110 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Ankeny area features a variety of established campgrounds clustered around Saylorville Lake, providing options for different camping styles within a 30-minute drive. Jester County Park, located on the north end of Saylorville Reservoir, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Several Corps of Engineers campgrounds including Prairie Flower Recreation Area, Cherry Glen, and Bob Shelter Recreation Area provide additional options with varying amenities. Most campgrounds in this region cater primarily to RVs with electric hookups, though tent camping is available at most locations. Thomas Mitchell County Park, situated on 197 acres outside Altoona, provides both electric and non-electric sites with creek access.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the region, with some campgrounds operating year-round while others close during winter months. Prairie Flower Recreation Area typically operates from May through October, while Acorn Valley has a shorter season from early June through late August. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. According to camper Jay M., "Jester Park was fairly empty until around Thursday and filled on the weekend." Highway noise affects several campgrounds in the area, particularly those closest to Interstate 80. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and the possibility of severe storms. Mosquitoes can be problematic during warmer months, especially near water features.
Campers consistently praise the shaded sites and clean facilities at many Ankeny area campgrounds. Jester Park receives high marks for its numerous amenities including playgrounds, hiking trails, an equestrian center, golf course, and nature center. As one visitor noted, "Each site towards the front of the 400s is BIG. You have plenty of room for 2 vehicles and two sizable tents." Water recreation opportunities abound with Saylorville Lake providing fishing, boating, and swimming access. Bike trails connect several campgrounds, with the High Trestle Trail accessible from some locations. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, turkeys, and various bird species. Proximity to urban amenities is another advantage, with most campgrounds within 15-20 minutes of shopping and dining options in Ankeny or Des Moines.
"Nice CG located on the North end of Saylorville Reservoir. Camped in the upper CG site#145. Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV."
"A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."
"Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."
from $20 - $336 / night
Check Availability"We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."
"Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."
from $22 - $26 / night
Check Availability"Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."
"Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."
from $24 - $26 / night
Check Availability"Has a cute pond and is adjacent to a bike and running trail. The main lodge has very clean restrooms and showers with hot water! Recommended"
"There is also a very nice bike trail right outside the park."
from $35 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Clean bathrooms, close to the lake, playground, and a lot of sites. It does get busy. As you would expect there are a lot of bugs on a hot day in Iowa. Tent sites have good shade from trees."
"Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."
from $14 - $84 / night
Check Availability"Close proximity to the state fair without being to close. Great stay! Our site had an open field behind it definitely recommend."
"There are two RV sites with shower houses, and about 10 tentsites on a large rectangular area in the back surrounded by trees."
"With a theme park on one side and a casino on the other, both in walking distance. It’s more of a park and party place hahaha"
"Short walk to the amusement park. We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park. They also have workcamper programs."
"Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."
"This is a sweet well-maintained campground just south of Mitchellville, Iowa off of 80. Not many sites and only a handful were occupied mid week in July."
"There's a boat camp, a bird watching area, a playground, plany of park space with picnic tables and BBQ pits, hiking and biking trails, and even a lodge that I assume can be rented for events."
"Walnut Woods is conveniently located 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines. Sites are paved and mostly level, although we did have to throw a couple of blocks under one side of our TT tires."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability
GuideWe came in really late on a Saturday night and were the only ones here. Cons: women’s bathroom was inoperable and men’s was locked; sites aren’t numbered or differentiated that I could tell at 2am. Pros: green & shady in places, nice park, lots of grass. Parked under two shady trees in what I thought was a spot, paid the $10 and slept in the car as usual.
GuideThis is a sweet well-maintained campground just south of Mitchellville, Iowa off of 80. Not many sites and only a handful were occupied mid week in July. There is a little stream running along the edge of the campground. There is one bathroom building with 6 separate rooms - each with a toilet, sink and shower with warm water. Plenty of drinking water at centralized locations. There is shade at most sites when you first enter the campground and in the loop. Along the edges (inc the stream) shade is more variable. The only issue we had was a bright light that was on all night near the end of the loop. We were in site 5 and had to move our truck so it didn’t shine in all night.
GuideLevel sites and very quiet. Great hiking location and photo opportunities.
GuideStaying here for a night on a roadtrip. It was easy to book last minute and wasn’t too expensive. Especially given it has electric hook up at each sight (I believe).
RangerThere’s not a lot going on in the vicinity of this state park, which is on the smaller side, and you will hear some cows, but all in all the campground exceeded my expectations for the two nights I stayed. This was partially because my site, 65, offered ample room away from the neighboring sites and backed up to a small green area with the road further back (minimal noise, aside from the random loud dirt bike). It also had a good mix of shade and sun if you’re hoping for a bit of solar charging, though no shore power or water. The site was long and mostly level with just the smallest tilt, but not enough to be a bother even without leveling blocks. The dumpster is nearby, but it’s a tiny one and was well maintained (aka not smelly). The brand new shower house was within easy walking distance as well. I had enough service (Verizon) to send texts and watch a bit of YouTube (buffering times were a smidge slow), but you likely wouldn’t have a strong enough signal for much more.
RangerQuite a nice campground. Pretty busy for a Monday so I can imagine it gets busy here. Sites are nice and spacious. Great amenities and right next to the water.
GuideHost were very nice and helpful. Well maintained with pretty good shade.
ScoutStayed here last week in July 2025 on a cross-country motorcycle trip. Nice and quiet. Flat grassy spot to set up my tent and a nice fire ring/ grill to cook dinner on also had a picnic table.
Very nice primitive spot. Will go back
GuideBeautiful location even if is next to casino. Shame that the infrastructure is not better cared for. Many sites are blocked off because of disrepair. Our site was good but cable box has no feed. I suspect no cable in the park. I'd come back again.
