Yellow Banks County Park offers electrical RV sites, tent camping areas, and cabin accommodations within a 30-minute drive of Carlisle, Iowa. The park features access to the Des Moines River and a fishing pond stocked with bluegill and largemouth bass. Most campgrounds in the Carlisle area remain open from April through October, with a few locations like Jester County Park offering limited year-round camping options including canvas tents and yurt structures.
What to do
Explore creek access points: Thomas Mitchell County Park spans 197 acres with designated stairs leading to creek areas. "There are electric and non electric sites available. The outer loop has a creek that flows behind the sites with large stairs to get down to it. Kids were having a blast in the water," notes Shannon G. from Thomas Mitchell County Park.
Visit wildlife viewing areas: Jester County Park includes designated areas for viewing native Iowa wildlife. "It has lots to offer. It's got access to trails and to the Des Moines river. It's a great little escape. There is a fishing pond that's got plenty of bluegill and largemouth bass," writes Willy W. about Yellow Banks County Park.
Attend stargazing events: Ashton Wildwood Park features an observatory open on Saturday evenings. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," shares a visitor from Ashton Wildwood Park.
Explore historical sites: Several covered bridges from the famous movie are accessible near Winterset City Park. "The campground is well maintained and has a camp host on site. The John Wayne museum and downtown are a 20 minute walk away," explains Rick D.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds near Carlisle offer sites with ample spacing. "Sites are gravel base and fairly level. The city park has a edge maze that is unique," notes Rick D. from Winterset City Park.
Affordable yurt camping: Timberline Campground offers yurt rentals as an alternative to traditional tent camping near Carlisle. "Great, safe, and quiet campground. Beautiful site on a pond, clean bath houses, cool weekend amenities," explains Paul C., who stayed at Timberline Campground for a month.
Lake access: Lake Ahquabi State Park provides water activities during warmer months. "They have a beautiful lake and a beach. The water has minimal seaweed and great temperature! They have rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, etc, for a decent price!" shares Jennifer M.
Trail variety: The trail systems range from easy to challenging. "The main hiking trails are wide with smaller ones shooting off the sides. There is also a group site that you can hike to on the Devote trail," notes Shannon G. about trails at Thomas Mitchell County Park.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Some rustic campgrounds require bringing your own water supply. "The bathroom at the campground doesn't have plumbing and no water available so make sure to bring plenty of water," cautions Willy W. about Ashton Wildwood Park.
Seasonal flooding impacts: Heavy rainfall can affect river access. "The local trail is paved and bike/walker/stroller friendly but due to recent flooding at the lake, it was also cut short until clean up could resume," notes Stacy M. from Cherry Glen Campground.
Tent site locations: At some parks, tent sites may require extra planning. "We stayed at site 4, glad I read reviews on here. I personally would not want to be in a site beyond number 7 as it gets too close to the dump station and subsequent 'sewage lagoon'," advises Ben K.
Observatory access: The Ashton Wildwood Park observatory operates on specific days. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable," notes a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Several parks offer safe water access for children. "Perfect weather last weekend and loved the little creek to splash around in with the dogs. Loads of rock stairways to enter and exit the creek throughout the park," shares Kimberly W.
Playground access: Many campgrounds include play equipment. "Campground is very green and shady. Many sites are creekside. Park has large playground area, hiking trails, fishing pond," notes Michelle H.
Rental equipment: Lake Ahquabi State Park offers water sports equipment for family activities. "They have a beautiful lake and a beach. They have rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, etc, for a decent price! The hiking trails are really nice," recommends Jennifer M.
Orienteering course: For educational activities, Ashton Wildwood offers unique learning opportunities. "There is also a orienteering course but you have to walk in the woods to finish it," explains Willy W.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose locations based on specific amenities needed. "We stayed at site 4, glad I read reviews on here. I personally would not want to be in a site beyond number 7 as it gets too close to the dump station," advises Ben K. about Thomas Mitchell County Park.
Online reservation systems: Many parks offer convenient booking options. "There are QR codes at each site that you can scan to quickly and easily do this on the spot. You can reserve online ahead of time as well," shares Reese W.
Weekend crowds: Plan arrival times strategically. "By Thurs night, it's full. Few reservables, 90% I'd say are first come," notes Kelly from Yellow Banks County Park about weekend availability.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full RV services. "It's one of the main campgrounds that service Saylorville Lake. I would suggest looking for camp sites on the back side of the western loops because they have views of the lake," recommends Matt S.
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