Anglers and hikers find easy access to the Raccoon River at Walnut Woods State Park Campground, where approximately 25 sites sit among mature walnut trees just 25 minutes from downtown Des Moines. The compact campground features concrete pads for all sites, though Stephanie S. notes "not all concrete pads are created equal" — some are notably smaller than others, particularly site 14.
Sites cluster close together with minimal privacy between neighbors, making it easy to see into adjacent campsites depending on orientation. The narrow paved loop road can create tight maneuvering situations for larger RVs, with some campers needing neighbors to temporarily move vehicles for backing room. Most sites include 20/30/50 amp electric service, fire rings, and picnic tables, while select sites add water and sewer hookups for full service camping.
A 1.5-mile trail follows the Raccoon River through the woods, connecting to the campground via trailheads near the sites. The trail can become muddy and impassable during wet conditions, forcing hikers to turn back before completing the full route. River access provides catfishing opportunities, and the park includes a boat ramp, playground, and bird viewing structure. Cell coverage reaches 3 bars for T-Mobile and 2 bars for AT&T according to recent reports.
The modern bathroom facilities stay clean and well-maintained year-round, with a dump station featuring both potable water and tank cleanout spigots. All tent campers pay electric hookup prices since no primitive sites exist. Costco — West Des Moines provides nearby overnight parking for those seeking alternatives. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months when only a few unreserved sites typically remain available.
Description
Welcome to Walnut Woods State Park. Iowans and visitors from across the U.S. can find a quality outdoor recreation experience in the forested natural setting at Walnut Woods. The park encompasses 260 acres of wooded bottom land along the Raccoon River. Whether you are here to fish or float the Raccoon River, camp, hike a trail or just relax, we hope you enjoy your stay.
Walnut Woods boasts the largest surviving natural stand of black walnut trees in North America. Many of these stately trees can be seen along the main park roadway. Visitors are not allowed to harvest or pick up walnuts in the park.
No harvesting or picking up walnuts is allowed. No showers in the park or campground.
Concessions: Friends of Walnut Woods - Firewood Sales
Open May to September, daily. Available through the campground host. T-shirts also available while supplies last.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
All water is on. Restrooms and Dump Station are open.
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations year round until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWalnut Woods State Park Campground is located in Iowa near West Des Moines
Directions
From Iowa Hwy.5 take exit 102 and follow signs to Walnut Woods. From Interstate 35 take exit 68(IA Hwy 5) then exit 102 and follow signs to Walnut Woods.
Address
3155 SE Walnut Woods Drive
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Coordinates
41.5380005 N
93.7470004 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/7/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/7/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 12 min from Des Moines, IA
- 38 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 53 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 2 hrs from Waterloo, IA

















