Des Moines camping areas range in elevation from 800-900 feet above sea level, with the Saylorville Lake area sitting at approximately 830 feet elevation. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters, making April through October the primary camping season. Most campgrounds near the capital city feature level sites on gravel or concrete pads.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Bob Shelter Recreation Area features spots for casting near the spillway. According to one camper, "I would suggest getting reservations. We stopped on a Friday without one, they were booked. We only wanted one night in a tent. They don't have designated tent sites but they have one overflow sight and they let us use it for the night."
Biking trails: Griffs Valley View RV Park connects to the 25-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail. One visitor noted, "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office."
Casino gaming: Located near interstate access, Lakeside Casino RV Park offers gaming adjacent to camping. A reviewer shared, "If you are here to gamble, you will love it. If you are here to rest, you will love it. My wife and I feel safe in this park. I am in a wheelchair and this park allows me to move around freely."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Des Moines West KOA Holiday maintains high standards for restrooms and common areas. One visitor remarked, "Bathrooms were immaculate! Pizza & Chicken ordered on site was a delicious dinner when we were just to tired to fuss with our own gear."
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area, a camper reported, "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."
Convenience: Kellogg RV Park provides easy access for travelers. A visitor noted, "Very convenient to I-80, well-laid out. Most convenient, though, was setting up at the site and then walking to the co-located gas station and burgers for dinner (and great ice cream cones)."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many Des Moines area campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor to Bob Shelter Recreation Area advised, "The Des Moines area has a fairly large camping population - because of this, reservations are usually necessary."
Seasonal services: Operating hours vary by campground. One camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday shared, "Don't pay attention to the highway signs that says they're only open until October, they're working on updating them."
Wildlife features: Some parks offer unique experiences with animals. A camper at Adventureland Campground mentioned, "They have a swimming pool and a fishing pond. The office also has a little store to buy goods."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Des Moines West KOA Holiday provides numerous activities for children. One visitor mentioned, "Would love to visit in the summer as they have a ton of fun amenities for kids such as a pool, dunk tank, gem mining, ladder golf, horseshoes, jumping pillow, water balloon wars, basketball and more."
Space considerations: Campsite proximity varies significantly between locations. A camper noted about Des Moines West KOA, "Very nice bathrooms, store, pool, etc as far as standard KOA amenities go. But very lacking on trees and very packed in. Site 31 is a 'buddy site' and you are sitting on top of your neighbors with no privacy."
Special events: Seasonal activities enhance family experiences. An Adventureland Campground visitor shared, "We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: River Oaks RV Park offers comfortable spacing between RV sites. A visitor noted, "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."
Utility placement: RV sites near Des Moines vary in utility configurations. A guest at Kellogg RV Park shared, "Level sites with full hookups. Plenty of space to walk the dog. Right next to a gas station with great burgers and tenderloins!"
Year-round availability: Several rv sites near Des Moines, Iowa remain open throughout winter. A visitor to Adventureland Campground reported, "I stayed at Adventureland for the summer months and had no issues. The staff was very helpful, plenty of laundry/restrooms throughout the campground and pretty clean overall. Concrete pads with full hook ups (30/50 amp, water and sewage) make setting up quick."
