Best Campgrounds near Grimes, IA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Grimes, IA has a lot to offer. Grimes is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Grimes, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Grimes, Iowa (107)

    1. Jester County Park

    29 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    8 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"

    "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."

    2. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    8 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."

    3. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    6 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."

    4. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    8 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."

    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
    6 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. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    10 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."

    8. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    22 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    17 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."

    9. Ledges State Park Campground

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

    $12 - $25 / 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."

    10. Swede Point Park

    13 Reviews
    Madrid, IA
    15 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"

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Recent Reviews near Grimes, IA

496 Reviews of 107 Grimes Campgrounds



Guide to Grimes

Camping near Grimes, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper shared, "Great location, good facilities... Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Jester County Park features a playground and various activities. One family mentioned, "We love it here; people are great, and the price is right."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A review for Rock Creek State Park Campground stated, "The campground area is clean. Showers and toilets are clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area said, "Level sites, we were in site B40. Easy to back in plenty of room."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, one guest noted, "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 Iowa Ledges State Park mentioned, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in summer. One reviewer at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground noted, "The campground was large but busy."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, so it's best to book ahead. A visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area advised, "If we ever stay here again, we would choose a site closer to the dam."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds or family-friendly activities. Jester County Park is a great option, as one camper mentioned, "Kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A camper at Lake Anita State Park Campground said, "Overall a good place to stay."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to schedule downtime for the kids. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground noted, "The park was nice and well maintained with walking trails."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you want convenience, choose campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground appreciated the "30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area shared, "It gets busy with a lot of fishing."

Camping near Grimes, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Grimes, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grimes, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 29 reviews.

What parks are near Grimes, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Grimes, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.