Lake Anita State Park sits at an elevation of 1,260 feet in southwest Iowa's gently rolling hills, surrounded by agricultural landscapes. The park's 171-acre lake anchors the camping experience with water temperatures ranging from 68°F to 82°F during summer months. Electric campsites are spaced closer together in the main camping area compared to the more secluded primitive tent sites.
What to do
Roller skating at Spring Lake County Park: Located 40 miles northwest of Anita, this park offers a unique open-air roller skating rink operating weekends during summer. "The best feature of this park, in my opinion, is the four-mile paved recreation trail that goes around the entire 171-acre lake. Good for walking, running, or biking," notes Lee D. about Lake Anita State Park.
Explore covered bridges and historic sites: The Winterset area provides access to Madison County's famous covered bridges just 60 miles east. "Lovely park inside the city that makes you feel like you're in the ozark mtns, with a surprise!" writes Brian G. about Winterset City Park, which offers glamping options from April through mid-November.
Fishing and paddle sports: Multiple lakes in the region support various fish species for anglers. "The lake is beautiful, and we also saw people boating, kayaking, and fishing. Although swimming is also allowed, the beach was not the best for this activity," reports Lee D.
What campers like
Affordable full hookup sites: Budget-conscious glampers appreciate reasonable rates at several campgrounds. "This is a bargain at $20 for full hookups. They have tent sites also. The park is clean and clearly under utilized as there were only 3 of us in a park with more than 40 sites," writes Doug W. about Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "Very pretty and clean. We got in pretty late, staff was awesome even showed us to our spot. The park looked nice, only thing some spots looked really close together," shares Tessa M. about Timberline Campground in Waukee.
Proximity to attractions: Locations that balance natural settings with access to local points of interest receive high marks. "We stayed at the West Des Moines KOA for the Nationals Softball Tournament for my daughter in July. There were 6 families that stayed there with us. It was so much fun because we were able to all be either on buddy sites together and one had a patio site," explains Christina N.
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Several sites in the region experience railroad sounds. "Nice campground, pretty spread out at a nice lake. Only downside is that it is close to the traintracks," mentions Laura B. about Lake Anita State Park.
Seasonal operations: Most glamping facilities close between November and April, with limited winter options. "The campground is split into two parts. One part is mostly shaded and the other isn't. Thankfully, we camped in the part that was mostly shaded," reports Molly L. about Pammel County Park.
Site spacing varies considerably: Campsites at many locations position RVs close together while tent areas offer more privacy. "Sites are close together, but it wasn't crowded while we were here. Due to Coronavirus the restrooms and showers were closed, so I can not report on them," notes Ronn B.
Tips for camping with families
Free weekend movie nights: During summer months, some parks offer special entertainment. "This is a decent state park campground but is always full. It has tent sites separated from the trailer sites. There is a park and on saturdays during the summer they do Disney movies and free popcorn," writes Laura B.
Playground access: Consider proximity to play areas when booking sites. "We stayed at #70 which was a full hookup. It backed up the playground and bathrooms. Everything was in super clean and the whole campground was very well taken care of," shares John K.
Day trip options: The region offers numerous short excursions to supplement camping activities. "This is a city campground on the outskirts of town that does not feel that way. It sits right next to a park. White rock roads and pads. It has some full hook up sites as well as water and electric sites," explains Dave M. about Winterset City Park.
Tips from RVers
Extended stay considerations: Some locations accommodate longer-term glamping arrangements with additional services. "Great, safe, and quiet campground. Beautiful site on a pond, clean bath houses, cool weekend amenities, and since we came in October, pretty empty after Labor Day during the week," reports Paul C. about Timberline Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for gravel pads that may require adjustment. "Some full hook ups, sites not very level, playground ok. Can hear shots from gun range next door. Dog park, pool, arcade," warns Mia L.
Hookup distances: At some campgrounds, utility connections require extra-long cords or hoses. "There are water hook ups, I just had to use 75 feet of hose to get to it. And the electric I had to use a 30 ft extension cord. Funny, I didn't have either and had to drive 24 miles to Walmart on a holiday to get them," cautions Mia L. about Pammel County Park.
