RV camping near Pleasant Hill, Iowa offers concrete pad sites across multiple facilities in the Des Moines metro area. Most campgrounds in the region experience busy seasons from May through September with many requiring reservations during summer months. Winter camping options exist at select locations, though amenities may be limited during colder months when temperatures typically range from 15-30°F.
What to do
Fishing at small ponds: Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground features fishing spots near the spillway. According to one visitor, "Love to camp here and watch the spill way." The recreation area sits behind a dam with fishing access to the Des Moines River.
Biking on paved trails: The 25-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail runs directly between Griffs Valley View RV Park and the campground office. One camper noted, "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office." The trail provides flat terrain suitable for family rides.
Casino gaming: Several campgrounds offer proximity to gaming facilities. At Lakeside Casino RV Park, "If you are here to gamble, you will love it. If you are here to rest, you will love it." The RV park features paved spaces and full hookups within walking distance of the casino.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms as a highlight. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, "Bathrooms were immaculate!" Another reviewer noted, "Clean, spacious and friendly" accommodations with "decent playground, water pillow for bouncing, fishing pond, dog park, swimming pool."
Convenient highway access: Multiple campgrounds provide easy access to Interstate 80. At Kellogg RV Park, "Open year around. Nice large sites and no need to unhook. Clean rv park with easy access to I-80." This makes Pleasant Hill camping ideal for overnight stops during longer trips.
Well-maintained grounds: Many campgrounds feature manicured lawns and landscaping. One camper at Griffs Valley View stated, "This is a nice place to stay off of I 80. It's nice but packed. The voicemail said it was fully booked from May until September." Another mentioned it as "Beautiful and quiet place to stay. Really affordable as well."
What you should know
Reservation needs: Summer camping requires advance planning. At Griffs Valley View, "They were quite busy so definitely call ahead before making the trip out." Some campgrounds report being fully booked from May until September.
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds have gravel sites requiring additional equipment. At River Oaks RV Park, "Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks." Concrete pad sites exist but often fill quickly during peak seasons.
Highway noise variations: Proximity to interstates means traffic noise at some locations. According to a Shady Brook Camping reviewer, "We looked at the other reviews and it talked about it being so close to the freeway, but we didn't hear a sound. It was really in a good perimeter of trees and lots of shade and level camp spots."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain pools for summer use. The Des Moines West KOA Holiday features "a pool, dunk tank, gem mining, ladder golf, horseshoes, jumping pillow, water balloon wars, basketball and more." These activities run primarily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Proximity to amusement park: Adventureland Campground provides walking distance access to Adventureland Park. One camper shared, "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." The campground also features "a swimming pool and a fishing pond."
Organized weekend activities: KOA locations offer structured programming for children. As one visitor noted, "There are many organized weekend activities for families." These typically include crafts, games, and seasonal events scheduled Friday through Sunday.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup positioning: Site layouts vary significantly between campgrounds. At Griffs Valley View, one RVer noted, "The campground very very well kept with spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/sewage hookups." However, another camper at River Oaks RV Park mentioned needing "only one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6' hose."
Year-round availability: Several campgrounds now operate throughout winter. The Des Moines West KOA Holiday is "Now open year round...Office is open until 7pm which was very helpful as we arrived a little later than expected. Well kept, clean bathrooms with space heaters running to ensure they're warm during the December cold."
Storm shelters: Weather safety facilities exist at select campgrounds. Griffs Valley View provides "Two nice laundry/shower houses, one in the front and one in the back of the campground" with "a community center, gym, and laundry facilities" that includes storm shelter access during severe weather.
