Camping near Guthrie Center, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking Trails: Ledges State Park Campground has scenic hiking trails that are popular among locals. 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: Lake Anita State Park Campground is a great spot for fishing and boating. A camper shared, "We loved staying there over the weekend... A lot of timid wildlife."
- Playgrounds and Activities: Jester County Park offers 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 clean restrooms and shower facilities. A review from Prairie Flower Recreation Area stated, "Clean shower house and restrooms. Would we go back? That's a definitely yes."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Yellow Banks County Park, have large, spacious sites. One camper remarked, "Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table."
- Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a visitor said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."
What you should know:
- Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds, like Ledges State Park, have poor cell coverage. A camper noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
- Busy During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during summer months, especially at popular spots like Ledges State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground was large but busy when we did."
- No Water Hookups: Some campgrounds, such as Bob Shelter Recreation Area, do not have water hookups. A visitor pointed out, "There were electrical hookups, but no water."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds and family-friendly activities. Jester County Park is a great option, as one family said, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."
- Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Anita State Park mentioned, "A bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening)."
- Bring Outdoor Games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area suggested, "There is something for everyone here and a great campground for families."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A review from Walnut Woods State Park noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
- Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, confirm availability. A camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs and also tent campers."
- Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads and close sites. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park said, "The road around the campground is paved, but very narrow."
Camping near Guthrie Center, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a mix of beautiful nature and friendly communities, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
