Quiet weeknight sites and raccoons with zero boundaries: both come with the territory at Jester Park Campground, a county-managed facility on the north end of Saylorville Reservoir outside Granger. The campground is divided into numbered loops, and the experience varies considerably depending on where you land. Sites in the 400s along the water's edge sit above a drop into the Saylorville water circuit, with open sightlines and good stargazing. Loop 1, which has electric and water hookups, runs mostly gravel pads with picnic tables and fire pits, set in a wooded area where trees provide backdrop but limited screening between sites.
Jessica describes the staff as "friendly" and the campground as "very quiet," which aligns with what multiple reviewers report on weeknights and shoulder-season visits. Weekends fill up, particularly in summer, and the road through the park draws motorcycle and muscle car traffic that carries sound across the sites. The bathhouse in the 300s loop has showers and consistently earns praise for cleanliness. Skip the vault toilets in the 400s, which reviewers describe as a significant step down in quality.
Beyond the sites, Jester Park gives campers a lot to work with. There's a nature center, a bison and elk sanctuary, a kids' playground and natural playscape, hiking trails, mini golf, and a full golf course. Fishing access and lake access to Saylorville round out the options. Most trails are short, under half a mile, with one longer route available. Acorn Valley and Sandpiper Recreation Area are both within a few miles along the reservoir for campers exploring campgrounds around Jester Park.
Reservations are available and recommended for weekends. A dump station sits at the campground entrance. Seniors receive a $5 discount per night. Secure your food storage before arrival, particularly if you're in a camper with any gaps, since the local raccoon population is persistent and fearless.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsJester County Park is located in Iowa near Granger
Public CampgroundDirections
From jct I-80/35 (exit 127) & Hwy 141: Go 7-1/2 mi W on Hwy 141, then 3 mi N on NW 121st St, then 1/2 mi E on NW 118th Ave.
Address
11407 NW Jester Park Dr.
Granger, IA 50109
Coordinates
41.7836557 N
93.77581282 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 9/6/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 9/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 9/6/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 9/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 28 min from Des Moines, IA
- 28 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 52 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 58 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
