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Dog-Friendly Camping near Des Moines, IA

13 campgrounds with availability this weekend

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    Yellow Banks County Park provides pet-friendly camping with spacious sites and access to hiking trails where dogs are welcome. The campground includes both RV sites with full hookups and tent sites in a tree-lined area. All sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, with many campers noting the ample distance between sites creates privacy for pets and owners. Dogs must be leashed throughout the park except in designated exercise areas. Iowa State Fairgrounds Campground also welcomes pets with over 100 full-hookup sites, though some restrictions apply during fair events. The campground maintains cleanliness with regular maintenance of pet waste stations and provides water access points throughout. Large spacious sites with a low cost per night make Yellow Banks particularly attractive for campers with larger dogs.

    Trails surrounding Yellow Banks Park lead to Indian burial mounds and provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs with varying terrain and shaded paths. The Des Moines River access allows dogs to cool off during summer camping trips, though owners should be aware of occasional water quality concerns. Campers report the campground host at Yellow Banks is particularly accommodating to pet owners, offering advice on the most suitable sites for dogs. Veterinary services can be found within a 15-minute drive of most Des Moines area campgrounds. Wildlife encounters are common in these parks, so campers should maintain control of dogs, especially during dawn and dusk hours when deer and other animals are most active. Quiet hours are strictly enforced at all pet-friendly campgrounds in the region to minimize disturbances from barking.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Des Moines (89)

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      1. Yellow Banks County Park

      4.5(15)7mi from Des MoinesRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      2. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

      4.1(18)10mi from Des Moines67 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $22 - $26 / night

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      3. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

      3.9(14)8mi from Des Moines22 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      Available this weekend

      from $23 - $25 / night

      12 Sites Available

      4. Jester County Park

      4.5(31)17mi from Des MoinesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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. "

      "There was four of us and a dog."

      from $20 - $25 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

      4.4(18)13mi from Des Moines252 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $20 - $336 / night

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      6. Cherry Glen Campground

      4.1(15)12mi from Des Moines125 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $24 - $26 / night

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      7. Adventureland Campground

      3.5(11)8mi from Des MoinesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

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      8. Thomas Mitchell County Park

      4.4(13)13mi from Des MoinesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

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      9. Iowa State Fairgrounds

      3.7(7)3mi from Des MoinesRVs, Tents

      "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!!"

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      10. Timberline Campground

      4.6(13)14mi from Des MoinesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

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

      "Small dog park which is pea gravel, not grass."

      from $35 - $80 / night

      Check Availability
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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Des Moines, IA

    33 Photos of 89 Des Moines Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Des Moines, IA

    568 Reviews of 89 Des Moines Campgrounds

    • R
      Oct. 24, 2026

      Kuehn Conservation Area

      As you arrive there is parking and a center with rest rooms, maps, and shelter with information. They print out free maps and it is easy to follow. The camp site is a short walk and they have a porta potty for use at the group site which is nice. Kuehn has some fire pits and grates available for a fire. They also have a table which is nice. The trails are in great condition and are multi connected throughout the park. There is also an additional camp spot by the river that we spotted which looked even a bit nicer and secluded. The only cons are At night when it’s still you can hear the highway in a distance ever so faintly and walking to the campsite with toddlers is super manageable but annoying if you need to make multiple trips. Overall it’s a fantastic place and well kept up!

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 4, 2026

      Hickory Hills Park

      Nice Peaceful Quiet

      There have been a total of 3 people camping here this weekend. If you want peace, quiet, and solitude, this is a great place!!! There have been a half dozen cars come through, one being a sheriff, so it’s not TOTALLY, quiet but nothing too noisy. Keep in mind there are no amenities other than a pit toilet(no shower) that was actually quite clean! Anything you need, you have to bring with you including water. There is also no dump station…. It worked out great for me. Also, it’s not free like the website stated. It’s ten dollars a night which is reasonable…

    • Gerard E.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 24, 2026

      Timberline East RV Campground

      9-14-26

      9-14-26 Timberline East RV Campground, I do not think this is a KOA anymore. Tent site T1 & 2 was level and on grass with table and fire ring. checked in at 7pm, overcast, Molly was great at the check in, offered a 10% Veteran discount. $34 for the night. We only stayed one night. Showers and bathrooms were decent. T-Mobile was 5G 4 bars. Rained all night, you can hear the noise from the highway but you drown it out.

    • Steven M.
      Sep. 21, 2026

      Prairie Flower Recreation Area

      Laid Back Weekend

      This is a great location by the lake with some spots having great water views. You dont feel like sardines with all the space between sites. You can walk down to the beach as well in no time. We had a nice relaxing weekend. Will be back.

    • w
      Sep. 20, 2026

      Howell Station

      Howell station

      I love being close to the river and watching the birds.

    • MThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 4, 2026

      Des Moines West KOA Holiday

      Great stop, perfect for kids

      Great stop, perfect for kids - trampoline, jumping pillow, and a playground. Spots are close together (as with most KOAs) but easy off I-80 and a great pit stop for a night or two with family.

    • Taylor M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 4, 2026

      Ashton Wildwood Park

      Didn’t stay the night

      Pulled in looking for a good place to camp, but unfortunately had plans late at night and they shut the gate so they’re is no entering or leaving past 10:30pm - 6:00am which I think is a little stupid if I didn’t have late night plans though I totally would’ve stayed, sites looked great, and there was only one other camper when I pulled in.

    • Taylor M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 4, 2026

      Hickory Grove Campground

      Tent site

      Has a good view of lake on the tent side with no electric hookups, or water, although there is a small water spout that is like a hose we used to wash dishes and there’s also porta potty’s. There is about 11 sites on this side pretty cheap for what you get with them; they have a fire ring, picnic table Id give it a 10/10

    Guide to Des Moines

    Yellow Banks County Park permits leashed pets at all of its sites including the developed tent and RV areas. Spacious campsites feature fire rings and picnic tables, with both electric and non-electric options available. Jester County Park accommodates pets throughout its campground which offers tent sites, RV spots, and cabin options with year-round availability. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the Des Moines area provide full hookups for RVs including water, electric, and sewer connections. Pet owners regularly note the large, well-maintained sites at Yellow Banks County Park provide ample room for dogs to rest comfortably while still respecting leash requirements. Firewood is available for purchase at most locations, and many campgrounds feature modern shower houses and clean restroom facilities.

    The Des Moines area's pet-friendly camping options allow access to water recreation opportunities where dogs can cool off during summer months. Yellow Banks offers fishing access and boat ramps, giving campers with pets additional activities. Trails near these campgrounds provide walking routes for daily pet exercise. Campers should note that wildlife encounters are possible in these areas, requiring vigilant pet supervision. Timberline Campground supports various accommodation types including cabins and yurts that accept pets. Sites typically cost between $25-35 per night, with most locations offering reservable spaces. The park areas remain clean and well-maintained according to visitor experiences, though campers should always come prepared with waste bags and portable water dishes for their pets.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Des Moines, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Des Moines, IA is Yellow Banks County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Des Moines, IA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 89 dog-friendly camping locations near Des Moines, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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