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Jester County Park accommodates pets throughout its tent, RV, cabin, and glamping areas with drinking water and electric hookups for camper convenience. Pets must be leashed at all times on the 11407 NW Jester Park Drive property in Granger. The campground's immaculate facilities include showers and flush toilets, maintaining a 4.5 rating from campers who appreciate the clean, spacious environment. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Grimes, Iowa. Several campgrounds in the area, including Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Bob Shelter Recreation Area, maintain similarly pet-friendly policies with designated areas for dog walking and waste disposal. Acorn Valley campsites are well kept and clean, with bathrooms cleaned daily, though campers should be prepared for resident raccoons that emerge at night.
The entire Saylorville Lake area provides access points for dogs to enjoy water activities with proper supervision. Tent sites leading to small trails end at the riverbed, offering pets and owners exploration opportunities during daytime hours. Pet owners staying at Timberline Campground have access to 168 sites with full hookup options, including tent, RV, cabin, yurt, and glamping accommodations. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with Bob Shelter Recreation Area operating from May 1 to September 30 and Acorn Valley closing after Labor Day. Visitors with pets should secure food items at night due to wildlife activity and check reservation requirements, as most campgrounds in the Des Moines area fill quickly during peak season, especially on weekends.
"There was four of us and a dog."
"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."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $26 / night
Check Availability"The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."
"The only down side of this was the grass was really long so it was bad when taking the dog out in the evenings or mornings. You would come back in with a soaked dog and wet feet."
from $20 - $336 / night
Check Availability"Small dog park which is pea gravel, not grass."
"If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!"
from $35 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $26 / night
Check Availability"Clean bathrooms, close to the lake, playground, and a lot of sites. It does get busy. As you would expect there are a lot of bugs on a hot day in Iowa. Tent sites have good shade from trees."
"Took the PUP, two kids, dog and grandma (first time in 20+ years) this past weekend. Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."
from $14 - $84 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Decent playground, water pillow for bouncing, fishing pond, dog park, swimming pool. Well maintained, lots of planned activities. KOA, so not a lot of nature. But no traffic or train noise."
"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."
"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."
from $18 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Wonderful trails, lots of space. Access to DM River, has nice pond, playgrounds, just a beautiful area. "
"camped here in 2021 and I enjoyed it but the first night I was there I ran my vehicle down the second night I was there I took a tour on the campgrounds and got verbally accosted but another camper for walking"
GuideI just loved this campground. It has shade trees, grass, free showers and lots of room. 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 was well worth the 20 mile drive off I80. If I had known how m=nice this area was, I would have planned better and stayed here for more than one night.
GuideOne 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. It's close to how I remember it.
The campground has a good picnic area, restrooms, and an excellent trail. It's also inexpensive.
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, so make sure your phone has enough battery to take photos (unlike me). I also spent a lot of time off the trail. It isn't too hard to get around. 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.
If you are looking for a cool place to camp within an hour of Des Moines, you should seriously consider this park.
ScoutOne of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.
Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.
TravelerIn a grove of trees in a slightly hilly area. Easy access, but sites are gravel. Nice bit of grass with each site, most are at least partially shaded. Small dog park which is pea gravel, not grass.
GuideSpots kind of level, lots of choices of pull thru or buddy sites. Decent playground, water pillow for bouncing, fishing pond, dog park, swimming pool. Well maintained, lots of planned activities. KOA, so not a lot of nature. But no traffic or train noise. Full hook ups, including TV.
GuideSome full hook ups, sites not very level, playground ok. Can hear shots from gun range next door. Dog park, pool, arcade. We have camped here a couple times, and stored our rig here for a while. Didn't find there was that much going on here to keep us busy. Not a lot of nature, no trails or biking accessible from campground.
TravelerThe campground was nice, but it seems more for RVs. Sometimes you have to share a fire pit with other tents if it's busy. They have a small petting zoo and a small beach. This place feels more like a neighborhood verses camping in nature. Most people use this as a "summer home".
LegendFollowing 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 rural Iowa.
Highs: (1) Quick& EZ access from I-80 via Exit 173; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Very EZ check-in process; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are like brand new; (7) If you get hungry, this CG and fueling station has an imbedded Iowa’s Best Burger Café that does live up to its name; (8) There’s also an embedded Amoco gas station and mini-mart; (9) Spectacularly clean and recently refurbished bathrooms & shower facilities; (10) There’s a small launderette here, which was bonus; (11) Should you visit in the summer, you will benefit from being surrounded by 6 foot tall corn fields that will provide greater privacy and better scenery
Lows: (1) You are just 30 seconds north of I-80, the busiest highway in Iowa;(2) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic from the highway into this place, so apart from the fact that you're clear out in the boondocks, you are next to the very heavily trafficked I80, so it’s difficult to feel 100% safe & secure here; (3) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees (welcome to corn country), bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (4) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so while this isn't exactly Florida, if you're here during the hot summer months, you should bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you are OK being surrounded by RVs with absolutely no privacy in the open interior; and (7) Apart from FHUs and a decent shower / restroom in the middle of the CG and a small laundry in the NW, there’s not much here in the way of amenities
Happy Camping!
