Central Iowa offers several glamping options near Huxley, Iowa, positioned between Ames and Des Moines at an elevation around 1,030 feet. The area features rolling prairies with oak savannas and provides camping access to several lakes including Saylorville Lake and the Des Moines River. Sites typically fill quickly on summer weekends when temperatures average 75-85°F between June and August.
What to do
Hiking trails and wildlife viewing: Ledges State Park Campground features challenging terrain with sandstone formations and elevation changes. "This is the best park in the state of Iowa, so much fun going thru the low water crossings!" says Kent B. The park reopened in 2019 after flooding closures with rebuilt facilities.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks offer fishing in both lakes and streams. Yellow Banks County Park provides access to the Des Moines River for larger fish. "It's got access to trails and to the Des Moines river. It's a great little escape. There is a fishing pond that's got plenty of bluegill and largemouth bass," notes Willy W.
Creek exploration for kids: Several campgrounds feature creek access perfect for hot summer days. "Great place to go tent camping, very clean and quiet. Easy trails for the kids to go hiking and playing in the creek to cool off in the heat," writes Willy W. about Thomas Mitchell County Park, which offers both electric and non-electric sites.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Ashton Wildwood Park offers secluded tent camping with natural surroundings. "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children," says Deb K., who lives nearby but still enjoys camping there with her granddaughter.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention facility quality as a highlight. "The bathhouse was very clean and had space heaters running to ensure they're warm during the December cold," notes Iris A. about Des Moines West KOA Holiday, which now operates year-round despite highway signs suggesting seasonal operation.
Astronomy activities: Ashton Wildwood Park features a unique amenity not mentioned elsewhere. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," reports Willy W.
What you should know
Booking systems vary: Some parks require reservations while others operate first-come, first-served. "Plan to get here Wednesday or Thursday because this park is FIRST COME basis. NO RESERVATIONS! And ALL of the electrical sites were full Thursday evening," advises j B. about Swede Point Park.
Potential noise considerations: Cherry Glen Campground receives mixed reviews regarding noise levels. "The sites are great. The noise level is unbearable. Dogs bark all night and day," reports Terry G., while other reviews describe it as peaceful.
Seasonal water levels: Flooding affects accessibility at certain times. "Ledges State Park is one of the most visited parks in Iowa... It has been closed since January 2018, but it scheduled to re-open in January of 2019," explained Matt S. in a 2018 review. Water levels impact trail conditions and access to water features.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Swede Point Park offers recreational amenities beyond camping. "This county park has many amenities not to mention that it is close to a very popular bike trail (High Tressel Trail Bridge). There are a few miles of mowed trails along with volleyball, half court basketball too," writes j B.
Tent site locations: When tent camping, consider site location and gear transport needs. "If you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site," advises Lena H. about Ledges State Park Campground.
Creek play options: Children enjoy water access at several sites. Thomas Mitchell County Park offers creek access with "large stairs to get down to it. Kids were having a blast in the water," according to Shannon G.
Tips from RVers
Dump station quality: Don Williams Park provides quality hookups with "50 amp hook ups and water easily available," according to Steve B. The park offers "peaceful camping with lots of room" and proximity to both lake and river recreation.
Leveling considerations: Timberline Campground has mixed reviews about site condition. "Sites were pretty level, sizable that our 43' motorhome and tow fit without unhooking. 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," notes Roxanna L.
Winter camping options: Not all campgrounds remain open year-round, but Des Moines West KOA Holiday now offers winter camping. "Don't pay attention to the highway signs that says they're only open until October, they're working on updating them," advises Iris A.