Best Campgrounds near Clive, IA

Are you in need of a campground near Clive, IA? Clive is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Clive and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Clive, Iowa (107)

    1. Jester County Park

    29 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    11 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"

    "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."

    2. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    5 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."

    3. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    6 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."

    4. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    8 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."

    5. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    11 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."

    6. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    10 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. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    22 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    16 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."

    8. 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 ;) )."

    9. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    15 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. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    17 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 107 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Clive, IA

494 Reviews of 107 Clive Campgrounds



Guide to Clive

Camping near Clive, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape the city.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the beautiful trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor noted, “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 camper shared, “Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities. Campground has some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites.”
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Families can enjoy the playgrounds at Jester County Park. One reviewer mentioned, “The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Anita State Park Campground said, “Clean latrines and park all around. A lot of timid wildlife.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A review for Yellow Banks County Park highlighted, “Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, one guest 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 prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Ledges State Park Campground 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 visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The RV section of the campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hookup section had lots of space.”
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance. A reviewer at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, “You must reserve these sites in advance.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for sites that have playgrounds or family-friendly activities. At Jester County Park, one camper said, “Campgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges snowshoeing equestrians and cross-country skiing.”
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings smoother. A visitor at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground mentioned, “The lake is beautiful and the path around it is in great shape!”
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respecting quiet hours is essential for a good experience. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area noted, “Everyone was welcome. No one was loud or anything.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground said, “The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you prefer convenience, find campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday appreciated, “Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade.”
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Be aware of dump station locations. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “Park management was fine with changing campsite.”

Camping near Clive, Iowa, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Clive, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clive, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 29 reviews.

What parks are near Clive, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Clive, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.