Campgrounds near Huxley, Iowa sit on the central Iowa prairie at an elevation of around 1,000 feet. The surrounding area features rolling hills and the Des Moines River watershed, with camping options within a 30-minute drive in several directions. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offer milder conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The fishing pond at Griffs Valley View RV Park offers well-stocked waters ideal for casual anglers. "The water is very clean. There is a really nice pond for fishing that has some bluegills," notes one visitor. Another mentions that the decorative pond includes "water fountain" features adding to the ambiance.
Trail access: Several campgrounds connect to regional trail systems. "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office" at Griffs Valley View. At Jester County Park, campers can enjoy "several hiking trails" and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit.
Wildlife viewing: Jester County Park offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities not commonly found in central Iowa. "They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be," explains one camper. This feature makes for an educational experience during your stay.
What campers like
Quiet locations: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings at RV campgrounds near Huxley. At Kellogg RV Park, visitors enjoy the tranquility: "It is right next to the interstate for easy on and off and it's very quiet." Another camper reports Griffs Valley View as "Beautiful and quiet place to stay. Really affordable as well."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness stands out in visitor reviews. The bathhouses at Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground receive consistent praise: "The campgrounds are clean and well managed with modern bathrooms and showers." One camper specifically noted Griffs Valley View has "Bathrooms are immaculate. Large community center, gym, and laundry facilities on site."
Family amenities: Parks offer various family-friendly features. At Jester County Park, one visitor notes: "A lot has changed since then. The County has invested a lot of resources into this park making it a great place to stay when enjoying the fun at Saylorville Lake." Kellogg RV Park includes "a cool antique farm tractor and old gas station across the street to look at. There is also a small garden to hang out in and relax."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Camping availability varies seasonally. One camper at Griffs Valley View observed, "The voicemail said it was fully booked from May until September. Good thing we got through because they found us a site for the night." For more reliable availability, Bob Shelter Recreation Area offers options for last-minute stays.
Site characteristics: Terrain varies significantly across RV campgrounds in the Huxley area. At Ledges State Park Campground, the topography is notably different: "What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail." This contrasts with flatter options elsewhere.
Tent camping limitations: Tent campers face specific challenges at some locations. "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" at Ledges State Park. Bob Shelter Recreation Area offers limited tent options: "They don't have designated tent sites but they have one overflow sight and they let us use it for the night."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation centers: Facilities for children vary by location. At Griffs Valley View, "The community center has nice showers, laundry, game room. Kitchen with attached TV room, oh and storm shelter." This provides indoor options during poor weather.
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. Bob Shelter Recreation Area provides "playground equipment and plenty of space to run and play games with your kids." One visitor noted that "All of the public spaces are well groomed and maintained."
Safety features: Campgrounds offer varying safety measures. At Adventureland Campground, families appreciate the controlled environment: "The campground very very well kept with spacious concrete pads." Jester County Park has implemented additional safety features, with one camper highlighting how "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: RV site design affects setup convenience. At Kellogg RV Park, campers note: "Level sites with full hookups" make setting up easier. One visitor to Griffs Valley View mentioned, "My only issue was that my hose was just barely long enough but that was my fault not the campgrounds."
Pad types: Surface materials impact leveling needs. Adventureland Campground offers concrete pads that several reviewers appreciate: "Sites are level and well marked." At Bob Shelter Recreation Area, RVers find "concrete pad with electric hook up. No water or sewer."
Big rig accommodation: Larger RVs require specific considerations. Kellogg RV Park meets these needs with "Nice large sites and no need to unhook." Bob Shelter Recreation Area provides "great pull thru next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations."
