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Best Campgrounds near Indianola, IA

511 Reviews

Campgrounds surrounding Indianola, Iowa primarily consist of established state and county parks within a 30-minute drive. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, providing access to lake activities including fishing, boating, and swimming. The area features a mix of accommodation types, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV parks and even cabin options at locations like Waterfront Cabin and River Oaks RV Park. Several campgrounds in the area feature amenities like showers, picnic tables, and sanitary dump stations.

Most campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations with varying availability. Lake Ahquabi State Park typically operates from April through December, while Yellow Banks County Park and Walnut Woods remain open year-round. According to one visitor, "The lake is beautiful and the path around it is in great shape. Bathrooms and showers were nice and clean." Site reservations are recommended during summer weekends, as popular locations fill quickly. Grant Park offers free camping with a 14-day stay limit, though access can be challenging after dark. Campers should verify current operating status before arrival, as some parks like Otter Creek have closed camping indefinitely.

Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, particularly at Lake Ahquabi. The park's lake supports fishing, paddling, and swimming, with equipment rentals available during summer months. A review noted that "There is plenty of fishing, a swimming beach, and they have water sport rentals." Some campgrounds experience crowding issues, especially during peak summer weekends. As one camper mentioned, "The campsites are all extremely packed in together, so you can really feel a part of other people's conversations and activities." Sites at Grant Park offer more separation between campers with spacious, level areas featuring fire rings, picnic tables and cement pads. Hiking trails are available at several parks, with Lake Ahquabi offering a 6-7 mile trail that loops around the entire lake.

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Best Camping Sites Near Indianola, Iowa (116)

    1. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Indianola, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-7101

    $20 - $25 / night

    "We entered the park looking for a walk-up spot and landed on Site 67 which was not reserved. The site was spacious with a big tree with good shade and cover if needed."

    "The beach, and park were very far away from the camping area. A suggestion of a bagger for their lawn mower for all the cut grass. The lake by the boat landing was nice and so were the trails."

    2. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 266-1563

    "Close proximity to the state fair without being to close. Great stay! Our site had an open field behind it definitely recommend."

    "There are two RV sites with shower houses, and about 10 tentsites on a large rectangular area in the back surrounded by trees."

    3. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    15 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."

    4. Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    10 Reviews
    Swan, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-6169

    "Each of the 10 campsites are spacious and plenty of distance between. Nice quick trails with wildlife. The park is well maintained and well priced!"

    "You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail."

    5. Hickory Hills Park

    5 Reviews
    Woodburn, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-6169

    $5 / night

    6. Waterfront Cabin

    1 Review
    Carlisle, IA
    8 miles
    +1 (402) 957-6970

    $200 - $300 / night

    7. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    22 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."

    8. Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 262-3111

    "Wonderfull Surroundings ,People and Experiences."

    "Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds. There are hundreds of sites here."

    9. Iowa State Fairgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 262-3111

    "The Iowa State Fair is the best fair in the world with more than a million visitors every year! There is something for everyone in the family."

    "I always loved going here when I lived in Iowa! The State Fair was a blast! Being able to actually stay there made it that much better!!"

    10. River Oaks RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Runnells, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 989-0574

    $45 - $60 / night

    "We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair."

    "Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6’ hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site. Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks."

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Recent Camping Photos near Indianola, IA

98 Photos of 116 Indianola Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Indianola, IA

511 Reviews of 116 Indianola Campgrounds

  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Lenon Mill Park

    Lennon Mills

    Quaint campground situated alongside a dam. Fishing is legal and there were quite a few around while I was there. Besides me, there was one other camper. Three tent sites, the rest are for RVs.

    Each site had a picnic table and fire ring. There was a swing set, shelter, modern bathroom (big enough to fit your bike in), water hydrant, and a few access points to the water.

    Two blocks down, you'll find a historic village. Tickets are only $2 per adult. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to browse because they didn't open until 10.

    Self-check in is well marked with the gigantic yellow tube. They promised WiFi but I was able to attend a meeting in my tent without it (T-Mobile).

    If you wander into town, the market has firewood for $5/bundle, as well as other essentials you can cart back to the site with you.

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Nice site

    After some confusion with booking (office hours are until 7pm, confirmation email said 9pm) we were able to get ahold of the operations manager at the park who helped us. Pull through paved 50 amp sites, with water and sewage. Picnic table for use. Within view of Adventureland so it was cool to see the rides lit up at night as we parked. Clean park. Will definitely stop by again when we aren’t just passing through!

  • Kent W.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Howell Station

    One of our favorites

    This is a really nice campground. It’s run by friendly, helpful people. It’s well maintained, the bathrooms are clean, you’re not packed together like sardines, there’s a nice bike/walking trail around the park and (at least when we’ve visited) bald eagles, blue herons and pelicans line the river. It’s just a little over an hour from us so it’s easy to get to.

    We’re trying parks all over Iowa and Howell has been one of our favorites.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following 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 very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    lakeside casino resort and rv park

    Good for an overnight stop

    This is a casino campground. There are full hookups but no facilities. No trees, sites very close together. It’s essentially a parking lot with hookups.

    It’s adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate.

    If you are traveling I35 and it’s convenient for an overnight rest, it’s well worth the cost. Otherwise, unless the casino is your destination, find a more traditional campground

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Winterset City Park

    Peaceful

    Our first time staying here and we extended twice because we like the area so much. It’s been a peaceful two weeks and we love the town of Winterset. The campground has a variety of FHU and or just W& E, also some shared water.

  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Sportsman Park

    Sportsman Park

    Dawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!

    They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.

    The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.

    We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.

Guide to Indianola

Camping near Indianola, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds have great trails. At Ledges State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals." You can enjoy scenic views and a variety of terrains.
  • Water Activities: If you love being on the water, check out Rock Creek State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities" make it a great spot for water fun.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Yellow Banks County Park are perfect for spotting local wildlife. A camper noted, "Lots of shade, fairly level sites, clean bathrooms, right off river with boat access."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Jester County Park, one reviewer said, "Showers are hot every time; it’s a wonderful place to be."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A visitor at Cherry Glen Campground mentioned, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a guest shared, "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. One camper at Iowa Ledges State Park noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Popular spots can get crowded. A reviewer at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground area is clean... but the RV section of campground was nearly full."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds Available: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. At Jester County Park, one camper said, "CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course, and nature center."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family at Des Moines West KOA Holiday enjoyed the "pedal car racetrack" available on-site.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone fueled for fun. A camper at Bob Shetler Recreation Area mentioned, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing," making it easy to enjoy a picnic by the water.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Leveling Gear: Bring blocks for leveling your RV. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Dump Stations: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground appreciated the "dump station at the entrance of the CG."

Camping near Indianola, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Indianola, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Indianola, IA is Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 13 reviews.

What parks are near Indianola, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Indianola, IA that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock.

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