Best Campgrounds near Cumming, IA
Cumming, Iowa provides several established camping options within a 30-minute drive of Des Moines. The area features a mix of state and county parks with various accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Notable locations include Walnut Woods State Park Campground with its shaded sites along the Raccoon River, and Timberline Campground offering 168 developed sites with amenities such as a swimming pool and playground. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations like Des Moines West KOA Holiday and Jester County Park also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.
Seasonal availability varies across campgrounds in the Cumming area, with many facilities operating from spring through fall. Most developed sites provide electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, while amenities such as showers, restrooms, and dump stations differ between locations. Concrete pads are common at campgrounds like Walnut Woods, though pad sizes can vary significantly. Water access is a highlight at several parks, with boat ramps available at Prairie Flower Recreation Area, Cherry Glen Campground, and Yellow Banks County Park. "Sites were pretty level, sizable that our 43' motorhome and tow fit without unhooking," noted one camper about Timberline Campground.
Campers frequently mention the convenient proximity to Des Moines while still enjoying natural surroundings. The wooded setting at Walnut Woods State Park provides welcome shade during summer months, though several visitors note that sites are generally close together with limited privacy. According to one visitor, "Walnut Woods is conveniently located 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines. Sites are paved and mostly level." The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal patterns with humid summers and cold winters. Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours and maintain clean facilities, contributing to positive experiences. Water activities are popular, particularly along the Raccoon River, though some campers mention potential flooding issues at certain locations during heavy rainfall periods.
