legged fans. Full hookups with 30/50 amp service, Wi-Fi, and modern amenities make this an ideal home base for exploring both the stadium and Kansas City attractions.
Worlds of Fun Village Campground(Kansas City, MO) — Situated just 12 miles north of Kauffman Stadium and steps from Worlds of Fun amusement park, this family-friendly campground features over 80 paved, full-hookup RV sites accommodating rigs up to 100 feet long with 20/30/50 amp service. Amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, game room, camp store, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and picnic tables with charcoal grills at each site. Perfect for families wanting to combine baseball with theme park fun.
Basswood Resort Campground(Platte City, MO) — This award-winning RV resort sits 20 miles north of Kansas City near I-29, offering 155 full-hookup sites with 30/50 amp service. Basswood combines city convenience with peaceful surroundings, featuring stocked fishing lakes (no license required), jumping pillow, pickleball courts, themed weekend activities, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, gated entry, and both short-term and extended-stay options. The resort also offers cabins and suites for non-RV guests in your group.
Jacomo Campground(Kansas City, MO) — Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Jacomo, about 20 miles from Kauffman Stadium, this suburban campground offers sites with electrical hookups and easy access to water activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking trails around the winding lake. Several parks surround the area, providing countless recreational opportunities.
Weston Bend State Park (Weston, MO) — Just north of Kansas City, this state park offers a campground with electric hookups, with water available during the warmer baseball season months. The park provides a more rustic camping experience with sweeping views of the Missouri River and secluded picnic sites, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat between games.
Book campground reservations well in advance, especially for weekend series during prime summer baseball season (June-August) when both locals and travelers fill Kansas City's RV parks.
Getting around
Kauffman Stadium is easy to navigate thanks to extensive renovations completed between 2007-2009 that prioritized fan comfort and convenience. The facility is accessible for guests with mobility challenges, though it's advisable to contact the stadium in advance about specific accessibility needs.
Allow time to walk around the parking lots before the game—Royals fans are known for their tailgating traditions, especially on weekends, creating a festive pre-game atmosphere worth experiencing.
What to pack
Clothing
Kansas City weather can be notably fickle—this is a region that can experience all four seasons in a single day, with sun, rain, wind, and temperature swings combining for unpredictable conditions. Checking your weather app before game day is essential, but pack layers and extra clothing options in your RV just in case the weather changes rapidly.
Summer Games (June-August): The weather will likely be hot, especially in the open-air seating at Kauffman Stadium. Shorts, t-shirts, and breathable fabrics work best. Make sure whatever you pack prominently displays Royals blue and the team logo to show your support.
Spring/Fall Games (April-May, September-October): Layers are crucial for the seasons at either end of the baseball schedule. Bring hoodies, jackets, and long pants for cooler evenings, even if the day starts warm. Kansas City springs and autumns can bring dramatic temperature drops after sunset.
What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential since you'll be on your feet navigating parking lots and stadium concourses. Don't forget Royals gear—jerseys, caps, and team colors create the authentic game day atmosphere.
Gear
Pack your team spirit alongside practical game day essentials. Bring Royals lawn chairs for tailgating in the parking lot, along with team flags and decorations to show which side you're rooting for. Coolers for beverages and portable grills (if tailgating) help create the full Kansas City baseball experience.
Required Items:
- Valid ID (required for beer purchases at the stadium)
- Game tickets (on your phone via MLB app)
- Parking pass (on MLB Ballpark app)
- Approved bag (16" x 16" x 8" maximum size for stadium entry)
- Sunscreen and sun protection
- Sunglasses and ball cap for sunny days
- Water bottles (one sealed bottle per person allowed)
- Cash and credit cards (vendors accept both)
Kauffman Stadium allows one sealed water bottle per person to be brought inside. All other food and beverages must be consumed during tailgating before entering the ballpark.
Health & Safety
Summer sunscreen is an absolute must in Kansas City—the sun is often intense with little relief during your walk to the stadium or in your assigned seats. A ball cap and sunglasses help avoid sun exposure during day games.
