Best Campgrounds near Windsor Heights, IA

Campgrounds surrounding Windsor Heights, Iowa provide a mix of established camping areas within a short drive of the city. Jester County Park in Granger offers diverse accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options approximately 15 miles northwest of Windsor Heights. Timberline Campground in Waukee, just 5 miles west, features 168 sites with similar accommodation variety including cabins and yurts. Several campgrounds in the area feature water-based recreation opportunities, particularly those near Saylorville Lake such as Cherry Glen Campground, Prairie Flower Recreation Area, and Bob Shelter Recreation Area, all within 20 miles of Windsor Heights.

"This is a great site, it has a reserve site to its right, and a FCFS site to the left. No one showed up there either and it was Father's Day weekend! Super quiet and relaxing," noted one camper about Jester Park. Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though several lake-adjacent sites like Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Cherry Glen Campground have seasonal availability from spring through fall. Campground amenities vary significantly, with most offering electric hookups, drinking water, and fire rings. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds provide shower facilities and flush toilets, though primitive options with vault toilets are also available at certain locations.

Campers consistently rate water proximity as a key feature in the region. The Saylorville Lake area offers multiple Corps of Engineers campgrounds with lake access and trail connections. Timberline Campground receives particularly high ratings (4.6/5) for its amenities and site quality. As one visitor mentioned, "Outstanding facilities, beautiful and tranquil location, friendly and helpful staff, and a place you will always remember as a sweet spot." Most campgrounds near Windsor Heights provide mixed-use camping areas that accommodate various camping styles. Public lands with primitive sites are less common than developed campgrounds in this region. The camping landscape primarily consists of county and state-managed properties, with several private campgrounds offering additional amenities like camp stores, laundry facilities, and organized activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Windsor Heights, Iowa (111)

    1. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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"

    "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."

    2. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 285-4502

    $25 - $38 / night

    "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."

    3. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $22 - $26 / night

    "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."

    4. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "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."

    5. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 987-1714

    $35 - $80 / night

    "If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!"

    "The site we were on is sorta blacktop but the sides have crumbled and it has a slight tilt to it so stepping down out of the camper was tricky as your feet tend to slide in the loose rocks."

    6. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "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."

    7. Acorn Valley

    11 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0429

    $14 - $84 / night

    "Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."

    "Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."

    8. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 266-1563

    "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."

    9. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    11 miles
    Website

    $35 - $90 / night

    "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."

    10. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 834-2729

    "Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp."

    "I love the beautiful surroundings here. Definitely worth the visit."

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Recent Reviews near Windsor Heights, IA

540 Reviews of 111 Windsor Heights Campgrounds


  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Nice site

    After some confusion with booking (office hours are until 7pm, confirmation email said 9pm) we were able to get ahold of the operations manager at the park who helped us. Pull through paved 50 amp sites, with water and sewage. Picnic table for use. Within view of Adventureland so it was cool to see the rides lit up at night as we parked. Clean park. Will definitely stop by again when we aren’t just passing through!

  • Kent W.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Howell Station

    One of our favorites

    This is a really nice campground. It’s run by friendly, helpful people. It’s well maintained, the bathrooms are clean, you’re not packed together like sardines, there’s a nice bike/walking trail around the park and (at least when we’ve visited) bald eagles, blue herons and pelicans line the river. It’s just a little over an hour from us so it’s easy to get to.

    We’re trying parks all over Iowa and Howell has been one of our favorites.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    lakeside casino resort and rv park

    Good for an overnight stop

    This is a casino campground. There are full hookups but no facilities. No trees, sites very close together. It’s essentially a parking lot with hookups.

    It’s adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate.

    If you are traveling I35 and it’s convenient for an overnight rest, it’s well worth the cost. Otherwise, unless the casino is your destination, find a more traditional campground

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Winterset City Park

    Peaceful

    Our first time staying here and we extended twice because we like the area so much. It’s been a peaceful two weeks and we love the town of Winterset. The campground has a variety of FHU and or just W& E, also some shared water.

  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Sportsman Park

    Sportsman Park

    Dawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!

    They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.

    The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.

    We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Jester County Park

    Nothing but exceptional

    Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know


Guide to Windsor Heights

Camping sites near Windsor Heights, Iowa typically remain open from April through October, with some sites offering year-round access. The area sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level in central Iowa's gently rolling terrain. Most campgrounds in the region receive around 36 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush surroundings during summer months when temperatures average 75-85°F.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Acorn Valley features both pond fishing and river access. "The tent sites lead to some small trails which end at the riverbed. Our boys love exploring here," notes one visitor. The campground maintains clean facilities with immaculate bathrooms that are "cleaned every day."

Hiking trails: Yellow Banks County Park offers several trails including a longer pond trail in the southeast area. "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," shares one camper. The park also features burial mounds accessible via hiking trail.

Biking access: Griffs Valley View RV Park connects directly to the 25-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail. "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office," explains one camper who stayed for two months. The trail provides convenient access for cyclists looking to explore beyond the campsite.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Prairie Flower Recreation Area consistently receives praise for its maintenance standards. "The bathrooms and shower house are nice and clean," mentions one reviewer. Another notes, "Sites are large and there is plenty of space between sites. We had a concrete pad with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate."

Water views: Cherry Glen Campground offers lake-adjacent sites with prime views. "I would suggest looking for camp sites on the back side of the western loops because they have views of the lake," suggests one camper, specifically recommending "sites 111-116 and 72-78." The campground provides electric hookups but no water or sewer connections at individual sites.

Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting at most Windsor Heights area campgrounds. At Yellow Banks County Park, visitors note it's "quiet, not a lot of traffic" and praise the "nice little escape" feeling despite proximity to urban areas. Griffs Valley View RV Park earns similar praise: "Quiet at night. Nice recreational fishing pond and a clubhouse with bathrooms that were really clean."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area, "reservations are usually necessary" due to the "large camping population" in the Des Moines area. One camper without reservations notes, "We stopped on a Friday without one, they were booked. We only wanted one night in a tent."

Seasonal limitations: Several campgrounds operate on restricted schedules. Bob Shelter Recreation Area runs from May 1 to September 30, while Acorn Valley is "closed after Labor Day." Cherry Glen Campground operates mid-April through mid-October, limiting fall camping options.

Hookup variations: Electric-only sites are common in the area. At Cherry Glen Campground, you'll find "30/50 amp electric, no water or service but bathrooms are clean." Prairie Flower Recreation Area has "no water hookups, so fill up after you get in the campground before you park."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Campsites with playgrounds offer built-in entertainment. Yellow Banks County Park features a "good-sized playground" and baseball fields, while Prairie Flower Recreation Area has "nice playgrounds" conveniently located near camping loops.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many families enjoy the natural wildlife. At Acorn Valley, one camper warns about "resident raccoons" that "come out every night to rummage through possible food options. Secure your food and they're no problem unless you're a light sleeper."

Swimming options: During summer months, select locations offer water recreation. Des Moines West KOA provides "a pool, dunk tank, gem mining, ladder golf, horseshoes, jumping pillow, water balloon wars, basketball and more." One family noted, "The pool was refreshing for the girls and all of the activities kept them busy and having fun!"

Tips from RVers

Site selection: RVers should research specific site amenities before booking. At Timberline Campground, campers report that "sites were pretty level, sizable that our 43' motorhome and tow fit without unhooking." However, some sites have "sorta blacktop but the sides have crumbled and it has a slight tilt to it."

Dump station congestion: Plan departure times accordingly. At Prairie Flower Recreation Area, one RVer warns, "There's one dump station for a campground that is large in size and popularity. Trying to leave on Sunday is a good 1 hour wait.... that's being generous!"

Overnight options: For those passing through, several campgrounds accommodate late arrivals. At Des Moines West KOA, "we could still check in without a reservation! They have an awesome 'self check in'. A board marked with available spaces we chose from."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Windsor Heights, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Windsor Heights, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.

What parks are near Windsor Heights, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Windsor Heights, IA that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock.