Yellow Banks County Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Shaded campsites, a fishing pond, and direct access to the Des Moines River define the experience at Yellow Banks County Park, a Polk County Conservation Board facility southeast of Pleasant Hill. Sites are large and level, surfaced with white rock cinder material, and spaced generously apart. Most spots sit under tree cover, which keeps things cooler on hot summer days.

"Lots of shade, fairly level sites, clean bathrooms, right off river with boat access," notes deb K., and that summary holds up across multiple reviews. The park has two distinct camping areas: electric hookup sites with access to shower houses, and a walk-in tent area set back in a wooded section. The tent area requires hauling gear from a single parking end, which can mean a longer carry depending on site assignment. A camp host is on-site and has been noted as attentive and helpful. Firewood is available for purchase and delivered by gator to the walk-in area.

Fishing is a consistent draw. The on-site pond holds bluegill and largemouth bass, though some reviewers note it has silted in considerably. The Des Moines River, accessible by boat ramp or kayak launch, is known locally for catfish. Boat ramp condition has been described as rough, so paddlers in smaller craft will have fewer issues than motorized boaters. There are also short trails near the campground and a longer pond trail in the park's southeast section that tends to stay quiet even on busy weekends. Campers visiting during the Iowa State Fair may find the park fills quickly; Iowa State Fair Campgrounds to the northwest provide an overflow alternative.

Timing matters here. The campground operates year-round, though water is shut off in late fall and winter. Most sites run first-come, first-served, with a smaller number available by reservation. By Thursday evening on busy weekends, the park typically fills. Arriving midweek is the most reliable way to secure a spot. Some campers have flagged nighttime security concerns, so keeping valuables inside is advisable.

Those who want a well-equipped county park with river access and room to spread out will find Yellow Banks worth the trip.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsYellow Banks County Park is located in Iowa near Pleasant Hill

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From jct US 65 & Vandalia Rd: Go 3 mi E on Vandalia Rd, then turn S on SE 68th St. Follow signs.

Coordinates

41.55100039 N
93.47200027 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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Reviews15 Camper Reviews - Yellow Banks County Park

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4.5

out of 5

15 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the large, well-spaced sites with good amenities and friendly hosts at reasonable prices. Guests frequently mentioned excellent family activities and river access, though some noted weekend crowding.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2023

Great camp close to town

Very clean campground with friendly host. Showers were warm and sites were either paved or good gravel. Road in could easily allow motorcycle access

Site34
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2023

Huge sites!

Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table. Cost per night is low. Firewood available and camp host was a wonderful older gentleman. Close proximity to the state fair without being to close. Great stay! Our site had an open field behind it definitely recommend.

Site59
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Jen S., August 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Jen S., August 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Jen S., August 13, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2022

Very nice, clean, spacious campground

Lots of shade, fairly level sites, clean bathrooms, right off river with boat access. No WiFi or cable. Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal. Overall a very nice place to stay.

Site60
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by deb K., June 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by deb K., June 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by deb K., June 16, 2022
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Apr. 9, 2022

Ever changing

I camped here in 2021 and I enjoyed it but the first night I was there I ran my vehicle down the second night I was there I took a tour on the campgrounds and got verbally accosted but another camper for walking near their campground and then I mistakenly left some food out and my dog and I were woken up by wild dogs.
In 2022 I came out again and it was a much better adventure the campgrounds are beautiful they have two different electric sights and they have a newly furnished tent site.

Siteold T2
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Whitney S., April 9, 2022
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2021

Yellow Bank

I am here in November. Not many people here. The water has been turned off but the camping pads the spacing between the campsites is amazing and I will try to be back next summer

Site3
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Bob M., November 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Bob M., November 6, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2021

They found the owner of the cows

Last time I camped here cows got loose and came into the campground with hilarious consequences. This time I didn't see any cows. The regular tent sight was under construction so we got a spot in the hike and camp. It was the only spots left bc of all the activities going on in DesMoines that weekend. I was a little concerned about hiking to the campsite with the cooler but the nice gentleman that delivers the firewood on a gator offered me a ride with the cooler. Good fishing.

SiteT14
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Michael S., September 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Michael S., September 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Michael S., September 27, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 25, 2021

Best of the 4 Polk County Iowa Parks

Wonderful trails, lots of space.  Access to DM River, has nice pond, playgrounds, just a beautiful area.  Fishing not the greatest, Pond is silted to about 9ft deep, have caught few small bass, bluegill.  Never tried the river here, but is known for big cats.  Camp sites are best around, large flat white rock cinder size area with picnic table, fire ring.  Sites are well spaced.  Shaded.   Double lane dump station.  Close to home, can usually get site without reservation, IF you roll in on Wed.  By Thurs night, it's full.  Few reservables, 90% i'd say are first come.  The way it should be in my opinion.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 13, 2020

Great trails!

