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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsYellow Banks County Park is located in Iowa near Pleasant Hill
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
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites 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
- 13 min from Des Moines, IA
- 36 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 47 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 53 min from Waterloo, IA






















