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Best Campgrounds near Des Moines, IA

517 Reviews

Des Moines has several good camping options nearby. Ledges State Park Campground sits about 33 miles from the city with nice trails and water features. You can choose between electric and non-electric sites depending on what you need. Lake Anita State Park Campground is good for fishing and boating, and comes with modern restrooms, showers, a playground, and picnic areas that work well for families. Watch for fire restrictions during dry periods and check if you need permits before you go. It's smart to book ahead for places like Prairie Flower Recreation Area since they fill up fast in busy seasons. Yellow Banks County Park is just 7 miles from Des Moines with access to trails and the Des Moines River—a quick escape with basic restrooms and water available. Walnut Woods State Park Campground offers quieter, shaded camping spots for a more basic experience. Remember to follow the stay limits and take your trash with you when you leave. The Des Moines area has camping spots that work for short trips or longer stays with different levels of amenities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Des Moines, Iowa (109)

    1. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 266-1563

    "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."

    2. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 285-4502

    $25 - $38 / night

    "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."

    3. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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"

    4. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $22 - $26 / night

    "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."

    5. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    9 miles
    Website

    $35 - $90 / night

    "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."

    6. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "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."

    7. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "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."

    "Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."

    8. Adventureland Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 265-7384

    "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."

    9. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 987-1714

    $35 - $80 / night

    "If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!"

    "The site we were on is sorta blacktop but the sides have crumbled and it has a slight tilt to it so stepping down out of the camper was tricky as your feet tend to slide in the loose rocks."

    10. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 967-4889

    "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."

    "The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time."

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Recent Camping Photos near Des Moines, IA

89 Photos of 109 Des Moines Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Des Moines, IA

517 Reviews of 109 Des Moines Campgrounds

  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Sportsman Park

    Sportsman Park

    Dawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!

    They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.

    The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.

    We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Jester County Park

    Nothing but exceptional

    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. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Great campground and amazing amusement park

    July, 2017

    Great place but not quiet at all.  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.

    We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th.

  • Jerry V.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Well Maintaned & Good Fishing

    I stayed at site #13 with my two boys.  We had a blast.  I would highly recommend site #13.  It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy.  It had a nice access spot for fishing.  The new restroom/shower facility was very nice and clean.  Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that.  There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks.  The campground manager was extremely helpful.  He had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Don Williams Park

    Beautiful park

    Great sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views.

  • J
    Jul. 8, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Clean & quiet

    Made a quick trip here to de how the new puppy likes camping. Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6’ hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site. Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks.

    Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider.

    A new bath house, community room, and “shop” is being built. Bath house & laundry are complete. Very nice and spotless.

    The camp is quiet and well maintained.

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Howell Station

    Laid-back Campground

    This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, LLC

    Excellent spot!

    We looked at the other reviews and it talked about it being so close to the freeway, but we didn’t hear a sound. It was really in a good perimeter of trees and lots of shade and level camp spots. We thought this was a nice little spot and a great price.

Guide to Des Moines

Camping near Des Moines, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper shared, "Great location, good facilities... Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass."
  • Family Activities: Jester County Park has a playground and various recreational options. One family said, "We love it here; people are great, and the price is right."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground noted, "The campground area is clean. Showers and toilets are clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A review for Yellow Banks County Park highlighted, "Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. One reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "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 mentioned, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in the summer. A visitor at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground noted, "It was ran over with loud radios and flashing lights."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, so it's best to book in advance. A camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Amenities: Look for places with playgrounds and clean facilities. One family at Walnut Woods State Park Campground said, "The park was nice and well maintained with walking trails."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or games to keep kids entertained. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area mentioned, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make things easier. A visitor at Lake Anita State Park Campground noted, "A bit noisy when I stayed... Overall a good place to stay."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you want convenience, choose campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground said, "Some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A visitor at Yellow Banks County Park warned, "Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal."

Camping around Des Moines, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

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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