RV camping near Clive, Iowa offers access to a variety of campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, with accommodations ranging from open meadows to tree-lined sites. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 800-900 feet, with mild summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping options exist but are limited as several campgrounds close from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Jester County Park offers multiple fishing spots including a stocked pond and access to Saylorville Lake. "There is a really nice pond for fishing that has some bluegills. The water is very clean," notes one visitor at a nearby campground. Another camper adds, "Good fishing nice open areas and trails to explore."
Biking trails: Griffs Valley View RV Park connects to the 25-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail. "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office," shares Anthony W. The trail provides a scenic route through rural Iowa landscapes.
Casino entertainment: Several campgrounds offer easy access to gambling and entertainment. "If you are here to gamble, you will love it. If you are here to rest, you will love it," explains a camper at Lakeside Casino RV Park. The proximity to entertainment venues makes these campgrounds popular for travelers seeking nightlife.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground receives praise for its maintenance. "The campgrounds are clean and well managed with modern bathrooms and showers," writes Matt S. Another camper adds, "Very nice campground. Site 67BSHM had electric. Park had water available to fill fresh tanks, showers, flush toilets and dump station."
Easy highway access: Kellogg RV Park offers convenient overnight stops for travelers. "Very convenient to I-80, well-laid out," notes one reviewer. Another states, "Open year around. Nice large sites and no need to unhook. Clean rv park with easy access to 1-80."
Level camping sites: Many campers appreciate the concrete pads at several parks. "Sites are level and well marked. The property is kept up nicely," shares Paula O. Another review mentions, "Spots are level with great grass areas for each. Some shaded sites available."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Summer months require planning ahead, particularly at popular parks. "The voicemail said it was fully booked from May until September. Good thing we got through because they found us a site for the night," shares Mike M. about his experience at Griffs Valley View.
Noise considerations: Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures has mixed reviews regarding highway noise. "We looked at the other reviews and it talked about it being so close to the freeway, but we didn't hear a sound. It was really in a good perimeter of trees," reports Lee D. However, another camper notes, "You could literally throw a rock from the entrance and hit a passing semi."
Wi-Fi availability: Internet connectivity varies between campgrounds. "There is no WII-Fii so bring your own," mentions Tim H. about one park. Meanwhile, at River Oaks RV Park, a camper reports, "Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Des Moines West KOA Holiday offers numerous activities for children. "Decent playground, water pillow for bouncing, fishing pond, dog park, swimming pool. Well maintained, lots of planned activities," describes Mia L. Another visitor adds, "They have a ton of fun amenities for kids such as a pool, dunk tank, gem mining, ladder golf, horseshoes, jumping pillow, water balloon wars, basketball and more."
Organized activities: Many campgrounds host special events during summer weekends. "There are many organized weekend activities for families," notes one camper. These often include holiday celebrations, with one visitor sharing, "We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pools during summer months. "Pool was nice, and also had a few arcade games in the pool house," reports a visitor to Adventureland Campground. However, seasonal closures can affect availability, as one camper notes, "When making reservations we were told it had a pool. They did not tell us it closed for the year the day we started our week's stay."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Adventureland Campground receives mixed reviews on site size. "Concrete pads with full hook ups (30/50 amp, water and sewage) make setting up quick," notes Anthony W. However, another camper cautions, "Spaces are fairly close together, not much privacy."
Leveling needs: Prepare to level your rig at several area campgrounds. "Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks," advises Jim C. from River Oaks RV Park. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most campgrounds in the area.
Extended stay options: Some parks accommodate longer visits. "I stayed at Griffs for two months in autumn while working in Altoona," shares one RVer. At River Oaks, a camper notes the thoughtful hookup layout: "Nice size campground, 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."
