Best Campgrounds near Carlisle, IA

Camping options surrounding Carlisle, Iowa include multiple established campgrounds serving both tent and RV campers within a short drive. The area features Yellow Banks County Park with spacious campsites, access to the Des Moines River, and hiking trails leading to historic Indian burial mounds. Several campgrounds offer electrical hookups, water access, and amenities like shower facilities, while others provide more primitive experiences. Thomas Mitchell County Park stands out for offering cabin camping alongside traditional camping sites, providing options for those seeking shelter beyond tents or RVs.

Campground accessibility and amenities vary considerably by season, with many facilities operating from spring through fall. "I am here in November. Not many people here. The water has been turned off but the camping pads and the spacing between the campsites is amazing," noted one Yellow Banks visitor during the off-season. Most campgrounds in the region maintain operational schedules between April and October, with Lake Ahquabi State Park campground specifically open April 1 through December 31. Full hookup availability differs between locations, with several parks offering electric, water, and sewer connections for RVs. Weather conditions impact camping comfort, with central Iowa experiencing hot, humid summers and potentially cold spring and fall nights.

The camping experience near Carlisle benefits from proximity to water features and well-maintained facilities. At Yellow Banks County Park, campers appreciate the generous site spacing and natural surroundings. One visitor described it as having "large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table. Cost per night is low. Firewood available and camp host was a wonderful older gentleman." The park includes fishing opportunities at both the pond and river. Many campgrounds in the area balance relative proximity to Des Moines with a natural setting, providing urban residents convenient access to outdoor recreation. Campers should note that weekends typically see higher occupancy rates, particularly during summer months when sites at popular locations fill quickly.

Best Camping Sites Near Carlisle, Iowa (109)

    1. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    3 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."

    2. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

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

    $23 - $25 / 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. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    12 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."

    4. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 967-4889

    "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."

    "The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time."

    5. Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    10 Reviews
    Swan, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-6169

    "Each of the 10 campsites are spacious and plenty of distance between. Nice quick trails with wildlife. The park is well maintained and well priced!"

    "You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail."

    6. Adventureland Campground

    10 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 265-7384

    "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."

    7. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Indianola, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-7101

    $20 - $25 / night

    "We entered the park looking for a walk-up spot and landed on Site 67 which was not reserved. The site was spacious with a big tree with good shade and cover if needed."

    "The beach, and park were very far away from the camping area. A suggestion of a bagger for their lawn mower for all the cut grass. The lake by the boat landing was nice and so were the trails."

    8. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    16 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."

    9. Iowa State Fairgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 262-3111

    "The Iowa State Fair is the best fair in the world with more than a million visitors every year! There is something for everyone in the family."

    "I always loved going here when I lived in Iowa! The State Fair was a blast! Being able to actually stay there made it that much better!!"

    10. Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 262-3111

    "Wonderfull Surroundings ,People and Experiences."

    "Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds. There are hundreds of sites here."

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Recent Reviews near Carlisle, IA

493 Reviews of 109 Carlisle Campgrounds


  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Lenon Mill Park

    Lennon Mills

    Quaint campground situated alongside a dam. Fishing is legal and there were quite a few around while I was there. Besides me, there was one other camper. Three tent sites, the rest are for RVs.

    Each site had a picnic table and fire ring. There was a swing set, shelter, modern bathroom (big enough to fit your bike in), water hydrant, and a few access points to the water.

    Two blocks down, you'll find a historic village. Tickets are only $2 per adult. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to browse because they didn't open until 10.

    Self-check in is well marked with the gigantic yellow tube. They promised WiFi but I was able to attend a meeting in my tent without it (T-Mobile).

    If you wander into town, the market has firewood for $5/bundle, as well as other essentials you can cart back to the site with you.

  • 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.


Guide to Carlisle

Camping near Carlisle, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, you can rent boats and kayaks. A reviewer noted, "The lake is pretty, it's right there at the campground. Boat, kayak and canoe rentals seemed reasonable."
  • Family Activities: Jester County Park has playgrounds and trails. One visitor shared, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing with airsoft ranges and hiking."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Prairie Flower Recreation Area. A reviewer said, "The bathrooms were exceptionally clean; they were cleaned twice daily."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Cherry Glen Campground. One camper remarked, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a visitor said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be aware that some campgrounds, like Iowa Ledges State Park, have poor cell coverage. One camper noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in the summer. A reviewer from Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground area is clean, but the RV section was nearly full."
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. For instance, Bob Shelter Recreation Area does not offer showers, as noted by a visitor who said, "I didn’t use the bathroom/shower house, but I walked into one to check it out and it was outdated."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Playgrounds: Look for spots like Jester County Park that have playgrounds. A family shared, "The campground has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course, and nature center."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Found a great trail to hike, also the opportunity to rent a boat or paddleboard."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Pizza on site is excellent and you can order it ahead for your arrival."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check campgrounds like Des Moines West KOA Holiday that offer them. A visitor mentioned, "Sites are paved and mostly level, although we did have to throw a couple of blocks under one side of our TT tires."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can fill up quickly. A camper at Iowa Ledges State Park said, "The campground was large but the DNR was helpful when finding our spot."

Camping near Carlisle, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Carlisle, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carlisle, IA is Yellow Banks County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

What parks are near Carlisle, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Carlisle, IA that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock.