Is there any good off-roading near Kansas City? Well, it depends on exactly what you mean by “near,” but there are absolutely a few solid candidates within a few hours’ drive. So, to encourage y’all to get out and explore, here’s a list of some of the all-time best off-road trails near Kansas City. Everyone already knows about places like Kansas Rocks Park and SMORR, so we’ll focus on a few lesser-known hidden gems.

“The Loop” Lake Ozark Off Road Park

With well over 500 acres of hilly, wooded Ozark Plateau to play around on, this off-road destination is ideal for families and partygoers visiting the lake. Even if you’re not vacationing, at only about two hours from Lee’s Summit, it’s a great spot for a day trip.

The park doesn’t allow dirt bikes, which may be a bummer for some, but the silver lining is that you don’t have to worry as much while you cruise around in your 4×4.

There’s no official website, but you can click here to visit the unofficial Facebook group. Pricing starts at just $20 bucks for the day, and kids 14 and under get in for free. There are also a few campsites available for Jeepers looking to hang out for multiple days. Don’t forget to bring cash!

Hogan’s Off Road Park

It may be a bit of a road trip (about 3 hours from Lee’s Summit) but trust us when we say it’s well worth it. This park is located just outside the small lakeside community of Disney, OK.

It’s located right next to a dam spillway and provides an opportunity to mix it up on some pretty unique terrain, including rocky cliffs and dry creek beds. There’s also a very nice campsite attached, with facilities to support RVs, as well as a comfort station with restrooms and showers, and even a small shop for repairs.

This spot is a favorite of Midwest Krawlers, a local KC off-roading group. Hogan’s is just one of the multiple local parks, including Rock Garden and Big Meat Run, so you’ll definitely want to take a couple of days to make sure you get to see everything you can.

Glade Top Trail

This 23-mile scenic byway is more of a cruise than a true off-roading experience, but if you ever find yourself in the Springfield area, it’s a perfect opportunity to take in the scenery and check out the gorgeous terrain that Southern Missouri has to offer. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the area has one of the widest ranges of glade diversity anywhere in the country, so it’s easy to see why this trail is such a popular local destination.

The trail itself is a two-lane gravel setup with multiple stop-offs and viewing areas, so this jaunt is great for younger drivers and beginners who are just starting to get comfortable with off-roading. There are also seemingly endless opportunities for camping of all styles along the way, so it’s easy to pack in at least a few days of fun.

Syracuse Sand Dunes Park

Okay, we admit it, we’re kinda stretching the meaning of the word “near” here. Since it’s located at the opposite end of Kansas, the Syracuse Sand Dunes are about a 7-hour drive from Lee’s Summit, but there’s a reason we’ve included it on our list.

With 1,300 acres of incredibly varied terrain to carve up, this spot is a verified Midwest Mecca for Jeep enthusiasts. It has a little of everything, from huge bowls to wooded trails, plus tons of on-site camping and other amenities. So, if you’re in Kansas City and you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind place to spend a few days pushing your Jeep to the limits, this is the spot.

Happy Exploring, KC!

Are you looking for new tires for your next Jeep trip, or shopping for MOPAR accessories? Check out our parts department at McCarthy Jeep Ram Chrysler Dodge of Lee’s Summit, and while you’re at it, be sure to ask about our special offers and incentives.