Best Camping near Coon Rapids, IA

Searching for the best camping near Coon Rapids, IA? Coon Rapids is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Coon Rapids, IA (79)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park Campground

    1. Lake Anita State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    84 Photos
    102 Saves
    Anita, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground

    2. Ledges State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    57 Photos
    204 Saves
    Boone, Iowa

    Millions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape.

    The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park

    4. Spring Lake County Park

    9 Reviews
    9 Photos
    31 Saves
    Jefferson, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    5. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    22 Reviews
    33 Photos
    43 Saves
    Earlham, Iowa

    We are very excited to provide you and your family a memorable Iowa camping experience at the best rated Des Moines RV Park & Campground. If it's been years since you've camped at Des Moines West KOA, make it a point to stop back in to see all the new and exciting improvements, including 2 Dog Parks, Huge Jumping Pillow, Jump Shot (Trampoline Basketball), Water Wars, Paddle Boats, Organized Weekend Activities, Ladder Ball, Horseshoes, & Hunt Brother's Pizza & Wings. We promise you'll be pleasantly surprised. The park is nestled 1.5 miles north of I-80, off exit 106, amongst beautiful Iowa farm fields, in a peaceful rural setting, where the only thing you'll hear are the songbirds singing!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Rose State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Rose State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Rose State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Rose State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Rose State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    6. Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    86 Photos
    93 Saves
    Harlan, Iowa

    Stay overnight in one of two camping cabins or at the East and West campgrounds at Prairie Rose. Each cabin is equipped with heating and air conditioning, a microwave, a small refrigerator, table and chairs, two twin-over-full-sized bunk beds, a picnic table, grill and fire ring. The East Campground contains electric and full hook-up sites with a modern shower and restroom. The West Campground contains electric and non-electric sites. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance cabin and campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Prairie Rose State Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $11 - $14 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park

    7. Adair City Park

    8 Reviews
    37 Photos
    18 Saves
    Anita, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $6 - $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park

    9. Jester County Park

    27 Reviews
    45 Photos
    97 Saves
    Granger, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
Showing results 1-10 of 79 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Coon Rapids

Recent Reviews In Coon Rapids

276 Reviews of 79 Coon Rapids Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
    September 25, 2024

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Cheap and easy to get to from the highway

    This is a no-frills stop off on a road trip kind of place. The bathrooms were pretty gross and there are lights on all night so hopefully you have a blackout tent or good shades on your RV. It's nothing to write home about but it was quiet and I slept well. I would stay again

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
    September 22, 2024

    Sportsman Park

    JJSploit

    This piece of writing is certain to attract the interest of readers from a wide variety of backgrounds due to the abundance of insightful content and topics that are pertinent to the topic at hand. JJSploit Official

  • Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    July 31, 2024

    Adair City Park

    Awesome little campsites!

    $15 full power / $6 tents / $5 dump only. They have 110 power as well as regular hookups. Playground, tennis / pickleball courts, little zip line, and covered picnic area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Campground
    July 9, 2024

    Beaver Lake Campground

    Simple for overnight

    This campground is on the side of a lake. You hear beavers at night, see rabbits are on the sides of the lot. We came late around 8pm and the owner helped us fill the form and pick our spot. The only drawback are the restrooms which were ok but smelly.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    May 23, 2024

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    Nice modern KOA

    Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs and also tent campers. Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade. Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available. Convenient to John Wayne’s birthplace and covered bridges of Madison County. Bulk propane tanks were on site for winter campers. Camper cabins available. Small store with Hunt Brothers pizza to order. Gathering room on site and pedal car racetrack. Verizon cell signal was good. Garbage dumpster and dump station on site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from University 40
    May 17, 2024

    University 40

    difficult tas

    You have no idea how helpful you've been. Writing an essay is the most difficult task for me. And I have to pay for essay to keep my grades up. And thanks to your examples and professional help I will be able to write even better.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    April 13, 2024

    Jester County Park

    camping

    we love it here people are great price is Right Showers are hot every time it a WOnderfull place •to be .

  • Camper-submitted photo from Swede Point Park
    April 8, 2024

    Swede Point Park

    Great little gem

    Great little hideaway of a campground, very reasonably priced and clean , fresh drinking water with dump stations and hot water showers and modern toilet facilities,

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
    March 2, 2024

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Overnight or Long Term

    We have been coming to this campground every year. They have recently open during the winter which is great because not many campground are open during this time. Steve is such a great guy who is always looking out for you.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Swan Lake State Park Campground
    October 21, 2023

    Swan Lake State Park Campground

    Perfect

    Tented camped in late October, the weekend before closing.  I was only tent camper in the electric only sites.  If there was a tent only location, I didn't see it.  Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites.

    Beautiful park with playgrounds, swim beach, fisbee golf, paved trail, many fishing bars, and more.  

