Best Campgrounds near Coon Rapids, IA

Camping near Coon Rapids, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, 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: Enjoy fishing at Lake Anita State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "We loved staying there over the weekend... A big lake close by to fish which I'm guessing is the only thing to do here other than walk the trail."
• Wildlife Watching: Check out Prairie Flower Recreation Area for wildlife. One reviewer noted, "The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A review for Jester County Park stated, "Showers are hot every time; it’s a wonderful place to be."
• Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Cherry Glen Campground. One camper said, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday remarked, "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 Iowa Ledges State Park 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. One reviewer at Lake Anita State Park mentioned, "It was really busy when we did."
• No Showers at Some Campgrounds: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. A visitor at Bob Shetler Recreation Area pointed out, "It’s just an old basic campground... No showers."

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds Available: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. At Jester County Park, one camper said, "CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course, and nature center."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Prairie Rose State Park enjoyed, "Plenty of picnic spots and a playground in front of the beach."
• Choose a Secluded Spot: For a quieter experience, pick sites away from busy areas. A camper at Arrowhead Park Campground mentioned, "There were plenty of pit toilets around and they were very clean."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need water and sewer, check the campground features. A camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday appreciated, "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 Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near playgrounds. A reviewer at Bob Shetler Recreation Area mentioned, "The public parking lot is also just a few feet from a lot of the campsites so it gets loud."

Camping around Coon Rapids, IA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful getaway.