Best Campgrounds near Norwalk, IA

Norwalk, IA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Norwalk is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Norwalk, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

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Best Camping Sites Near Norwalk, Iowa (107)

    1. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 285-4502

    $25 - $38 / night

    "There's a boat camp, a bird watching area, a playground, plany of park space with picnic tables and BBQ pits, hiking and biking trails, and even a lodge that I assume can be rented for events."

    "Walnut Woods is conveniently located 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines. Sites are paved and mostly level, although we did have to throw a couple of blocks under one side of our TT tires."

    2. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 266-1563

    "Close proximity to the state fair without being to close. Great stay! Our site had an open field behind it definitely recommend."

    "There are two RV sites with shower houses, and about 10 tentsites on a large rectangular area in the back surrounded by trees."

    3. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 987-1714

    $35 - $80 / night

    "If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!"

    "The site we were on is sorta blacktop but the sides have crumbled and it has a slight tilt to it so stepping down out of the camper was tricky as your feet tend to slide in the loose rocks."

    4. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $22 - $26 / night

    "We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."

    "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. Great fishing in the river."

    5. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"

    "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."

    6. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Indianola, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-7101

    $25 - $35 / night

    "We entered the park looking for a walk-up spot and landed on Site 67 which was not reserved. The site was spacious with a big tree with good shade and cover if needed."

    "The beach, and park were very far away from the camping area. A suggestion of a bagger for their lawn mower for all the cut grass. The lake by the boat landing was nice and so were the trails."

    7. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."

    "Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."

    8. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 834-2729

    "Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp."

    "I love the beautiful surroundings here. Definitely worth the visit."

    9. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    16 miles
    Website

    $35 - $90 / night

    "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! Recommended"

    "There is also a very nice bike trail right outside the park."

    10. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."

    "Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."

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Recent Reviews near Norwalk, IA

516 Reviews of 107 Norwalk Campgrounds


  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Sportsman Park

    Sportsman Park

    Dawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!

    They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.

    The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.

    We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Jester County Park

    Nothing but exceptional

    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. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Great campground and amazing amusement park

    July, 2017

    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.  They also have workcamper programs.

    We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Green Valley State Park Campground

    Clean and well maintained

    July, 2017

    We stayed here for a week while working in the area.  Very nice place. Clean and well maintained.

  • Jerry V.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Well Maintaned & Good Fishing

    I stayed at site #13 with my two boys.  We had a blast.  I would highly recommend site #13.  It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy.  It had a nice access spot for fishing.  The new restroom/shower facility was very nice and clean.  Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that.  There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks.  The campground manager was extremely helpful.  He had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Don Williams Park

    Beautiful park

    Great sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views.

  • J
    Jul. 8, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Clean & quiet

    Made a quick trip here to de how the new puppy likes camping. Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. 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.

    Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider.

    A new bath house, community room, and “shop” is being built. Bath house & laundry are complete. Very nice and spotless.

    The camp is quiet and well maintained.

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Howell Station

    Laid-back Campground

    This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.


Guide to Norwalk

Camping near Norwalk, IA, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for scenic views, hiking trails, or family-friendly activities, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Scenic Views: Many campgrounds, like Ledges State Park Campground, offer beautiful trails. One visitor noted, "Canyon road and limestone cliffs are awesome. Secluded spots in the trees."
  • Water Activities: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper shared, "Great location, good facilities... Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass."
  • Family Fun: Jester County Park has playgrounds and trails for kids. One family mentioned, "We love it here; people are great, and the price is right."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground said, "The campground area is clean. Showers and toilets are clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Prairie Flower Recreation Area noted, "Level sites, easy to back in, plenty of room."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, one guest said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds, like Iowa Ledges State Park, have poor cell coverage. A camper warned, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Popular spots can get crowded in summer. A visitor at Lake Anita State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area advised, "If we ever stay here again, we would choose a site closer to the dam."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Playgrounds: Look for sites like Jester County Park that have kid-friendly amenities. One parent said, "Kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course, and nature center."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for fun on the water. A family at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground enjoyed the lake, stating, "The lake is beautiful and the path around it is in great shape!"
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. A camper at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "Utilities were top-notch!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Rock Creek State Park Campground offer electric and water hookups, which can be a big plus. A camper shared, "Some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Shade: Some campgrounds may not have many trees. A visitor at Lake Anita State Park Campground said, "Limited shade options."

Camping near Norwalk, IA, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Norwalk, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Norwalk, IA is Walnut Woods State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.

What parks are near Norwalk, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Norwalk, IA that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock.