Campsites near Johnston, Iowa offer affordable accommodations on the Des Moines River and Saylorville Lake region. The area sits at an elevation of 850-950 feet with deciduous forest terrain that transitions through distinct seasonal patterns. Summer camping brings high humidity with temperatures regularly above 80°F while spring and fall provide milder conditions with more comfortable overnight temperatures in the 50-60°F range.
What to do
Hiking trails: Thomas Mitchell County Park features creek-side hiking opportunities with multiple access points. "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres... The main hiking trails are wide with smaller ones shooting off the sides. There is also a group site that you can hike to on the Devote trail," notes Shannon G.
Stargazing: Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "The clearing around the site gave great visibility of stars with very low light pollution," reports Brent R. The park also features a 6-7 mile trail around the entire lake.
Astronomy education: Ashton Wildwood Park maintains an observatory open on Saturdays. "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," explains Willy W.
Creek exploration: Splash in local waterways during summer months. "Lots of rock stairways to enter and exit the creek throughout the park," describes Kimberly W. about Thomas Mitchell Park. At Yellow Banks County Park, "there is access to trails and to the Des Moines river... a fishing pond that's got plenty of bluegill and largemouth bass."
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Yellow Banks County Park offers a peaceful experience during non-peak times. "So with covid I couldn't primitive camp but this place is huge and has lots to offer," writes Willy W. Another camper notes, "It's a nice clean little park. The good shower/restroom areas clean convenient firewood purchase area."
Family-friendly amenities: Timberline Campground provides recreational facilities beyond basic camping. "Very pretty and clean. We got in pretty late, staff was awesome even showed us to our spot. The park looked nice," notes Tessa M. The campground includes "a swimming pool and playground. Basketball court and a community hall," according to Karey A.
Large camping sites: At Ashton Wildwood Park, "the sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents," reports Topaz G. For just $7 per night, campsites are "tucked into the woods and very spacious," adds Deb K.
Well-maintained facilities: Swede Point Park provides clean amenities at reasonable prices. "Very quite and small has electric and non electric camp sites on top of a hill from the river, each campsite has a fire ring with grill for cooking fire wood can be purchased for $5 a bundle," mentions Pat F.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some parks require advance booking 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.
Seasonal operations: Most glamping close to Johnston, Iowa operates from spring through fall. Des Moines West KOA Holiday has extended its season. "Don't pay attention to the highway signs that says they're only open until October, they're working on updating them," reports Iris A.
Proximity to shooting range: Timberline Campground's location means some noise disruption. "We didn't realize there must be a shooting range close by as all afternoon all we heard were gun shots. Not relaxing for us or our fur babies," notes Roxanna L.
Water access limitations: Some campgrounds have limited water hookups. "Only two water connections for the camp," mentions Tristan V. about Swede Point Park, while Thomas Mitchell campers should be careful about site selection as some are "too close to the dump station and subsequent 'sewage lagoon.'"
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Cherry Glen Campground offers recreational facilities. "Nice campground with 30/50 amp electric, no water or service but bathrooms are clean and many. The staff are very friendly and willing to offer info," says Stacy M. Another visitor notes "lots of trees, playgrounds, near lake."
Swimming options: Lake Ahquabi provides excellent water recreation for children. "They have a beautiful lake and a beach. The water has minimal seaweed and great temperature! They have rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, etc, for a decent price!" shares jennifer M.
Budget-friendly activities: Several parks offer no-cost entertainment options. "There are a few miles of mowed trails along with a couple of trail through the woods up and down hills. Do you like volleyball? They have that and a half court basketball too," notes j B. about Swede Point Park.
Wildlife viewing: Beyond bison and elk viewing, parks offer additional animal encounters. "Lots of treea and small wIldlIfe, would stay there again," reports Stacy M. about Cherry Glen. Parks closer to water feature more bird watching opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional preparation. "Sites were pretty level, sizable that our 43' motorhome and tow fit without unhooking," mentions Roxanna L. about Timberline Campground, though she cautions about the "slight tilt" on some sites.
Utility connections: Electric options vary significantly between parks. "Small family run full service park in a grove of trees in a slightly hilly area. Easy access, but sites are gravel," notes Jo E. about Timberline, where "some full hook ups" are available but "sites not very level."
Off-season accommodations: For winter glamping near Johnston, Iowa, Des Moines West KOA remains open. "Office is open until 7pm which was very helpful as we arrived a little later than expected. Well kept, clean bathrooms with space heaters running to ensure they're warm during the December cold," shares Iris A.
