Camping options near Bondurant, Iowa include seasonal county parks and year-round RV facilities across Polk, Jasper, and Warren counties. The central Iowa region sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with a four-season climate featuring hot, humid summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though several RV parks operate year-round with varying winter amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt offers angling in its oxbow lakes. "There are plenty of trails to hike and some really nice views of the prairies. You can bring a kayak/canoe to go on the water. There is also some pretty good fishing. Lots of bass and bluegill," according to one visitor to Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt.
Biking access: Many campgrounds connect to regional trail systems. The 25-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail runs adjacent to several parks, providing paved surfaces for cyclists. At Griffs Valley View RV Park, "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office."
Water recreation: Several area campgrounds offer lake or river access. Bob Shelter Recreation Area provides river access below Saylorville Dam. "This is a lovely spot. We stayed at spot 20 which 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," notes one camper at Bob Shelter.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and showers. At Acorn Valley, "Bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day." Another camper noted, "Campsites are well kept and clean."
Spacious sites: Several RV parks feature well-designed layouts with adequate room between sites. At River Oaks RV Park, "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."
Natural surroundings: Wooded campsites provide shade during hot summer months. Jester County Park offers wooded sites with water views. One visitor described, "Our favorite spot to camp is 410 and 409. It's a secluded area within the 400s that is lined with trees on one side and a drop off into the Saylorville water circuit on the other."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many county parks close after Labor Day. "I tried to stay at Acorn Valley to find out it is closed after Labor Day," notes one camper. Check campground websites for current operating seasons.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report active wildlife, particularly after dark. At Acorn Valley, "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."
Site leveling requirements: Many RV parks in the area have gravel pads that may require adjustment. At Kellogg RV Park, "Level sites with full hookups" are available, but at other locations, "it looked like most campers had to use blocks."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer children's play areas. At Acorn Valley, one family noted, "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."
Entertainment options: Adventureland Campground provides camping adjacent to an amusement park. "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," reports one family.
Water features: Swimming options vary by location. Adventureland Campground provides a swimming pool, while Jester County Park offers lake access. "So quiet and peaceful down by the water. Beautiful scenery, great playground, friendly atmosphere," notes one Jester County Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: Several parks cater to travelers needing quick highway access. Kellogg RV Park offers "easy access from interstate 80" and some visitors note it's "a great place to take a break." One RVer mentioned, "We have a last minute change in plans so needed a place to stay for a couple of nights. Level sites with full hookups. Plenty of space to walk the dog."
Hookup configurations: RV camping near Bondurant offers various hookup arrangements. At Griffs Valley View RV Park, sites feature "spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/sewage hookups." River Oaks RV Park provides thoughtfully placed connections where "the electrical was near the back of the site."
Winter camping options: For year-round RV camping, several parks remain open during cold months. Kellogg RV Park operates "open year around" with "nice large sites and no need to unhook."
