Several campgrounds provide camping sites near Des Moines, Iowa, with options typically open from April through November, though some remain available year-round. The area sits approximately 800-900 feet above sea level, with the Des Moines River valley creating varied terrain around the metropolitan area. Summer humidity can make shaded sites particularly valuable, while spring and fall campers should prepare for temperature swings that can range from 40°F at night to 80°F during the day.
What to do
Creek exploration: Thomas Mitchell County Park has a small creek running through the property where visitors can cool off. "Great place to go tent camping, very clean and quiet. Easy trails for the kids to go hiking and playing in the creek to cool off in the heat. There is even a pond for fishing that you can take a trail from the campsite to," reports a camper.
Bison viewing: Jester County Park offers wildlife viewing opportunities not commonly found in other Des Moines area campgrounds. One visitor noted, "Good fishing nice open areas and trails to explore. Lots of cool kid activities. Buffalo ranch near by which is cool as well as Pingora outdoor supply store near by where you can purchase firewood and other camp supplies."
Hiking: Bob Shelter Recreation Area connects to trails along the Des Moines River. A camper described their experience: "This is a lovely spot. We stayed at spot 20 which was extra wide, concrete pad with electric hook up. No water or sewer. Spot 20 is at the end which makes it very private with nice large grassy area adjacent to wooded area. It backs to the river below the spillway from the dam."
What campers like
River access: Yellow Banks County Park provides easy access to the Des Moines River. One reviewer shared, "The banks are amazing! River access and a pond to fish! Camped here my whole life. Boy scouts and with friends. Check out the burial grounds. Just wish there was more camping riverside."
Quiet setting: Walnut Woods State Park Campground offers a more secluded experience despite its proximity to suburban areas. A visitor commented, "This is a beautiful State Park on the southwest side of the Des Moines metro. It is hidden from most of suburbia but very close to shopping, movies, restaurants, and the Des Moines night life. It is also a perfect place to escape all of those things and enjoy the huge walnut trees, green grass, and trails."
Spacious sites: Prairie Flower Recreation Area has larger campsites with good separation. "Sites are large and there is plenty of space between sites. We had a concrete pad with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate. Most are back in sites, but once settled we had a gorgeous view of the lake and sunsets," according to one camper.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Timberline Campground fills quickly, especially during summer weekends. The campground operates April through November with 168 sites. One camper shares, "Great, safe, and quiet campground. Beautiful site on a pond, clean bath houses, cool weekend amenities, and since we came in October, pretty empty after Labor Day during the week."
Flooding concerns: Some campgrounds along the Des Moines River experience periodic flooding. A reviewer at Walnut Woods noted, "Always full. Floods with lots of rain but still great. No showers."
Noise levels: Certain campgrounds experience noise from nearby attractions or facilities. At Cherry Glen Campground, one camper observed, "the noise level is unbearable. dogs bark all night and day. no water or sewer electrical only."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many Des Moines area campgrounds feature playgrounds. At Thomas Mitchell County Park, a reviewer noted, "There is a fishing lake, playground, sand volleyball, and hiking. The main hiking trails are wide with smaller ones shooting off the sides."
Educational opportunities: The nature center at Jester County Park provides learning experiences. "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."
Water play options: Look for campgrounds with water features for hot days. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area, "The picnic area and campgrounds at Bob Shelter are all clustered together on the backside of the Dam at Saylorville Lake and are right next to the spillway. A long with the campgrounds there are quite a few picnic areas and shelters with playground equipment and plenty of space to run and play games with your kids."
Tips from RVers
Pad types: Griffs Valley View RV Park offers well-maintained concrete pads for easy setup. One RVer mentioned, "Sites are large with nicely manicured lawns. My only issue was that my hose was just barely long enough but that was my fault not the campgrounds."
Dump station planning: Allow extra time when departing Prairie Flower Recreation Area on weekends. A camper warned, "There's one dump station for a campground that is large is size and popularity. Trying to leave on Sunday is a good 1 hour wait... that's being generous!"
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round, though with limited amenities. An RVer at Walnut Woods noted, "Sites Available in December. Full service flat sites!!"
