Best Campgrounds near Earlham, IA

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.

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

    $23 - $25 / 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 Reviews near Earlham, IA

484 Reviews of 96 Earlham Campgrounds


  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Lenon Mill Park

    Lennon Mills

    Quaint campground situated alongside a dam. Fishing is legal and there were quite a few around while I was there. Besides me, there was one other camper. Three tent sites, the rest are for RVs.

    Each site had a picnic table and fire ring. There was a swing set, shelter, modern bathroom (big enough to fit your bike in), water hydrant, and a few access points to the water.

    Two blocks down, you'll find a historic village. Tickets are only $2 per adult. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to browse because they didn't open until 10.

    Self-check in is well marked with the gigantic yellow tube. They promised WiFi but I was able to attend a meeting in my tent without it (T-Mobile).

    If you wander into town, the market has firewood for $5/bundle, as well as other essentials you can cart back to the site with you.

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Nice site

    After some confusion with booking (office hours are until 7pm, confirmation email said 9pm) we were able to get ahold of the operations manager at the park who helped us. Pull through paved 50 amp sites, with water and sewage. Picnic table for use. Within view of Adventureland so it was cool to see the rides lit up at night as we parked. Clean park. Will definitely stop by again when we aren’t just passing through!

  • 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.


Guide to Earlham

Camping sites near Earlham, Iowa offer convenient access to outdoor recreation within 10-30 minutes of Interstate 80. The area sits at approximately 1,100-1,300 feet elevation with rolling hills typical of western Iowa's landscape. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during camping season, with most campgrounds in the region providing varying levels of shade coverage to manage the heat.

What to do

Hiking trails at Pammel Park: Walk through the historic limestone tunnel or explore the 1.9-mile water loop trail. One visitor shared, "There is a way to avoid the tunnel while pulling a travel trailer or 5th wheel. Wonderful hosts."

Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at Timberline Campground where campsites overlook the fishing pond. A camper noted, "Great, safe, and quiet campground. Beautiful site on a pond, clean bath houses, cool weekend amenities."

Covered bridges tour: Explore Madison County's famous bridges near Winterset City Park. A visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed a long weekend here reconnecting with friends. The John Wayne museum and downtown are a 20 minute walk away."

Disc golf course: Play a round at Nations Bridge Park's disc golf course. A camper said, "There are horse shoe pits and even a frisby-golf course."

What campers like

Clean, well-maintained facilities: At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, campers appreciate the spotless amenities. One reviewer shared, "We stayed one night in a basic cabin. AC was on upon arrival- check in/out was quick and easy! Bathrooms were immaculate!"

Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates for both tent and RV camping. A visitor at Nations Bridge Park commented, "Electrical at all the RV sites with grey water access and black water dumping station. Views of the water and walking trails from the site."

Self-check-in services: Late arrivals are accommodated at many campgrounds. One KOA visitor noted, "Although we were arriving after 10pm, we could still check in without a reservation! They have an awesome 'self check in'. A board marked with available spaces we chose from."

Variety of camping styles: From tent sites to cabins and yurts, the area offers multiple accommodation types. A Pammel Park visitor mentioned, "The concrete pads were awesome for leveling our popups, the sites were VERY clean, the bathrooms were immaculate and the firewood was a gem at $10 for a wagon full!"

What you should know

Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate April through October, though Kuehn Conservation Area offers primitive camping with different seasonal limitations. A visitor described it as "Nice quite sites along the Raccoon River. Has hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife, small Bear Creek nature center, open daily 1/2 hr before sunrise to 10:30 pm."

Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have significant variation between sites. A camper at Timberline noted, "Site 30 was probably the worst from what I saw. Wish that when I called to ask about the sites the county office would have mentioned some sites the hook ups are super far away."

Reservation requirements: Weekends fill quickly during summer months. One visitor said, "My only complaint would be all sites can be reserved, so if you don't reserve a site at beginning of the year, you are out of luck. Be nice if there were some first come/first serve."

Weather considerations: Heavy rains can impact certain campgrounds. A visitor observed, "The lower camp zone looks like it floods easily and was pretty muddy, so we opted for a nice level spot in the upper section."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Jester County Park offers extensive recreational options. A visitor shared, "In addition to the water access ways, there is a sweet pond to fish in, several hiking trails, a brand new Nature Center, amphitheater, bison and bird viewing, and even cabins if you want to rent them."

Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water recreation for cooling off in summer. One Des Moines West KOA visitor noted, "Lots for kids to do! The pool was up and running perfect! They even had a dunk tank which was pretty funny!"

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds for younger campers. A Timberline visitor mentioned, "Very pretty and clean. We got in pretty late, staff was awesome even showed us to our spot. The park looked nice, only thing some spots looked really close together. Our spot was big right by the park area."

Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing and nature centers enhance family camping experiences. A visitor to Jester Park mentioned, "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."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Many campgrounds offer concrete pads that simplify setup. A Beaver Lake Campground visitor shared, "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."

Utility access: Hookup placement varies significantly between campgrounds and sites. A Timberline camper noted, "Some full hook ups, sites not very level, playground ok. Can hear shots from gun range next door. Dog park, pool, arcade."

Winter options: Limited campgrounds remain open year-round. A Des Moines West KOA visitor reported, "Now open year round. Well kept, clean bathrooms with space heaters running to ensure they're warm during the December cold."

Size restrictions: Some areas have limited access for larger rigs. A visitor mentioned, "If your rig is over 12ft, have to come in the back way," when describing Pammel Park's tunnel access.

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.