Remember to hydrate copiously both on game day and during any activities around the stadium area. Kansas City summers can be hot and humid, making dehydration a real concern during extended outdoor activities.
Stock your RV's first-aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic, bug bite care, and other essentials before your trip. This allows you to be self-sufficient for minor emergencies. If you're traveling with children, wet wipes and hand sanitizer prove invaluable throughout the day.
Where to eat
Cooking
One of the great joys of RV camping is cooking your favorite meals outdoors, and Kansas City provides the perfect setting for campfire cooking and grilling. Most area campgrounds allow campfires and grilling, though always check specific rules with your campground manager before lighting up.
Stock up on Kansas City beef for steaks and burgers at local grocery stores—the meat quality in this region is exceptional. Plan ahead and hit the stores before settling into your campground so you have everything ready for your pre-game feast.
After game day, sitting outside your camper listening to the sounds of the Midwestern plains while enjoying a cold beverage and grilled dinner is a quintessential Kansas City RV experience.
Restaurants
If you visit Kansas City and don't eat at some (or all) of the local BBQ favorites, you've missed out on some of the best barbecue in the entire country. This is slowly smoked meat at its very best, with some of the finest examples found in the back of gas stations, small eateries, and legendary BBQ joints throughout the metro area.
Kansas City is internationally renowned for its BBQ culture—burnt ends, ribs, brisket, and pulled pork prepared with signature Kansas City style sweet and tangy sauces. Don't be surprised if the smell of BBQ hits you before you even reach the stadium.
Beyond BBQ, Kansas City is an international city with food from every region on the menu, including excellent Mexican, Italian, Asian, and contemporary American cuisine throughout the metro area.
Vendors
Kauffman Stadium prides itself on creative ballpark food that goes beyond traditional hot dogs and nachos. Recent years have featured innovations like cheese-stuffed tempura-battered burgers and plastic baseball helmets filled with tater-tots covered in brisket and queso. Be ready to embrace the delicious madness.
The stadium offers plenty of food and beverage options, with all vendors accepting both cash and credit cards. Traditional fan favorites like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and peanuts are available alongside more adventurous culinary options. For guests over 21, beer and other alcoholic beverages are served throughout the ballpark (remember your ID).
Safety
Security
Security at Kansas City Royals games maintains a family-friendly atmosphere while ensuring everyone's safety. All guests undergo bag searches and security screening before entering Kauffman Stadium.
Security Measures:
- Bag searches and metal detector screening at all entrances
- Only bags fitting within 16" x 16" x 8" dimensions are permitted
- No large backpacks, bags, or coolers allowed inside
- Thorough inspection of all permitted items
- Stadium staff reports abusive language or public intoxication
- Security personnel patrol grounds throughout the event
Leave valuable items in your RV rather than bringing them to the stadium—crowds and tight spaces create opportunities for loss. Secure unnecessary belongings at your campground and only bring what you need in an approved bag.
Weather
Kansas City weather demands respect and preparation. Spring and summer months can bring extreme storms including large hailstones, lightning, and even tornadoes to the region. The stadium has policies in place for all extreme weather events, so monitor your weather app and understand procedures before you arrive.
Typical Weather by Season:
- April-May: Variable conditions, 55-75°F, layers essential
- June-August: Hot and humid, 80-95°F, sun protection critical
- September-October: Pleasant but cooling, 60-80°F, bring warm layers for evening
A little rain won't typically affect game proceedings, but severe weather may cause delays or cancellations. Check the Royals' social media accounts for real-time weather updates and policy changes.
Medical
The University of Kansas Health System provides medical and first-aid services at Kauffman Stadium. There is a main first-aid office on the plaza level of the stadium, with a satellite office behind home plate. Stadium staff can quickly direct you to these facilities if medical attention is needed.
For more significant medical needs, major hospitals are located within a three-mile drive of the Sports Complex. Several pharmacies operate near the stadium for prescription needs.
