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Best Campgrounds near Granger, IA

516 Reviews

Granger, Iowa serves as a hub for diverse camping experiences within central Iowa, with several well-established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Jester County Park, located directly in Granger, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. The surrounding area features multiple water-oriented camping destinations, particularly around Saylorville Lake where Cherry Glen Campground, Prairie Flower Recreation Area, and Acorn Valley provide varied accommodation styles. Ledges State Park Campground in nearby Madrid stands out for its unique sandstone formations and topography that differs from Iowa's typically flat landscape. Most campgrounds in this region maintain moderate to high ratings from visitors, with Timberline Campground in Waukee earning particularly strong reviews for its facilities and 168 designated sites.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with many sites operating from April through October. Ledges State Park remains open slightly longer (April-December), while only a few locations like Jester County Park offer true year-round access. Campground amenities vary considerably across the region, with most offering electric hookups and basic facilities. As one visitor noted about Jester Park: "Each site towards the front of the 400's is BIG. You have plenty of room for 2 vehicles and two sizable tents." Wildlife encounters are common, particularly at Ledges State Park where visitors report frequent deer sightings. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, especially those near Interstate 80, though most reviewers indicate the rural setting keeps traffic sounds minimal.

The natural features around Granger's campgrounds receive consistent praise from visitors. Ledges State Park earns particular recognition for its terrain, with one camper noting, "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." Campground cleanliness varies by location and facility type, with newer shower buildings typically rated higher. Several campgrounds around Saylorville Lake offer boat-in access in addition to traditional drive-in sites. Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable rates at county parks like Swede Point, where "Sites with electric are $18/night and primitive sites are $11/night." Raccoons present a notable wildlife challenge at some locations, particularly Ledges State Park, where campers are advised to secure food items carefully.

Map showing campgrounds near Granger, IowaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Granger, Iowa (104)

    1. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    3 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."

    2. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $17 - $35 / night

    "One 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."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    3. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."

    "Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."

    4. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $22 - $26 / night

    "We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."

    "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."

    5. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "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."

    "Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."

    6. Acorn Valley

    11 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0429

    $14 - $84 / night

    "Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."

    "Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."

    7. Swede Point Park

    13 Reviews
    Madrid, IA
    9 miles
    Website

    "We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."

    "Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail"

    8. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    13 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."

    9. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    16 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."

    10. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    20 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Granger, IA

71 Photos of 104 Granger Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Granger, IA

516 Reviews of 104 Granger Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    Highs:(1) Fairly EZ access from I-80;(2) Incredibly well-manicured campground– very clean and well-organized;(3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe;(4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community;(5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas;(6) Picnic tables& fire rings are in pretty good condition;(6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton;(7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities;(8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    Lows:(1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa;(2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG;(3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter;(4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors;(5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and/ or refurbished;(6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA;(7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG;(8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • 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.

  • Bethany G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    I stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself. Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax. I look forward to camping here again soon!

  • 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

  • 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.

Guide to Granger

Granger camping options spread across Polk, Dallas, and Boone counties, offering distinct camping environments within a 25-mile radius. The region experiences temperature ranges from 65-85°F during peak camping season (May-September) with moderate humidity. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 800-1,000 feet, contributing to drainage patterns that affect site conditions during Iowa's periodic heavy rainfall.

What to do

Wildlife viewing at Jester County Park: The park maintains a bison and elk enclosure for observation. "Buffalo ranch near by which is cool as well as Pingora outdoor supply store near by where you can purchase firewood and other camp supplies," notes Luke C. about Jester County Park.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points exist around Saylorville Lake and the Des Moines River. "Good fishing nice open areas and trails to explore. Lots of cool kid activities," reports a Jester Park camper. The spillway area at Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground attracts many anglers: "Love to camp here and watch the spill way," says Roger O.

Biking on regional trails: Several campgrounds connect to central Iowa's trail system. "Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail," writes Brian G. about Swede Point Park. The campground "has many amenities not to mention that it is close to a very popular bike trail (High Tressel Trail Bridge)."

What campers like

Modern bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms and shower house are nice and clean," reports a camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area. At Swede Point, visitors appreciate that "the bathroom/shower house has music 🎶."

Natural features: Campers consistently highlight the terrain diversity. "If you're looking for a cool place to camp within an hour of Des Moines, you should seriously consider this park," writes Tom S. about Ledges State Park Campground. "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."

Spacious sites: Site dimensions vary considerably between campgrounds. "Spacious campsites with cement pads... The only thing holding it back from 5 stars is no water or sewer onsite," notes Ron M. about Prairie Flower Recreation Area. At Jester County Park, "Each site towards the front of the 400s is BIG."

What you should know

Seasonal flooding impacts: Water levels affect several campgrounds. At Walnut Woods, a camper notes the park "Floods with lots of rain but still great. No showers." Sites at Bob Shelter can be impacted by spillway operations during high water events.

Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others operate on first-come systems. At Cherry Glen Campground, a camper warns "It's hard to get a reservation!" Swede Point Park campers should "Plan to get here Wednesday or Thursday because this park is FIRST COME basis. NO RESERVATIONS!"

Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are particularly active in several campgrounds. "Secure your food and they're no problem unless you're a light sleeper," advises John F. about Acorn Valley. At Ledges State Park, campers should be prepared for deer encounters on trails.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: Some campgrounds offer strategic site placement near play areas. At Acorn Valley, a camper shares: "We parked at a site by the playground and bathhouse, and could sit at our camper and watch our son play at a safe distance."

Water activities: Several campgrounds offer river or lake access. "We just did a day trip here with families who have a bunch of kids. Great park for kids and they loved floating down the river," reports a visitor to Walnut Woods State Park Campground.

Nature programs: Timberline Campground receives praise for its educational offerings. A camper notes the "Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level" and suggests families could "make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling considerations: RV sites vary in preparation quality. "Sites were pretty level, sizable that our 43' motorhome and tow fit without unhooking," reports Roxanna L. about Timberline Campground, though she cautions about some "slight tilt" issues.

Water connection logistics: Many campgrounds offer electric but limited water access. "On large loops you will need a lot of hose to reach. I think I needed about 80' some campers will need 100'," advises Ron B. about Prairie Flower Recreation Area.

Dump station timing: Plan departure carefully at busy campgrounds. "There's one dump station for a campground that is large is size and popularity. Trying to leave on a Sunday is a good 1 hour wait.... that's being generous!" warns Elizabeth A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Granger, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Granger, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.

What parks are near Granger, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Granger, IA that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock.

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