Camping opportunities near Johnston, Iowa offer both electric sites and primitive options for outdoor stays. The Des Moines area sits at approximately 830 feet elevation along the Des Moines River basin where seasonal temperatures range from below freezing winters to humid 80°F+ summer days. Several parks provide camping along Saylorville Lake, a Corps of Engineers reservoir created by damming the Des Moines River.
What to do
Fishing access: Bob Shelter Recreation Area provides fishing opportunities below the Saylorville Dam spillway. "I would suggest getting reservations. We stopped on a Friday without one, they were booked... Price is great, $20 per night. Easy to get RVs into the spots and a lot to do for the kids," notes camper Zachariah M.
Trail exploration: Jester County Park features multiple hiking trails and access points to the Saylorville waterway system. "There is a sweet pond to fish in, several hiking trails, a brand new (opened August 2018) Nature Center, amphitheater, bison and bird viewing, and even cabins if you want to rent them," according to Larissa C.
Wildlife viewing: View bison and elk at Jester Park's dedicated viewing areas. "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level," writes Jim S., though he notes the animals "are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Kellogg RV Park maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms were clean. The showers were clean, hot and good pressure. I loved the chicken coops and the landscaping," shares Kimberly M., highlighting amenities not often found at highway-adjacent parks.
Convenience to attractions: Adventureland Campground provides walkable access to the amusement park and casino. "Great place but not quiet at all. Short walk to the amusement park. We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park," explains Erik W.
Seasonal activities: Many Johnston area campgrounds offer structured programming, especially during summer months. "There are many organized weekend activities for families," notes Debra G. about Des Moines West KOA Holiday, which provides consistent recreational options from April through October.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Johnston fill quickly during peak seasons. "This is a nice place to stay off of I-80. It's nice but packed. 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," reports Mike M. about Griffs Valley View RV Park.
Site spacing: RV parks in the Johnston area vary widely in site size and privacy. "Nice pads to park on, however you are right on top of your neighbor. There is no WI-FI so bring your own," cautions Tim H. about Griffs Valley View.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some camping areas. "You could literally throw a rock from the entrance and hit a passing semi. Would be a possible extended stay for construction folks. Not for any peace and quiet camping," reports Kelly about Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures.
Varied terrain: Elevation changes and water views differ between parks. "This is a lovely spot. We stayed at spot 20 which was extra wide, concrete pad with electric hook up... It backs to the river below the spillway from the dam," describes Wendy H. about Bob Shelter Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: River Oaks RV Park provides family-friendly amenities with updated facilities. "Made a quick trip here to see how the new puppy likes camping. Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought," notes Jim C., who appreciated the campground's well-maintained spaces.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pools during summer months. "We stayed at the West Des Moines KOA for the Nationals Softball Tournament for my daughter in July. The pool was refreshing for the girls and all of the activities kept them busy and having fun!" reports Christina N.
Educational opportunities: Johnston area parks often include nature centers and wildlife viewing. "Campground is on an old horse farm. Sites are large with nicely manicured lawns," writes Preston G. about Griffs Valley View, where rural character enhances the camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: RV parks near Johnston vary in hookup locations and setup ease. "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," explains Jim C. about River Oaks RV Park.
Level sites: Many RV parks offer concrete pads but leveling requirements differ. "The sites are level and well marked. The property is kept up nicely," notes one visitor at Griffs Valley View, emphasizing the importance of properly maintained sites.
Winter accessibility: Year-round RV camping options exist but are limited. "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. about Des Moines West KOA, noting that winter accommodations include "space heaters running to ensure they're warm during the December cold."
