Norwalk, Iowa camping options extend beyond traditional RV parks with several distinct camping experiences available within a 30-minute drive. The area sits at approximately 830 feet elevation with a typical Midwestern climate featuring humid summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds near Norwalk operate with fuller amenities from April through October, though several offer year-round access with limited winter services.
What to do
Fishing at lakeside locations: Bob Shelter Recreation Area provides direct access to the Des Moines River below the spillway. "I would suggest getting reservations. We stopped on a Friday without one, they were booked. We only wanted one night in a tent. They don't have designated tent sites but they have one overflow sight and they let us use it for the night," advises a camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground.
Biking on paved trails: Multiple campgrounds connect to the 25-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail. "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office," notes a visitor about their stay at Griffs Valley View RV Park.
Gaming and entertainment: Several RV sites near Norwalk, Iowa provide easy access to casino gaming. "If you are looking to get buzzed while out here at Kellogg RV Park, you are in luck as just nearby there's Grinnell Craft Brewhouse, Buzzed Bee Meadery as well as Van Wijk Winery – all of which are absolutely worth the visit," mentions a reviewer from Kellogg RV Park.
What campers like
Convenient state fair access: RV campers appreciate proximity to Des Moines during event season. "We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair," shares a visitor at River Oaks RV Park.
Level, well-maintained sites: The quality of RV pads receives frequent mention. "Very nice campground. Site 67BSHM had electric. Park had water available to fill fresh tanks, showers, flush toilets and dump station. Sr. Lifetime pass rate $10 per night," reports a camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area.
Dedicated amenities for families: KOA facilities particularly cater to families with children. "We stayed at the West Des Moines KOA for the Nationals Softball Tournament for my daughter in July. There were 6 families that stayed there with us. It was so much fun because we were able to all be either on buddy sites together and one had a patio site," notes a visitor to Des Moines West KOA Holiday.
What you should know
Seasonal operation variances: Not all facilities operate year-round. "Don't pay attention to the highway signs that says they're only open until October, they're working on updating them," explains a winter visitor to Des Moines West KOA Holiday.
Highway proximity noise levels: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to interstate proximity. "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 quite camping," cautions a visitor who scouted Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures.
Reservation requirements vary: Walk-in availability depends on the campground and season. "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," relates a camper who visited Griffs Valley View RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access scheduling: Check operational dates for water amenities. "We stayed one night in a basic cabin. AC was on upon arrival- check in/out was quick and easy! Bathrooms were immaculate! Pizza & Chicken ordered on site was a delicious dinner when we were just to tired to fuss with our own gear," shares a family who stayed at Des Moines West KOA Holiday.
Playgrounds and recreation: Assess activity options for different age groups. "There is a really nice pond for fishing that has some bluegills. The water is very clean. Overall this is really nice place," notes a visitor to Griffs Valley View RV Park.
Amusement park access: Some RV sites near Norwalk connect directly to entertainment destinations. "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. We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th," shares a camper who stayed at Adventureland Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Site layout affects connection requirements. "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," advises an RV camper at River Oaks RV Park.
Leveling needs: Surface types vary significantly between campgrounds. "Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks," mentions a visitor reporting on River Oaks RV Park's conditions.
Big rig accommodation: Several parks can handle larger motorhomes with specific site selection. "We got here and the staff and people are very friendly they keep it very clean and it's nice and quiet. The lots are a nice size and have hookups for everything," notes a visitor to Griffs Valley View RV Park.