The campgrounds around Ankeny, Iowa provide year-round options with terrain that ranges from river access to prairie landscapes. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 800-900 feet, with the region experiencing high humidity in summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F. Late spring and early fall typically offer the most comfortable camping conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Thomas Mitchell County Park features a dedicated fishing pond and creek access. According to Shannon G., "There is a fishing lake, playground, sand volleyball, and hiking. The outer loop has a creek that flows behind the sites with large stairs to get down to it. Kids were having a blast in the water."
Wildlife viewing: Jester County Park offers multiple wildlife viewing areas. One camper notes, "The County has invested a lot of resources into this park making it a great place to stay when enjoying the fun at Saylorville Lake. The facilities are modern and clean and there is some real pride at this park."
Biking trails: Multiple trail connections link campgrounds near Ankeny. John B. explains that at Prairie Flower Recreation Area, "The proximity to the trail system is what makes this friendly to cyclists. The trail can take you to the marina, where there is a burger shack style restaurant."
Group activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated group sites with special amenities. Ron B. shares, "While reservable the group camping is on first come basis if group sites are not reserved. The group sites are set up in a circle with a shelter in the middle."
Modern facilities: Many campers praise the updated amenities at Griffs Valley View RV Park. Anthony W. notes, "The campground very very well kept with spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/sewage hookups. Two nice laundry/shower houses, one in the front and one in the back of the campground."
Water features: Campers consistently mention the ponds and water access. Willy W. reports, "There is a really nice pond for fishing that has some bluegills. The water is very clean."
Quiet camping areas: Yellow Banks County Park receives praise for its peaceful setting. Kayla N. states, "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."
Diverse terrain: The region offers varied landscapes from wooded areas to prairie. At Acorn Valley, John F. reports, "Campsites are well kept and clean. Bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day."
Seasonal closures: Operation dates vary significantly across campgrounds. Acorn Valley runs "early June to late August" while Bob Shelter Recreation Area operates "May 1 to September 30."
Reservation requirements: During peak season, especially weekends, reservations become essential. Elizabeth A. warns about Prairie Flower Recreation Area, "This campground is a hot spot for Des Moines to escape the weekend - with that said, reservations are a must! Most times you need to make them six months out."
Dump station congestion: Some campgrounds experience significant wait times for services. Elizabeth A. cautions, "There's one dump station for a campground that is large in size and popularity. Trying to leave on a Sunday is a good 1 hour wait."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for nocturnal visitors at some campgrounds. John F. advises, "Biggest downside is the resident raccoons. Come out every night to rummage through possible food options. Secure your food and they're no problem unless you're a light sleeper."
Playground access: Cherry Glen Campground features multiple play areas. Janet A. notes, "Lots of trees so plenty of shade. Nice playground areas."
Creek exploration: Many families enjoy the water features at Thomas Mitchell. Shannon G. shares, "Kids were having a blast in the water. There is a fishing lake, playground, sand volleyball, and hiking."
Spacing considerations: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. At Griffs Valley View RV Park, Tim H. warns, "Nice pads to park on, however you are right on top of your neighbor."
Entertainment options: Adventureland Campground provides unique access to attractions. According to one camper, "The biggest draw for us was Adventureland Park which was a five minute walk from the campground. Adventureland Park is a small amusement park and water park which is great for all ages."
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. At Prairie Flower Recreation Area, Ron M. notes, "Spacious campsites with cement pads... The only thing holding it back from 5 stars is no water or sewer onsite."
Water connections: Access to water can require planning at some locations. Ron B. advises, "The campground has no water connections at sites but in group camping there is a one water connection to fill tanks. On large loops you will need a lot of hose to reach. I think I needed about 80' some campers will need 100'."
Site selection: Strategic site selection enhances the camping experience. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area, Thomas B. recommends, "Would recommend avoiding sites 18 and 19" due to proximity to the sewage lagoon.
Length of stay options: For longer-term camping needs, Anthony W. shares, "I stayed at Griffs for two months in autumn while working in Altoona. The campground very very well kept with spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/sewage hookups."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in and around Ankeny, Iowa?
Several campgrounds are located near Ankeny, Iowa. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is conveniently situated between Ankeny, Altoona, and Bondurant, offering great trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Jester County Park is another excellent option on the north end of Saylorville Reservoir with numerous shade trees, hiking trails, and recreational amenities including a playground, equestrian center, golf course, and nature center. Other nearby options include Thomas Mitchell County Park near Altoona with both electric and non-electric sites, and Prairie Flower Recreation Area near Johnston with full amenities for campers.
What camping options with cabins are available near Ankeny?
For cabin camping near Ankeny, Adventureland Campground in nearby Altoona offers cabin accommodations with convenient access to the amusement park. Walnut Woods State Park Campground is another option with cabin rentals available, providing a more natural setting while still being accessible from Ankeny. Cabin availability may be seasonal and reservations are typically recommended, especially during peak summer months. These accommodations offer a comfortable camping experience with various amenities while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors.
Are there RV parks near Ankeny, Iowa that accommodate motorhomes?
Griffs Valley View RV Park near Altoona is an excellent option for motorhomes, offering big-rig-friendly sites with full hookups. Cherry Glen Campground near Johnston also accommodates RVs with drive-in access and essential amenities including water and toilets. Many county parks in the area like Thomas Mitchell County Park provide electric sites suitable for RVs, though amenities vary. Most campgrounds around Ankeny have gravel pads that can accommodate standard-sized motorhomes, but it's advisable to check specific site dimensions when booking for larger rigs.
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