So with covid I couldn’t primitive camp but this place is huge and has lots to offer.

It’s got access to trails and to the Des Moines river. It’s a great little escape. There is a fishing pond that’s got plenty of bluegill and largemouth bass. There is a couple of docks and boat ramps. The boat ramp to the river though didn’t look in great shape. But if you kayak it’s probably fine.

It has lots of electrical sites as well. Baseball fields, lots of bathrooms (not open during covid) and some really nice group sites. For this review I’m just going to post stuff for the primitive camping.

  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Willy W., May 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Willy W., May 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Willy W., May 13, 2020
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Mar. 4, 2020

The Banks

The banks are amazing! River access and a pond to fish! Camped here my whole life. Boy scouts and with friends. Check out the burial grounds. Just wish there was more camping riverside. ( groups available)

Reviewed Apr. 18, 2019

Great park!

Lots or good fishing spots and great views! Reccomend going mid summer or fall to see everything

Reviewed Aug. 22, 2018

Quiet camp close to town

I camped here a lot growing up and many times since then. We visit the park often. Nice quiet campground with the Des Moines river close by for fishing or kayaking. Most of the spots are shaded and well maintained. The backpacking area is very nice as well.

SiteBackpacking, Primitive, Electric
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by Kayla N., August 22, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2018

Tenting at Yellow Banks

There are two RV sites with shower houses, and about 10 tentsites on a large rectangular area in the back surrounded by trees. Unfortunately the parking was only at one end, so many people were hauling their stuff quite a ways. I had a spot next to the parking and pit latrine which was great, but the weekend was crowded and noisy. There are a couple of short trails near the campground but a longer pond trail on the southeast area of the park which was deserted when I hiked it. The park also has a playground for kids, baseball fields, and primitive camping.

Site#2
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by May M., August 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Yellow Banks County Park by May M., August 1, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2018

Small family friendly park

Campgrounds here are near the front of the park with more to explore if you hike/drive farther in. Playground is good-sized. Easy hiking trails nearby. Very quiet, not a lot of traffic.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2017

Great camping

Great little campground. Theres a hiking trail that will take you to indian burial mounds. There is also fishing and boating. They have a fun playground also. There are a couple of backpacking sites as well.

Site8
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about camping at Yellow Banks Park?

Yellow Banks Park offers a quiet, peaceful camping experience with spacious, well-maintained sites. Most spots are shaded and the campground is set in a beautiful natural area. The park features access to the Des Moines River for fishing and kayaking, hiking trails that lead to Indian burial mounds, and a good-sized playground for children. Campers particularly appreciate the large, level sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The park is known for being an excellent escape into nature while still being relatively close to Des Moines. Many visitors have fond memories of camping here over many years, noting its beauty in mid-summer and fall.

How do I make reservations for Yellow Banks Park camping?

Yellow Banks Park offers both regular campsites and backpacking sites that require reservations. To secure a spot, contact the park directly through their official website or county parks department. During peak seasons and especially on weekends when Des Moines has special events, the campground can fill quickly, so advance reservations are recommended. Fees are generally affordable compared to other campgrounds in the area. For the most current reservation policies, availability, and fee information, check with the Polk County Conservation office that manages the park.

What amenities are available at Yellow Banks Campground?

Yellow Banks Campground offers clean shower houses, pit latrines, and well-maintained campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. The campground includes both RV sites and tent camping areas, with some sites featuring paved or good gravel pads. Water is available during the main camping season but may be turned off during colder months. Beyond camping facilities, the park provides access to the Des Moines River, a fishing pond with docks, boat ramps, hiking trails, and a playground. Firewood is available for purchase, and a friendly camp host is typically on-site to assist visitors.

Is there a map available for Yellow Banks Campground?

Yes, maps of Yellow Banks Campground are available. You can obtain a physical map at the park entrance or from the camp host upon arrival. The map shows the campground layout, including the locations of RV sites, tent camping areas, backpacking sites, shower facilities, and pit latrines. It also indicates hiking trails, the fishing pond, playground, and access points to the Des Moines River. For planning purposes, you may be able to find a digital version on the Polk County Conservation website. Having a map is particularly helpful for locating the Indian burial mounds, optimal fishing spots, and the various recreational facilities throughout the park.