RV sites near Ankeny, Iowa provide camping options with varied terrain and accessibility throughout the year. Located in Polk County, this central Iowa region has rolling hills and access to Saylorville Lake, with camping elevations ranging from 800-900 feet above sea level. Winter campground options remain limited, with most facilities fully operational from April through October when temperatures range from 50-85°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground, campers can fish in the Des Moines River directly below the spillway. "Love to camp here and watch the spill way," notes one visitor. The area also features modern restrooms and level concrete sites with electric hookups.
Biking trails: Campers staying at Griffs Valley View RV Park can access the 25-mile paved Chichaqua Valley Trail that runs between the campground and office. "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office," writes one reviewer who stayed for two months while working in Altoona.
Wildlife viewing: At Jester County Park, visitors can observe bison and birds in designated viewing areas. "They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be," mentions one camper. The park also features multiple hiking trails and a nature center opened in August 2018.
What campers like
Clean bathhouses: Acorn Valley receives consistent praise for its immaculate facilities. "Campsites are well kept and clean. Bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day," reports one camper. Another mentions, "This is a great place to camp! The whole place is super clean, especially the bath house."
Level sites: Many RV parks near Ankeny feature concrete pads for easier setup. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area, "Spot 20 is at the end which makes it very private with nice large grassy area adjacent to wooded area. It backs to the river below the spillway from the dam," writes one visitor who appreciated the level concrete pad with electric hook-up.
Community amenities: The campgrounds around Ankeny often include unexpected features. At Griffs Valley Valley RV Park, "The community center has nice showers, laundry, game room. Kitchen with attached TV room, oh and storm shelter. The pond is nice, groomed all around with paved paths," notes one camper who rated their experience 3 out of 5 stars.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for raccoon visitors at some campgrounds. At Acorn Valley, a camper warns, "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."
Reservation requirements: Most Ankeny area RV sites fill quickly during peak season. At Kellogg RV Park, one visitor shared, "Open year around. Nice large sites and no need to unhook. Clean rv park with easy access to 1-80." This makes it a good option for travelers needing overnight accommodations without reservations.
Proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds position themselves as bases for exploring local attractions rather than as destinations themselves. "This is a great spot if you plan on staying in the area and want to go to Adventure Land or Prairie Meadows. There are lots of restaurants near by like Spectators and Jethro's BBQ," writes one camper about Adventureland Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for easier supervision. At Acorn Valley, one parent shared, "We parked at a site by the playground and bathhouse, and could sit at our camper and watch our son play at a safe distance."
Water recreation: River Oaks RV Park provides full-hookup sites with thoughtful layouts. "Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6' hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site," notes one camper who visited with a new puppy.
Riverbed exploration: Some campgrounds offer natural play areas beyond conventional playgrounds. "We're big fans of Acorn Valley. It's quiet and there is plenty of shade in the tent camping area. The tent sites lead to some small trails which end at the riverbed. Our boys love exploring here," writes one parent who frequents the area.
Tips from RVers
Internet access: For working campers, reliable connectivity matters. At River Oaks RV Park, "Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider," reports one RVer who appreciated the camp's quietness and maintenance.
Space considerations: Site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Adventureland Campground, one RVer observed, "The lots aren't very big and you are kind of packed in there." This campground primarily serves visitors to the adjacent theme park and casino.
Year-round options: Some RV sites near Ankeny remain open throughout winter. "Spent the winter here, they are very good at keeping snow and ice under control," notes a camper who stayed at Griffs Valley View RV Park, which offers full hookups with both 30/50 amp service, water and sewage connections.
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