Yellow Banks County Park

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.

Tenting at Yellow Banks

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.

Quiet camp close to town

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. 

Great trails! 

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.

They found the owner of the cows

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

Yellow Bank 

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.

Ever changing 

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. 

Very nice, clean, spacious campground

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.