LegendThis County Park is located right on the edge of Lake Panorama, a great town North West of Des Moines, Iowa. It is surrounded by amenities, so if you forget something you can drive five minutes into town to replace anything you forgot at home.
This is not a place to rough it, but if you have a family and want an outdoors experience close to amenities, this is the place for you. The campground is very clean and it is right next to a river.
Camping options near Grimes, Iowa cluster around Saylorville Lake and the Des Moines River. The region sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak camping season running from April through October when temperatures average 65-85°F during summer days.
Fishing opportunities: Cherry Glen Campground provides access to Saylorville Lake with multiple fishing spots along shorelines. "The campground itself is easy, in & out, with great & plentiful restrooms. The proximity to the trail system is what makes this friendly to cyclists. The trail can take you to the marina, where there is a burger shack style restaurant," notes John B.
Wildlife viewing: Jester County Park offers nature observation areas including bison and bird viewing. According to Luke C., "Good fishing nice open areas and trails to explore. Lots of cool kid activities. 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."
Hiking trails: Yellow Banks County Park features hiking trails that lead to historical sites. A camper noted, "Theres a hiking trail that will take you to indian burial mounds. There is also fishing and boating. They have a fun playground also. There are a couple of backpacking sites as well."
Water activities: Access points for kayaking are available throughout the area. "The sites lead to some small trails which end at the riverbed. Our boys love exploring here," says Russ G. about tent sites at Acorn Valley.
Clean facilities: Prairie Flower Recreation Area maintains well-kept restrooms and campgrounds. "This is a very large campground with lots of sites and large group camping areas. The bathrooms and shower house are nice and clean," reports Melissa A.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the amount of space between sites. "Sites are large and there is plenty of space between sites. We had a concrete pad with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate," says Heather S. about Prairie Flower Recreation Area.
Access to water: Multiple camping areas offer direct access to Saylorville Lake or the Des Moines River. "It sits on the Raccoon River and has good catfishing. Nice trail that is aproximately 1.5 miles long that goes along the river," writes Derrick W. about Walnut Woods State Park.
Peace and quiet: Acorn Valley offers a tranquil camping experience. "Clean campground with large lots, beautiful scenery, and very quiet. Would highly recommend," shares Kandice.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "This campground is a hot spot for Des Moines to escape the weekend - with that said, reservations are a must! Most times you need to make them six months out," advises Elizabeth A. about Prairie Flower Recreation Area.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are active in many campgrounds after dark. "Campsites are well kept and clean. Bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day. 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," warns John F. about Acorn Valley.
Seasonal operations: Bob Shelter Recreation Area operates from May 1 to September 30, while other campgrounds have different closing dates. "Sept 15-26, 2019 Very nice campground. Site 67BSHM had electric. Park had water available to fill fresh tanks, showers, flush toilets and dump station. Sr. Lifetime pass rate $10 per night," explains Annell N.
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds only offer electric hookups without water or sewer connections at individual sites. "This is a lovely spot. We stayed at spot 20 which was extra wide, concrete pad with electric hook up. No water or sewer," reports Wendy H. about Bob Shelter Recreation Area.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "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," shares Dana K. about Acorn Valley.
Water activities for kids: Shallow river access points provide safe exploration areas. "By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit. In addition to the water access ways, there is a sweet pond to fish in, several hiking trails," mentions Larissa C. about Jester County Park.
Pet-friendly considerations: Timberline Campground welcomes pets with designated areas. "Small dog park which is pea gravel, not grass," notes Jo E., though pet owners should check specific rules at each location.
Weekend activities: Some campgrounds organize scheduled events for children. "There are many organized weekend activities for families. Spaces are tight and some share electrical, so bring your connectors just in case," advises Debra G. about Des Moines West KOA.
Site selection: Look for concrete pads when available for easier leveling. "Sites do have some space for privacy between them. Now my one complaint - there's one dump station for a campground that is large in size and popularity. Trying to leave on Sunday is a good 1 hour wait," cautions Elizabeth A. about Prairie Flower Recreation Area.
Hookup planning: Many sites offer electric only, so fill water tanks before parking. "It is a COE campground. We stayed in site A25. Not all loops are paved. A is not. But the site was pretty level, wasn't too much trouble to get our trailer backed in and leveled. No water hook ups, so fill up after you get in the campground before you park," suggests Mia L.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential wait times when departing on Sundays. "I hate going there knowing that instead of getting to enjoy Sunday - I'll be busy draining my pooper. Please - more dump stations," comments Elizabeth A. about Prairie Flower Recreation Area.
Site accessibility: Check site dimensions when making reservations for larger rigs. "I would suggest looking for camp sites on the back side of the western loops because they have views of the lake. I would look at sites 111-116 and 72-78. These last six are also very close to a shower house," suggests a camper about Cherry Glen Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Grimes, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Grimes, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Grimes, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 86 dog-friendly camping locations near Grimes, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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