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Camping

Established Camping

Yellow Banks County Park

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Yellow Banks County Park, near Des Moines, Iowa, is a fantastic spot for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors without straying too far from the city. With spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for those cozy campfire nights.

The campground boasts clean facilities, including warm showers and well-maintained restrooms, which visitors appreciate after a day of exploring. Many campers have noted the friendly camp host, making the experience even more welcoming. One happy camper remarked, “Very clean campground with friendly host,” highlighting the inviting atmosphere here.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s easy access to the Des Moines River, ideal for fishing or kayaking. The park also features lovely trails for hiking and biking, so you can soak in the natural beauty of the area. Plus, if you’re in the mood for some fishing, there’s a pond that’s home to bluegill and bass.

While some campers have mentioned the occasional wildlife encounter, the overall vibe is friendly and relaxed. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Yellow Banks County Park offers a great mix of comfort and adventure, making it a solid choice for your next camping trip.

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Location

Yellow Banks County Park is located in Iowa

Detail location of 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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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

14 Reviews

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

  • Does Yellow Banks County Park have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Yellow Banks County Park has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Yellow Banks County Park?

    Yellow Banks County Park allows vehicles up to 50 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Yellow Banks County Park?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Yellow Banks County Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Yellow Banks County Park?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is fair.