115 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Des Moines, Iowa features several established campgrounds within a short drive of the metropolitan area. Yellow Banks County Park, located along the Des Moines River, provides both RV sites with full hookups and primitive tent camping areas. Jester County Park, Thomas Mitchell County Park, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds offer additional camping options ranging from standard tent sites to RV spots with electric, water, and sewer connections. Many campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with a handful also offering cabin rentals or glamping options for those seeking more comfort.
Camping is available year-round at several locations including Yellow Banks County Park, Walnut Woods State Park, and Timberline Campground, though amenities may be limited during winter months. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and special events. The Iowa State Fairgrounds campground becomes particularly busy during the annual fair in August. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of electrical and water hookups. Many locations offer shower facilities and restrooms, though some close these during colder months. A visitor noted, "The campgrounds are beautiful, they have two different electric sites and they have a newly furnished tent site."
Campers frequently mention the spaciousness of sites at Yellow Banks County Park, with one review highlighting "large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table." Several parks provide access to recreational opportunities, including fishing ponds, river access for boating or kayaking, and hiking trails. Yellow Banks features trails leading to Native American burial mounds, adding historical interest to the outdoor experience. Timberline Campground, with 168 sites operating from April through November, receives high ratings for its facilities. Proximity to Des Moines makes these campgrounds convenient for both weekend getaways and longer stays, with most locations situated within a 30-minute drive of downtown. A camper commented about Yellow Banks, "Nice quiet campground with the Des Moines river close by for fishing or kayaking. Most of the spots are shaded and well maintained."
"Nice quiet campground with the Des Moines river close by for fishing or kayaking. Most of the spots are shaded and well maintained. The backpacking area is very nice as well."
"It’s got access to trails and to the Des Moines river. It’s a great little escape. There is a fishing pond that’s got plenty of bluegill and largemouth bass."
"Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."
"The Des Moines area has a fairly large camping population - because of this, reservations are usually necessary. The area does not have a ton of shade - so be weary in the middle of summer."
from $22 - $26 / night
Check Availability"We checked out the camping situation for our next visit to Des Moines and decided a park a bit further away was worth a more secluded camping experience."
"Walnut Woods is conveniently located 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines. Sites are paved and mostly level, although we did have to throw a couple of blocks under one side of our TT tires."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Stayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines. We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical. The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice. "
"A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Has a cute pond and is adjacent to a bike and running trail. The main lodge has very clean restrooms and showers with hot water! Recommended"
"There is also a very nice bike trail right outside the park."
from $35 - $90 / night
Check Availability"This campground is connected to regional bike trails that will take all the way to Des Moines and suburbs."
"This campground is a hot spot for Des Moines to escape the weekend - with that said, reservations are a must! Most times you need to Make them six months out."
from $20 - $336 / night
Check Availability"Been camping here every summer for about 3 years as pass thru Iowa."
"Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."
from $24 - $26 / night
Check Availability"With a theme park on one side and a casino on the other, both in walking distance. It’s more of a park and party place hahaha"
"Short walk to the amusement park. We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park. They also have workcamper programs."
"The Iowa State Fair is the best fair in the world with more than a million visitors every year! There is something for everyone in the family."
"I always loved going here when I lived in Iowa! The State Fair was a blast! Being able to actually stay there made it that much better!!"
"Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."
"This is a sweet well-maintained campground just south of Mitchellville, Iowa off of 80. Not many sites and only a handful were occupied mid week in July."
TravelerBeen camping here every summer for about 3 years as pass thru Iowa. Sites spaced nicely apart, is electric only, but have water at entrance, and also thru out the park so can fill fresh tank upon entrance and many place inside campground. Lots of trees, but also many sunny sites here. Bathrooms are always clean
TravelerThe first time I was here it was for a get together we call no kids weekend it's cheap especially since you have showers electricity
TravelerGreat place especially if you know people around love the fact u can have electricity with your tent and they have showers
GuideWe came in really late on a Saturday night and were the only ones here. Cons: women’s bathroom was inoperable and men’s was locked; sites aren’t numbered or differentiated that I could tell at 2am. Pros: green & shady in places, nice park, lots of grass. Parked under two shady trees in what I thought was a spot, paid the $10 and slept in the car as usual.
