Camping sites near Madrid, Iowa offer a mix of county-managed and Corps of Engineers facilities situated along the Des Moines River valley and Saylorville Lake. The terrain ranges from flat grasslands to wooded river corridors, with elevations between 830-900 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds maintain modern restrooms and electrical hookups, with peak season extending from April through October when temperatures average 75-85°F during summer months.
What to do
Hiking the sandstone ledges: At Ledges State Park Campground, trails provide challenging terrain unusual for Iowa. "I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa for me to camp," notes one visitor who appreciates the distinctive landscape. The park features sandstone formations along the river that can be explored safely during normal water levels.
Fishing at the spillway: The spillway area behind Saylorville Dam offers accessible fishing spots for campers. "I am not a fisherman but there were a lot of folks casting near the spillway," observed a visitor to Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground. This area provides shore access without needing a boat.
Cycling on regional trails: The paved Chichaqua Valley Trail extends 25 miles and connects multiple camping areas. "Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail," reports a camper who stayed at Swede Point Park. Several parks serve as access points to the trail system, which includes the notable High Trestle Trail with its illuminated bridge structure.
Wildlife viewing: Jester County Park includes bison viewing areas adjacent to camping facilities. "They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be," notes one camper at Jester County Park. The park added a nature center in 2018 with educational displays and guided programs.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area consistently maintain high cleanliness standards. "Bathrooms are immaculate. Large community center, gym, and laundry facilities on site," reports a camper at Griffs Valley View RV Park. Many campgrounds feature modern shower houses with hot water, making extended stays more comfortable.
Waterfront access: Sites along Saylorville Lake provide scenic views and recreation options. "We had a gorgeous view of the lake and sunsets," explains a camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area. The shoreline camping areas offer fishing access and swimming opportunities during summer months.
Well-maintained grounds: Campgrounds near Madrid reflect strong local investment in outdoor recreation. "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows," observes a camper at Jester County Park. This investment translates to properly maintained roads, camping pads, and common areas.
Proximity to Des Moines: Camping near Madrid provides a rural experience while maintaining access to urban amenities. "Near a city so you don't run short on supplies," notes a Bob Shelter Recreation Area visitor. Most campgrounds are within 30 minutes of larger retail stores and restaurants.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds operate strictly on first-come, first-served basis while others require advance booking. "Spots are first come basis. NO RESERVATIONS! And ALL of the electrical sites were full Thursday evening," reports a visitor to Swede Point Park. For weekend camping during summer months, secure reservations when available or arrive mid-week for first-come sites.
Weather considerations: The area experiences typical Midwestern seasonal changes with potential for severe weather. Flooding occasionally impacts lower-lying campgrounds, particularly those near the Des Moines River. "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," noted a camper regarding flood-related closures.
Campsite selection matters: Each campground offers varying levels of privacy and amenities. "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," explains a Prairie Flower Recreation Area visitor. Research specific site characteristics when making reservations.
Dump station congestion: During busy periods, limited dump facilities can create delays. "There's one dump station for a campground that is large in size and popularity. Trying to leave on a Sunday is a good 1 hour wait," warns a camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area. Plan departures for off-peak times when possible.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select campsites near playground facilities for convenience with children. "Nice and well maintained! We parked at a site by the playground and bathhouse, and could sit at our camper and watch our son play at a safe distance," suggests a visitor to Acorn Valley. Most established campgrounds include basic playground equipment.
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife includes raccoons that frequently visit campgrounds after dark. "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," advises an Acorn Valley camper. Store food securely to avoid nighttime disturbances.
Tent site locations: Family tent camping requires planning for distance to facilities. "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," cautions a Ledges State Park camper. Consider equipment transport needs when selecting sites.
Fishing opportunities: Small ponds within campgrounds provide safe fishing access for children. "The area does have a sweet pond to fish in," mentions a Jester County Park visitor. These smaller water features typically contain bluegill and other panfish suitable for young anglers.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electrical hookups, but water and sewer connections vary by location. "The spots are a nice size and have hookups for everything," reports an RV camper at Griffs Valley View RV Park, where full hookups are standard. Other campgrounds may require using central water fill stations and dump facilities.
Site leveling considerations: Campsite surfaces range from concrete pads to gravel. "Sites are level and well marked. The property is kept up nicely," notes a visitor to Des Moines West KOA Holiday. Bring leveling blocks for campgrounds with less developed sites.
Hose length planning: Some full-hookup sites require longer-than-standard water hoses. "My only issue was that my hose was just barely long enough but that was my fault not the campgrounds," mentions a Griffs Valley View RV Park camper. Pack extra hose sections when visiting unfamiliar campgrounds.
Off-season availability: Several campgrounds now extend their operating seasons. "Don't pay attention to the highway signs that says they're only open until October, they're working on updating them," advises a Des Moines West KOA Holiday visitor. Call ahead for current operating schedules during shoulder seasons.
