Camping near Bondurant, Iowa typically offers elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level with temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. The area features diverse prairie landscapes shaped by glacial activity and the Des Moines River watershed. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with primitive camping options available in select locations year-round.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Access multiple fishing spots at Yellow Banks County Park where visitors can catch bass and bluegill. "Wonderful trails, lots of space. Access to DM River, has nice pond, playgrounds, just a beautiful area. Fishing not the greatest, Pond is silted to about 9ft deep, have caught few small bass, bluegill," notes Kelly.
**Creek exploration: Wade in creek areas that provide natural cooling in summer months. "Great little campground. Theres a hiking trail that will take you to indian burial mounds. There is also fishing and boating. They have a fun playground also," shares Derrick W. about Yellow Banks.
**Prairie hiking: Explore prairie restoration areas at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt where hiking trails offer wildlife viewing. "We've taken our canoe here once and really enjoyed the winding, quite, green waterways. This is a relatively obscure place with little amount of crowds on any weekend," explains Larissa C.
What campers like
**Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous site sizing at various campgrounds. "Site 15 for primitive campers is HUGE. Easily the size of 2-3 sites at other campgrounds," mentions Megan M. about Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt.
**Clean facilities: Bob Shelter Recreation Area maintains well-kept amenities. "Very nice campground. Site 67BSHM had electric. Park had water available to fill fresh tanks, showers, flush toilets and dump station. Sr. Lifetime pass rate $10 per night," reports Annell N.
**River access: Many pet friendly camping options near Bondurant offer river access points. "The banks are amazing! River access and a pond to fish! Camped here my whole life. Boy scouts and with friends. Check out the burial grounds," states Steve H. about Yellow Banks County Park.
What you should know
**Gate closures: Plan your schedule around campground gate times. "The park closes at 10:30 so make sure you get back in time," warns Megan M. about camping at Chichaqua Bottoms.
**Reservation requirements: Prairie Flower Recreation Area fills quickly during peak season. "This 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," advises Elizabeth A.
**Water options: Water hookups vary between campgrounds. "No water hook ups, so fill up after you get in the campground before you park. Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites," explains Mia L. about Prairie Flower.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Acorn Valley offers family-friendly facilities. "Nice and well maintained! 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," notes Dana K.
**Wildlife education: Several campgrounds feature wildlife viewing opportunities for children. "Great place to go tent camping, very clean and quiet. They sell firewood bundles for $5. Easy trails for the kids to go hiking and playing in the creek to cool off in the heat," shares Willy W. about Thomas Mitchell County Park.
**Water play: Creeks provide natural water play areas for children and pets. "Campsites are well kept and clean. Bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day. Biggest downside is the resident raccoons," warns John F. about Acorn Valley.
Tips from RVers
**Dump station planning: Jester County Park offers efficient dump facilities. "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," shares Jim S.
**Site selection: Choose sites based on pad type and location. "Most spots are shaded and well maintained. The backpacking area is very nice as well," mentions Kayla N. about Yellow Banks County Park.
**Hookup limitations: Be aware of which hookups are available at your selected campground. "Spacious campsites with cement pads... The only thing holding it back from 5 stars is no water or sewer onsite," notes Ron M. about Prairie Flower Recreation Area.