RangerThis is a sweet well-maintained campground just south of Mitchellville, Iowa off of 80. Not many sites and only a handful were occupied mid week in July. There is a little stream running along the edge of the campground. There is one bathroom building with 6 separate rooms - each with a toilet, sink and shower with warm water. Plenty of drinking water at centralized locations. There is shade at most sites when you first enter the campground and in the loop. Along the edges (inc the stream) shade is more variable. The only issue we had was a bright light that was on all night near the end of the loop. We were in site 5 and had to move our truck so it didn’t shine in all night.
GuideLevel sites and very quiet. Great hiking location and photo opportunities.
GuideStaying here for a night on a roadtrip. It was easy to book last minute and wasn’t too expensive. Especially given it has electric hook up at each sight (I believe).
RangerThere’s not a lot going on in the vicinity of this state park, which is on the smaller side, and you will hear some cows, but all in all the campground exceeded my expectations for the two nights I stayed. This was partially because my site, 65, offered ample room away from the neighboring sites and backed up to a small green area with the road further back (minimal noise, aside from the random loud dirt bike). It also had a good mix of shade and sun if you’re hoping for a bit of solar charging, though no shore power or water. The site was long and mostly level with just the smallest tilt, but not enough to be a bother even without leveling blocks. The dumpster is nearby, but it’s a tiny one and was well maintained (aka not smelly). The brand new shower house was within easy walking distance as well. I had enough service (Verizon) to send texts and watch a bit of YouTube (buffering times were a smidge slow), but you likely wouldn’t have a strong enough signal for much more.
RangerQuite a nice campground. Pretty busy for a Monday so I can imagine it gets busy here. Sites are nice and spacious. Great amenities and right next to the water.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
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!!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Des Moines, Iowa?
Des Moines offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Ledges State Park Campground is a favorite spot featuring picnic areas, restrooms, and excellent hiking trails through dramatic sandstone formations. For a tranquil experience close to city amenities, Walnut Woods State Park Campground on the southwest side of Des Moines provides a peaceful escape under huge walnut trees while remaining conveniently close to shopping and restaurants. Other noteworthy options include Springbrook State Park (remote yet accessible from Des Moines), Timberline Campground (ideal for travelers passing through), and Nations Bridge Park (green, clean, and featuring frisbee golf). Each offers unique amenities from modern bathhouses to hiking trails, accommodating both tent and RV campers.
How much does camping cost in Des Moines?
Camping costs around Des Moines are generally affordable. At Springbrook State Park Campground, expect to pay around $11-16 per night for non-electric sites and $16-21 for electric sites. More luxurious options like Timberline Campground, which offers excellent facilities in a tranquil location, will cost more for their premium amenities and convenient access to Des Moines. County parks like Thomas Mitchell and Grant Park typically offer more budget-friendly rates, often between $10-20 per night. Some parks also offer discounts for Iowa residents or seniors. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though reservation systems are becoming more common, especially during peak season. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles, dump stations, or specialized amenities.
What river camping options are available near Des Moines?
The Des Moines River offers several excellent camping opportunities. Yellow Banks County Park provides quiet, shaded campsites with direct access to the Des Moines River for fishing and kayaking. The park is well-maintained and includes backpacking areas for more adventurous campers. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground sits next to the Des Moines River with convenient check-in procedures near fill and dump stations, making it ideal for RVers. The peaceful riverside location offers great fishing opportunities while remaining close enough to the city for easy supply runs. Don Williams Park also provides camping with kayaking access to both the park's lake and the nearby Des Moines River. These river campgrounds combine natural settings with the practical advantage of proximity to urban amenities.
When is the best season for camping around Des Moines?
Late spring through early fall (May to October) provides the best camping weather around Des Moines. Pammel County Park is particularly beautiful during this period, with trails showcasing varied terrain and pleasant forests. Summer offers warm temperatures ideal for water activities, though humidity can peak in July and August. For a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds, consider Lenon Mill Park in September when temperatures moderate but amenities remain accessible. Fall camping brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities, especially in wooded areas like Walnut Woods State Park. While winter camping is possible at parks like Grant Park, which remains accessible year-round, facilities are limited and proper cold-weather gear is essential. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with water systems typically winterized from November through April.
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