Best Camping near Des Moines, IA

Best Camping Sites Near Des Moines, IA (106)

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   Jester County Park

   27 Reviews

   45 Photos

   97 Saves

   Granger, Iowa

   Welcome to Jester County Park, a gem for campers looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. This place has got it all, from hot showers to electric hookups, making it a comfortable spot for both tent and RV campers. You can even bring your pets along, and yes, you can enjoy a cold beer by the campfire since alcohol is allowed.

   The park is packed with activities to keep everyone entertained. There are hiking trails, a large playground for the kids, and even an equestrian center if you're into horseback riding. For those who love a bit of sport, there's a golf course and an archery range. In the winter, you can try your hand at snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. And if you're into wildlife, the nature center with bison and elk is a must-see.

   Located near Granger, IA, Jester County Park is just a short drive from the city of Ankeny, making it convenient for a quick getaway. The campground itself is nestled on the north end of Saylorville Reservoir, offering some beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. Some sites are shaded by numerous trees, providing a cool retreat during the hot summer months.

   Visitors have praised the park for its clean facilities and friendly atmosphere. The sites are spacious, with picnic tables and fire rings, and there's even a market on-site for any last-minute supplies. Whether you're here for a weekend or a couple of weeks, Jester County Park offers a fantastic camping experience with plenty to see and do.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • RVs

   $20 - $25 / night

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   Yellow Banks County Park

   14 Reviews

   36 Photos

   96 Saves

   Pleasant Hill, Iowa

   Welcome to Yellow Banks County Park, nestled near Des Moines, IA. This spot is a favorite among campers for its spacious sites and friendly atmosphere. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, you'll find plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the great outdoors.

   One of the standout features here is the warm showers—perfect after a day of exploring. The campground also offers electric hookups, making it a convenient choice for RV travelers. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

   Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the access to the Des Moines River and a nearby pond, which is home to bluegill and largemouth bass. If you're into hiking, the park boasts some wonderful trails that wind through the scenic landscape. And for those who enjoy a good campfire, firewood is available on-site.

   Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the campground and the friendliness of the camp hosts. The sites are either paved or gravel, making them accessible even for motorcycles. Plus, the proximity to the state fairgrounds is a bonus if you're planning to visit during fair season.

   Overall, Yellow Banks County Park offers a relaxing and enjoyable camping experience with plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. Whether you're here for the fishing, hiking, or just to unwind, this park has something for everyone.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   Ledges State Park Campground

   39 Reviews

   57 Photos

   197 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

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   Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

   15 Reviews

   71 Photos

   50 Saves

   Johnston, Iowa

   Overview

   Bob Shetler Recreation Area is located in the tailwater area below the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.

   Recreation

   Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

   Facilities

   Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

   Natural Features

   Large shade trees dot the open grassy areas of the campground, which offers excellent views of the Des Moines River. Most campsites are within easy walking distance of the shore. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents

   $24 / night

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   Prairie Flower Recreation Area

   15 Reviews

   44 Photos

   59 Saves

   Polk City, Iowa

   Overview

   Prairie Flower Recreation Area is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.

   Recreation

   Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

   Facilities

   Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

   Natural Features

   Iowa's prairie heritage is celebrated in more than 40 acres of prairie plantings throughout the campground. The wide variety of grass and flowers provides vivid colors from mid-summer to fall. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents

   $24 / night

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   Walnut Woods State Park Campground

   14 Reviews

   63 Photos

   91 Saves

   West Des Moines, Iowa

   Welcome to Walnut Woods State Park Campground, nestled near West Des Moines, IA. This spot is a favorite for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without straying too far from urban conveniences. The campground is open year-round and offers a peaceful, wooded setting with plenty of shade, making it a great retreat in any season.

   The campground features paved, mostly level sites, though you might need a few leveling blocks for your RV. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for those evening campfires. Some sites also offer water and sewer hookups, while all have 20/30/50 amp electric service. The amenities here are basic but well-maintained, including clean modern bathrooms, potable water, and a dump station.

   For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails nearby that follow along the Raccoon River, offering scenic views and a chance to stretch your legs. Just be prepared for muddy conditions if it’s been raining. Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash.

   Visitors have noted that the sites are a bit close together, so you might get to know your neighbors a bit better than you planned. However, the overall atmosphere is friendly and laid-back. The park is also big-rig friendly, so feel free to bring your larger RVs.

   If you’re looking for a convenient, peaceful spot near Des Moines with basic amenities and a natural setting, Walnut Woods State Park Campground is a solid choice. Just watch out for those mosquitoes in the summer!

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   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
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   Cherry Glen Campground

   13 Reviews

   34 Photos

   33 Saves

   Johnston, Iowa

   Overview

   Cherry Glen Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.

   Recreation

   Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

   Facilities

   Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

   Natural Features

   Cherry Glen, the oldest and most popular campground on the lake, is nestled on a compact 13-acre wooded ridge. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents

   $26 / night

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   Timberline Campground

   12 Reviews

   6 Photos

   38 Saves

   West Des Moines, Iowa

   Timberline Campground is nestled on the outskirts of Waukee, Iowa, which is located just a few miles west of West Des Moines. It is conveniently situated one and a half miles away from Interstate 80, but your ears won’t be able to tell.

   From the shady campsites to the immaculate facilities, Timberline Campground continues to delight its guests time and time again. Let your hosts show you how Timberline Campground provides country camping with city convenience! ​

   Timberline is private property, not public property, and shall not be used as public property. Check in at the office and register all guests and planned activities.

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

   $35 - $80 / night

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    Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews

    57 Photos

    56 Saves

    Mitchellville, Iowa

    Thomas Mitchell County Park, nestled near Mitchellville, IA, is a gem for campers looking for a peaceful retreat with plenty of amenities. This campground operates from April 1 to November 1 and offers a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations.

    One of the standout features here is the clean and well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities. Visitors have consistently praised the cleanliness, making it a comfortable spot for families and solo travelers alike. The campground also provides electric hookups, drinking water, and a sanitary dump, ensuring a hassle-free stay for RV campers.

    For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the park has a lot to offer. There's a creek running behind some of the outer loop sites, perfect for kids to splash around in. The park also boasts a fishing lake, a playground, sand volleyball, and several hiking trails. The main trails are wide and well-marked, with smaller paths branching off for those who like to explore a bit more.

    Campers have noted the convenience of reserving sites online, with QR codes available at each site for easy on-the-spot reservations. The camp hosts are friendly and helpful, often delivering firewood directly to your site.

    If you're looking for a quiet, clean, and well-equipped campground near Mitchellville, Thomas Mitchell County Park is a solid choice. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or just passing through in a van, this park offers a relaxing escape with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

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