Camping options near Granger, Iowa sit at approximately 850-900 feet elevation in the Des Moines River Valley. The region experiences humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, making May through October the prime camping season. Local campgrounds operate within Polk County's rolling hills terrain, offering direct access to Saylorville Lake and multiple conservation areas with hiking trails connecting camping areas to water recreation.
What to do
Fishing at stocked ponds: Griffs Valley View RV Park in Altoona maintains a clean fishing pond where campers can catch bluegill. "There is a really nice pond for fishing that has some bluegills. The water is very clean," notes Willy W.
Cycling on paved trails: Access the 25-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail directly from your campsite at multiple locations. "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office," reports Anthony W.
Wildlife viewing: Visit the bison and elk viewing areas at Jester County Park where conservation efforts maintain these native species. "They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be," explains Jim S.
Explore nature centers: The recently built Nature Center at Jester Park provides educational programs and exhibits about local ecosystems. "Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level," states a camper who visited the park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Restrooms and shower houses receive consistent praise at campgrounds throughout the area. "The main lodge has very clean restrooms and showers with hot water!" shares Paula O. about her stay.
Hiking access: Acorn Valley offers direct trail access to riverbed exploration areas from tent sites. "The tent sites lead to some small trails which end at the riverbed. Our boys love exploring here," explains camper Russ G.
Recreational amenities: Many campgrounds include playgrounds, fishing ponds and gathering spaces. "There is a recreational building and bathroom facilities to use as well," notes a visitor to Griffs Valley View, while another camper adds, "We had a great stay here, check in was easy, getting firewood was easy, the bathhouses were so clean and nice, hiking and views were amazing!"
Spacious campsites: Well-maintained sites with adequate spacing receive positive comments. "Sites are large with nicely manicured lawns," describes Preston G. about his camping experience in the area.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds close after Labor Day, including Acorn Valley which operates "early June to late August" according to its official season. "I tried to stay at Acorn Valley to find out it is closed after Labor Day," shares Matt S.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends from May through September. "The voicemail said it was fully booked from May until September," reports Mike M. about one RV park.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are active at night in several campgrounds. "Biggest downside is the resident raccoons. Come out every night to rummage through possible food options. Secure your food and they're no problem unless you're a light sleeper," advises John F.
Interstate noise: Some campgrounds sit close to major highways. At Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, one camper noted, "You could literally throw a rock from the entrance and hit a passing semi," though another camper reported, "We didn't hear a sound."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenient supervision. "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," recommends Dana K. about Acorn Valley.
Water activities: Saylorville Lake provides swimming and boating options during summer months, with several campgrounds offering direct or nearby lake access. "Just a short hike down Corydon to the lake," notes Jessica about the walk from Acorn Valley.
Nature programs: The Nature Center at Jester Park runs regular educational activities for children. Multiple reviews mention the value of these structured learning opportunities for families.
Storm shelters: Some RV parks maintain severe weather shelters, important during summer thunderstorm season. "The community center has nice showers, laundry, game room. Kitchen with attached TV room, oh and storm shelter," points out Tim H.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared with blocks at River Oaks RV Park as campsites may require adjustment. "Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks," shares Jim C.
Hookup configurations: Bring various length hoses and adapters for different campground layouts. "My only issue was that my hose was just barely long enough but that was my fault not the campgrounds," notes Preston G.
Internet access: Connectivity varies widely between rv parks near Granger, Iowa. "Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider," reports a camper at River Oaks RV Park.
Dump station design: The Bob Shelter Recreation Area offers a well-designed dump station that receives consistent praise. "I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know," explains Jim S.
