Des Moines is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Des Moines is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Des Moines camping trip.
$20 - $25 / night
Some of the cleanest I’ve seen at a campground in Iowa.
It’s got access to trails and to the Des Moines river. It’s a great little escape.
$12 - $25 / night
Comfortable and scenic park in Iowa with forested trails, gorge, and natural water features amidst the farm fields and rolling hills.
Overall extremely clean, staff was great, they pick up your trash.. it’s glamping at it finest.
$35 - $80 / night
If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!
$24 - $26 / night
Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms.
Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available.
$20 - $25 / night
Des Moines is a half hour away for a hot spot for entertainment. Fo example, you might want to take in a granddaughter’s dance recital!
We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that.
$15 - $22 / night
You probably didn't know that Winterset, Iowa is the birthplace of John Wayne.
LegendPammel Park is awesome. It is actually a State Park that is managed by the local County Conservation Board. Pammel Park has amazing trails with varied terrain and nice forests.
The campgrounds are clean with options for tenters and RVs. There are even Yurt Cabins that can be rented. Pammel Park has a great water trail for Kayakers with several launch points.
The only caution I would have is pay attention while you are hiking, there are rattlesnakes in the park. Overall I highly recommend Pammel Park. It is about a 30 minute drive from Des Moines and about 5 minutes from Winterset.
I would consider Pammel Park a secret gem even for native Iowans. Checkout Pammel Park and spend some time in the historical town of Winterset.
GuideOne of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there. It's close to how I remember it.
The campground has a good picnic area, restrooms, and an excellent trail. It's also inexpensive.
What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. There are some excellent views, so make sure your phone has enough battery to take photos (unlike me). I also spent a lot of time off the trail. It isn't too hard to get around. I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa for me to camp.
If you are looking for a cool place to camp within an hour of Des Moines, you should seriously consider this park.
ScoutIf you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at! Outstanding facilities, beautiful and tranquil location, friendly and helpful staff, and a place you will always remember as a sweet spot.
LegendCamped by tent, basic amenities on-site-fire ring, table, etc. Went kayaking on lake and then on Des Moines River (close by). Nice wildlife areas, hiking, fishing, etc. Pleasant staff.
ScoutI camped here a lot growing up and many times since then. We visit the park often. 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.
GuideWe had a great time camping here with several family members. The trails were very nice and scenic for the little amount of work to hike them. The Des Moines river passes right through here and I’d love to make a float trip out of it some day.
GuideI stayed at Ledges in June and hiked the trails again in February. The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals. With most of the surrounding areas having little to no elevation changes there are a few nice hikes along some rocky hills beside the river both in summer and winter.
ScoutThough it’s closed this summer :( - the Ledges State Park campground is a long time favorite of ours. Lots of electrical and non electrical spots and also an entire section of hike-in tent camping that is just a short hike down to a secluded section of the Des Moines River. Secure your food at night or the racoons will dine lavishly on your supplies. :)
TravelerWe stayed at the West Des Moines KOA for the Nationals Softball Tournament for my daughter in July. There were 6 families that stayed there with us. It was so much fun because we were able to all be either on buddy sites together and one had a patio site. The pool was refreshing for the girls and all of the activities kept them busy and having fun! All while being close to the city but the beauty of the country!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Des Moines, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 25 glamping camping locations near Des Moines, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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