Camping options near Mitchellville, Iowa center around the Des Moines River watershed, with elevations ranging from 780 to 900 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this area feature prairie and woodland habitats characteristic of central Iowa's transition zone between tallgrass prairie and deciduous forest. Seasonal temperature swings are significant, with summer highs regularly reaching 90°F and high humidity levels that affect camping comfort from June through August.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Thomas Mitchell County Park, campers can access water recreation directly from their sites. As Willy W. notes, "Great place to go tent camping, very clean and quiet... Easy trails for the kids to go hiking and playing in the creek to cool off in the heat."
Fishing opportunities: Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers excellent fishing access with multiple launch points. According to a visitor, "This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing... The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas."
Trail access: Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt provides extensive hiking opportunities through restored prairie and wetland areas. A camper shares, "This place reminds me of a lazy river. There are electrical and primitive campgrounds... There are plenty of trails to hike and some really nice views of the prairies."
Bison viewing: Near Saylorville Lake, Jester County Park offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "It has a brand new Nature Center, amphitheater, bison and bird viewing, and even cabins if you want to rent them," explains Larissa C., highlighting activities beyond standard camping amenities.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Many Mitchellville area campgrounds experience significant weekend crowds but remain peaceful midweek. At Yellow Banks County Park, Kelly notes, "Close to home, can usually get site without reservation, IF you roll in on Wed. By Thurs night, it's full. Few reservables, 90% i'd say are first come."
Accessible nature: The region's flat terrain makes it suitable for campers of various physical abilities. At Prairie Flower Recreation Area, a visitor mentions, "The local trail is paved and bike/walker/stroller friendly but due to recent flooding at the lake, it was also cut short until clean up could resume."
Water proximity: Many campers appreciate creek-side and riverside sites. Willy W. describes Yellow Banks Park: "It's got access to trails and to the Des Moines river. It's a great little escape. There is a fishing pond that's got plenty of bluegill and largemouth bass."
Clean facilities: Griffs Valley View RV Park receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. Paula O. reports, "Nice place to stop as we head west. Sites are level and well marked. The property is kept up nicely. Has a cute pond and is adjacent to a bike and running trail. The main lodge has very clean restrooms and showers with hot water!"
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Mitchellville operate on limited schedules. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt runs from April 1 to November 30, while other parks have varying seasons. One frustrated visitor noted, "Drove 6 hours to find out the campground is closed (apparently for all of fall and winter) without any awareness of that being the case online."
Reservation systems vary: While some parks require advance booking, others maintain first-come options. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area, Zachariah M. advises, "I would suggest getting reservations. We stopped on a Friday without one, they were booked. We only wanted one night in a tent... Price is great, $20 per night."
Site selection considerations: Site quality and features vary within each campground. Ben K. from Thomas Mitchell Park suggests, "I personally would not want to be in a site beyond number 7 as it gets too close to the dump station and subsequent 'sewage lagoon'."
Highway noise proximity: Interstate 80 runs through the region, affecting some camping areas. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, a reviewer mentions, "The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it's minimal."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Jester County Park offers excellent recreation facilities for children. "So quiet and peaceful down by the water. Beautiful scenery, great playground, friendly atmosphere," notes Brenda M., making it a top family camping destination.
Water play options: Multiple parks feature safe areas for children to explore shallow water. A Thomas Mitchell Park visitor shared, "Perfect weather last weekend and loved the little creek to splash around in with the dogs. Loads of rock stairways to enter and edit the creek throughout the park."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds incorporate nature education. Whitney S. found Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt "a nice campground it has great trails and is in between Altoona Ankeny and Bondurant," providing easy access to both natural areas and urban amenities.
Bug protection: Mosquitoes are prevalent near water features throughout the season. At Chichaqua Bottoms, a reviewer warns, "Make sure to bring bug spray. Overall it's a nice place and pretty quiet most of the time."
Tips from RVers
Dump station timing: Peak checkout times create long waits at some campgrounds. An RVer at Prairie Flower Recreation Area warned, "Now my one complaint - there's one dump station for a campground that is large in size and popularity. Trying to leave on Sunday is a good 1 hour wait... I hate going there knowing that instead of getting to enjoy Sunday - I'll be busy draining my pooper."
Site leveling requirements: Concrete pads are available at many parks, but not all. At Adventureland Campground, Anthony W. notes, "Concrete pads with full hook ups (30/50 amp, water and sewage) make setting up quick. Tent camping is an option in the back of the campground."
Hose length considerations: Water access points may require extra equipment. At Griffs Valley View RV Park, Preston G. shared, "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."
Year-round options: While most campgrounds close seasonally, select parks remain open through winter. Anthony W. explains, "I stayed at Griffs for two months in autumn while working in Altoona. The campground very very well kept with spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/sewage hookups."
