Camping spots near Slater, Iowa sit within the Des Moines River watershed at approximately 830 feet elevation. The area features a mix of prairie and woodland environments, with camping facilities typically open from April through October. Winter weather makes most campgrounds inaccessible from December through March, with spring rains sometimes affecting ground conditions at tent sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple oxbow lakes at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt provide unique water access within 30 minutes of Slater. "Great hiking trails, clean, great camp hosts, ranger. All sites first come. Camp there 2-4 times a year," reports one regular visitor. The stagnant water isn't suitable for swimming but supports kayaking in early season.
Mountain biking access: Regional trails connect to several campgrounds in the area, making them popular with cyclists. "The entire saylorville compound is an amazing place to be. I especially liked this area for the access to the water," notes a visitor about Acorn Valley. Most trails maintain paved sections suitable for families with children.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching at Swede Point Park offers morning observation opportunities from multiple hiking trails. "Nice and quite little park, very scenic and beautiful area, park rangers are very nice and helpful as well," according to one camper. The park maintains mowed trails alongside wooded paths with elevation changes.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses receive consistent praise across campgrounds. A visitor to Ledges State Park Campground noted it has "fun 'eagles view' point that overlooks the ledges. Nice picnic areas are also available. I would be careful hiking in the winter for obvious reason, especially because of the steep edges, etc."
Spacious sites: Concrete pads at several campgrounds accommodate larger setups. "Spacious campsites with cement pads... The only thing holding it back from 5 stars is no water or sewer onsite," mentions a camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area. Electric sites typically cost around $25 per night, while primitive tent sites range from $12-16.
Quiet atmosphere: Weekday camping provides more solitude than weekends at most locations. "We stayed at site A25. Not all loops are paved. A is not. But the site was pretty level, wasn't too much trouble to get our trailer backed in and leveled," reports a Prairie Flower visitor. Many campgrounds fill completely on summer weekends.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: Most Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds near Saylorville Lake can be reserved six months in advance, but some operate on first-come basis. "Cherry Glen is very clean and well managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. It is one of the main campgrounds that service Saylorville Lake. I highly suggest visiting during the week because on the weekends the local boaters invade," advises one experienced camper.
Wildlife concerns: Several campgrounds report active raccoon populations after dark. At Acorn Valley, "Campsites are well kept and clean. Bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day. Biggest downside is the resident raccoons. Come out every night to rummage through possible food options. Secure your food and they're no problem unless you're a light sleeper."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate April through October with limited winter access. "Ledges State Park is one of the most visited parks in Iowa. I loved coming to this park as a kid and I can't wait for it to re-open. It has been closed since January 2018, but it scheduled to re-open in January of 2019," shared a visitor about previous maintenance closures.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds and child-friendly facilities. At Prairie Flower Recreation Area, "This is a very large campground with lots of sites and large group camping areas. The bathrooms and shower house are nice and clean." The group camping areas provide circular arrangements with shelters in the middle.
Educational programming: Nature centers operate seasonally at select locations with structured activities. "We had a great stay here, check in was easy, getting firewood was easy, the bathhouses were so clean and nice, hiking and views were amazing!" reports a visitor to Jester County Park. Nature programs typically run May through September.
Walking distances: Consider site location relative to restrooms for young children. At Ledges State Park, "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. Youth group camp, the ones with all the energy and strength, is next to parking lot. That's messed up."
Tips from RVers
Dump station limitations: Holiday weekends create long waits at single-station facilities. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground, "Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river." However, the single dump station creates congestion during peak departure times.
Water fill locations: Many campgrounds require filling tanks before parking. "There is potable water at dump site. This campground is connected to regional bike trails that will take all the way to Des Moines and suburbs," notes a camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area. Water connections aren't available at individual sites in many locations.
Site size variations: Different loops accommodate different RV sizes. At Griffs Valley View RV Park, "Sites are large with nicely manicured lawns. My only issue was that my hose was just barely long enough but that was my fault not the campgrounds. The woman that runs it was very nice and met me at the entrance to lead me to my spot." This private park maintains year-round availability.