    Electric only sites are small and spaced out well.  Most have level drive perfect for sm camper or suv camping. Grass has slope, but I think you can find a good enough place for tent, I did.  Bathroom clean enough, I didn't use showers. I enjoyed the privacy of lake-front site J.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Swede Point Park
    October 1, 2023

    Swede Point Park

    Nice Quiet place to spend the weekend

    Great place to stay. Just a few minutes drive to High Trestle Bridge and right off the river. People were accommodating and friendly. Right between Madrid and Woodward with small town conveniences…

  • Camper-submitted photo from Botna Bend County Park
    September 21, 2023

    Botna Bend County Park

    Another great Iowa county park

    Iowa has many great county parks, and this one is no exception. There are three campgrounds in the park. The South campground, Middle campground, and North campground.

    The South campground is closed for renovations. I read they are adding full hookups to this campground. The Verizon signal at this campground is usable for calls& text, but internet speeds are slow. Streaming will probably work but a video call will probably not. 

    The middle campground has nice level spots, and a nice shower house with warm water. There are 4 individual bathrooms, each with a shower. This campground had about the same Verizon signal as the South campground- good enough for calls and texting.

    The North campground has grass sites with more space between them than at the other two campgrounds. This North campground does not have a shower house, but it has a two room bathroom with running water. The Verizon signal at this campground is a strong 5G signal with great speeds. I also tested T-mobile and AT&T at this campground, and they were plenty usable but no where near as fast as Verizon.

    There is a meat shop and a sports bar restaurant within walking distance from the park. The walk within the park is a long walk. From the North campground to the registration box at the entrance is about 1 mile.

    While at the park I saw deer, raccoons, turkeys, and a 4 inch caterpillar crossing the road. There are also bison and elk in a fenced in area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
    September 6, 2023

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Super easy I80 stop

    We made a one night stop as we traversed I80. Clean with shaded park like area. Electric, water and sewer available. Bathroom and shower were clean. But old style, so small and well worn.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    August 17, 2023

    Adair City Park

    Great overnight spot

    Park was clean and close to highway. Husband said bathrooms were clean enough. Didn't use the showers. Arrived around 10pm on a Tuesday and there were 3 spots left. Not all spots could accommodate big rigs. About 8 sites total with electric and water hookups. $15/night for RVs and $6 for tents. Drop box and dump station by the bathrooms. Police rolled through shortly after we arrived. Safe area now but marker says this is the site of Jesse James first train robbery in July 1873. Would definitely come back if passing through.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Swede Point Park
    August 5, 2023

    Swede Point Park

    Quite and friendly

    It’s very quite here and the few guests that are here are friendly, has a water full hydrant to refill water jugs and bathroom is full and functioning with hot showers and electricity very clean and very nice

  • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    July 27, 2023

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    One of our favorites !

    Have stayed here several times, one of our grandkids favorite KOA's. Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
    July 26, 2023

    Sportsman Park

    Awesome

    Great camping sites! Can’t beat the price. Showers and toilets that were clean. Very peaceful. Best place we camped from Michigan to Washington!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Botna Bend County Park
    July 24, 2023

    Botna Bend County Park

    Great Campsite

    Good facilities (flushing toilets, good shower, spigot for drinking water). Spacious and shady tent area. Quiet and peaceful. Friendly and helpful campground staff. Overall, a great campground

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park Campground
    July 24, 2023

    Lake Anita State Park Campground

    Great Campsite and Location

    Great location, good facilities (shower, spigot with drinking water, restroom with flush toilets). Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass. A bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening). Overall a good place to stay

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    July 24, 2023

    Lenon Mill Park

    Good Campsite but expensive compared to other similar sites

    I’ve maked this down to 3 stars purely on the basis of the fee - it’s a $20 flat fee whether in an RV with a hookup, or a tent with no hookup, and for that, you get a restroom and a spigot with drinking water, but no shower. Apart from that, the location is quiet and peaceful. Lots of space in the tent area, with some shade and soft grass. Close to town, with restaurants and a grocery store.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Schildberg Recreation Area
    July 23, 2023

    Schildberg Recreation Area

    Hidden gem

    The trees at the campsites aren't mature enough for shade, but the ponds and trails more than make up for that. Full hookups, shower house and huge dog park are also onsite making this a Cass County hidden gem. Camp host is great and and you're close to old downtown.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    July 18, 2023

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    Unbelievable !

    Stayed here for five nights attending a family reunion. First time staying at a koa and it was awesome. From the site service firewood and food delivery, to the location and people who stopped here in their travels. I will definitely stay at a KOA again!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Swede Point Park
    July 17, 2023

    Swede Point Park

    Nice and quiet

    Very quiet and nice neighbors camping next store , fresh water well on pump next to our campsite number #1 electric and non electric site’s ,electric sites run $18 a night non electric $11 a night , has very clean bath house with toilets and hot water for showering

  • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    July 4, 2023

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    Very laid back

    QUIETEST KOA IN AMERICA. no hiway no traintracks or airport! Well kept.. bathrooms are a little scarce and WET.. but very nice little campground and VERY friendly staff.



Guide to Coon Rapids

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Coon Rapids, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Coon Rapids, IA is Lake Anita State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.

  • What parks are near Coon Rapids, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Coon Rapids, IA that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock.