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Best Campgrounds near Earlham, IA

482 Reviews

Camping areas around Earlham, Iowa provide a mix of RV, tent, and cabin accommodations within a 20-mile radius of Interstate 80. Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures is located directly in Earlham, while Des Moines West KOA Holiday in nearby Adel offers more extensive amenities. The region includes several county parks including Pammel County Park and Nations Bridge Park, which feature diverse accommodation types from basic tent sites to cabins and yurts. Most established campgrounds support both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for visitors seeking more comfortable lodging options.

Most campgrounds in the Earlham area operate seasonally, typically from April through October or early November, with limited year-round options. The Des Moines West KOA Holiday has extended its season to year-round operation, though winter amenities may be limited. Campgrounds in this region generally provide electric hookups, water access, and basic facilities, with varying levels of shower and restroom accommodations. Several locations require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. Primitive camping options are limited but available at conservation areas like Kuehn Conservation Area, which offers walk-in tent sites with minimal facilities. One camper noted, "Very courteous staff and clean campground. Pizza on site is excellent and you can order it ahead for your arrival."

Campers report mixed experiences regarding proximity to highways and road noise. Shady Brook Camping has received feedback about being very close to Interstate 80, with one visitor noting "You could literally throw a rock from the entrance and hit a passing semi." However, another camper had a different experience, sharing "We looked at the other reviews and it talked about it being so close to the freeway, but we didn't hear a sound." Family-friendly amenities are common at larger campgrounds in the area, with the Des Moines West KOA offering swimming pools, organized activities, and recreational facilities that appeal to families with children. The rural setting of many campground options provides a balance between accessibility and nature experiences, with several featuring fishing ponds, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

Map showing campgrounds near Earlham, IowaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Earlham, Iowa (96)

    1. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 834-2729

    "Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp."

    "I love the beautiful surroundings here. Definitely worth the visit."

    2. Winterset City Park

    12 Reviews
    Winterset, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 462-3258

    $15 - $22 / night

    "It is part of a city park on the outskirts of Winterset. There is a dog park and one of the Bridges of Madison County is located within walking distance of the campground."

    "This is a city campground on the outskirts of town that does not feel that way. It sits right next to a park. White rock roads and pads."

    3. 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."

    4. Pammel County Park

    12 Reviews
    Winterset, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 462-3536

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Nice small park settle nicely in the iowa country side!"

    "We didn't hike this trip, but trails looked to be pretty nice.  We did kayak the loop one day-it took about an hour for the 1.9-mile loop and water levels were pretty low."

    5. Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, LLC

    2 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 238-1998

    "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."

    6. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

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

    $25 - $38 / night

    "There's a boat camp, a bird watching area, a playground, plany of park space with picnic tables and BBQ pits, hiking and biking trails, and even a lodge that I assume can be rented for events."

    "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."

    7. Beaver Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    5 miles
    +1 (515) 789-4661

    "This campground is on the side of a lake. You hear beavers at night, see rabbits are on the sides of the lot. We came late around 8pm and the owner helped us fill the form and pick our spot."

    8. Nations Bridge Park

    4 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 523-1789

    "It was green, very clean, and in a nice location (just on the outskirts of Des Moines). We were there on a Wednesday, and there was barely anyone there."

    "It’s a little ways off the highway through the town of Stuart (Home to 1600 good eggs). There is an upper and lower campground and rumor has it that the lower sites can be a little muddy."

    9. Jester County Park

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

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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"

    "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."

    10. Kuehn Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Earlham, IA
    5 miles
    Website

    $5 - $8 / night

    "Has hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife, small Bear Creek nature center, open daily 1/2 hr before sunrise to 10:30 pm, Has upper and lower (adjacent to Raccoon River) campground sites."

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Recent Camping Photos near Earlham, IA

76 Photos of 96 Earlham Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Earlham, IA

482 Reviews of 96 Earlham Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    lakeside casino resort and rv park

    Good for an overnight stop

    This is a casino campground. There are full hookups but no facilities. No trees, sites very close together. It’s essentially a parking lot with hookups.

    It’s adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate.

    If you are traveling I35 and it’s convenient for an overnight rest, it’s well worth the cost. Otherwise, unless the casino is your destination, find a more traditional campground

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Winterset City Park

    Peaceful

    Our first time staying here and we extended twice because we like the area so much. It’s been a peaceful two weeks and we love the town of Winterset. The campground has a variety of FHU and or just W& E, also some shared water.

  • 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

  • Holly M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Schildberg Recreation Area

    Didn't care

    We couldn't even get a return phone call for availability. We are seniors been travelling for months and driving almost 300 miles today. Pretty bad when you can't get a 2 minute call. Disappointed in this campgrounds protocol.

  • 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.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Green Valley State Park Campground

    Clean and well maintained

    July, 2017

    We stayed here for a week while working in the area.  Very nice place. Clean and well maintained.

Guide to Earlham

Camping near Earlham, 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 explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Enjoy 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: Head to Lake Anita State Park Campground for some fishing. A camper shared, "We loved staying there over the weekend... a big lake close by to fish."
  • Biking: Check out the trails near Jester County Park. One review noted, "The campgrounds are great... they have airsoft ranges or tree ranges snowshoeing cross-country skiing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Prairie Flower Recreation Area. A reviewer said, "The bathrooms and shower house are nice and clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the large, well-spaced sites at Bob Shelter Recreation Area. One camper mentioned, "The sites are well spaced."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a visitor 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 Ledges State Park Campground noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
  • Busy in Summer: Many campgrounds can get crowded during peak season. One visitor at Lake Anita State Park Campground mentioned, "It was really busy when we did."
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area pointed out, "We didn’t use the bathroom/shower house, but I walked into one to check it out and it was outdated."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Jester County Park has a playground that families enjoy. One parent said, "The campground has a kids playground."
  • Nature Trails: Choose campgrounds with easy access to trails for family hikes. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "There are trail heads near the campground that follow along the raccoon river."
  • Group Camping: If you're going with a larger family, consider campgrounds with group sites. Prairie Rose State Park Campground offers spacious areas for families to gather.

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level pads for easier setup. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. One camper at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground mentioned, "Ours had only electrical, but potable water was close by."
  • Quiet Locations: For a peaceful stay, find campgrounds away from busy roads. A visitor at Yellow Banks County Park said, "QUIETEST KOA IN AMERICA. no highway no train tracks or airport!"

Camping near Earlham, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Earlham, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Earlham, IA is Des Moines West KOA Holiday with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.

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