Best Glamping near Polk City, IA

Jester County Park and Ledges State Park Campground feature elevated glamping experiences minutes from Polk City. Both locations house luxury canvas accommodations with electricity, comfortable furnishings, and scenic views of Saylorville Lake or wooded areas. A recent visitor mentioned, "Beautiful views from our campsite. The facilities are modern and clean and there is some real pride at this park." Des Moines West KOA Holiday adds glamping options with yurts and premium canvas tents featuring real beds, climate control, and private outdoor spaces. Thomas Mitchell Park rounds out the area's glamping selection with furnished tents situated along the park's scenic trails. Timberline Campground's yurts provide another upscale choice, complete with woodstoves for cooler seasons and premium sleeping arrangements.

The glamping sites sit amid extensive trail systems connecting to Saylorville Lake waterways. Guests enjoy direct access to fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation areas. One camper shared, "It's a HUGE park and so many hiking trails! They have a fun kids exploration area along with a viewing area with elk and Buffalo." Jester Park's nature center offers guided stargazing events and wildlife programs for glamping guests. Premium sites include private fire rings with wood delivery service and proximity to the Pingora outdoor supply store for additional glamping essentials. Most accommodations remain available April through October with limited winter yurt options at Timberline requiring advance booking through their reservation system.

Best Glamping Sites Near Polk City, Iowa (25)

    1. Jester County Park

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

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate.  Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up. "

    "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."

    2. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $12 - $25 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    3. Cherry Glen Campground

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

    $24 - $26 / night

    "Nice campground with 30/50 amp electric, no water or service but bathrooms are clean and many. The staff are very friendly and willing to offer info."

    "There is electric hookups here and is perfect for R.Vs. The neighbors were really nice and a RV camper invited me to his campfire."

    4. Swede Point Park

    13 Reviews
    Madrid, IA
    11 miles
    Website

    "Very quiet and nice neighbors camping next store , fresh water well on pump next to our campsite number #1 electric and non electric site’s ,electric sites run $18 a night non electric $11 a night , has"

    "We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."

    5. Timberline Campground

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

    $35 - $80 / night

    "Arrived just before the office closed at 7pm. They were ready for us and escorted us to our pull-through full-hookups site near the front of the campground."

    "Playground was next to us but it was fun watching the kids play. Full sun in the morning but afternoon was shaded by trees. Restrooms and shower was clean and close walking distance."

    6. Yellow Banks County Park

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

    "camped here in 2021 and I enjoyed it but the first night I was there I ran my vehicle down the second night I was there I took a tour on the campgrounds and got verbally accosted but another camper for walking"

    "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."

    7. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 967-4889

    "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."

    "The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time."

    8. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

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

    "Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available. Convenient to John Wayne’s birthplace and covered bridges of Madison County."

    "Very courteous staff and clean campground. Pizza on site is excellent snd you can order it ahead for your arrival."

    9. Ashton Wildwood Park

    5 Reviews
    Mingo, IA
    22 miles
    Website

    $7 / night

    "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious.  It's only $7/night!  There is some play equipment for children. "

    "We arrived just after 9p after a long long day of driving and found the park easy to navigate. Please be courteous when finding a spot after dark."

    10. Don Williams Park

    6 Reviews
    Ogden, IA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 353-4237

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Camped by tent, basic amenities on-site-fire ring, table, etc. Went kayaking on lake and then on Des Moines River (close by). Nice wildlife areas, hiking, fishing, etc. Pleasant staff."

    "Very quite and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents it was awesome view and potable drinking water next to camp, bathrooms and shower facilities was clean and nice"

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Recent Glamping Photos near Polk City, IA

6 Photos of 25 Polk City Campgrounds


Glamping Reviews near Polk City, IA

276 Reviews of 25 Polk City Campgrounds


  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2018

    Sportsman Park

    Beautiful solitude with well manicured campsites

    This was one of the nicest county campgrounds I've ever seen. We've been to a lot of them, but this one stands out. Not to mention that the price was unbeatable! So much more reasonable than at home. Set off the road a bit in a tiny little town in Iowa, it's along a river and very close to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, an 89 mile loop trail (paved) that goes through several towns and counties. It costs $2/person/day if you are 18 or older, or a year pass is $10. There is also a lodge that you can rent.

    We rented a cabin for $50, because it was only about $10 more expensive than what we were planning on spending for a campsite in Minnesota. Normally, we stay in tents, so we were very pleased to find the options that this campground had to offer at such reasonable cost! If you wanted a tent site without electric, it was only $8. Electric sites were only $12. And the sites were incredibly well groomed. They were clean (I didn't see any trash). And they were tucked into the woods. A caretaker lives on site, and although we rarely saw him, it was obvious that he cared about his job. The bathrooms were clean and cared for too!

    We were in a cabin and they were simple, but suited our needs. They had two wooden cabin-style buildings with little front porches (not screened in, but room under the overhang for chairs). Inside, you had two bunk beds, and the bottom bunk of one was a pull out futon, so you really had room to sleep 5 people. (Must mention: The futon in our cabin was horribly uncomfortable. I would have given 4 stars to the review because of it, but the futon alone shouldn't take away from the rest of the campground, which was immaculate). There was also a bathroom with an ADA shower, toilet, mirror and sink. In the room, there was a mini fridge, coffee maker, microwave, little sink and it even had air conditioning! Tucked in the corner was a folding table and chairs. A few hooks scattered around the walls completed the room. The A/C in ours wasn't at full working capacity, but it did chill the room down enough to be very comfortable. And it was very hot outside! We also had a little fire ring and picnic table, just outside the door.

    The campground could accommodate plenty of tents and campers alike. Some electric, some not. All with very nice grassy pads for tents, all with picnic tables and fire rings. Grass was well clipped and there were plenty of parking spaces. It was very quiet when we were there, but I assume it gets busy on the weekends. The shower/bath house had separate bathrooms (both unisex) and both with toilet, mirror, sink and shower). Both were very clean for a camp bathroom. A little campground for those wishing to camp together was at the back of the park. It, too, had bathrooms. But they were locked, so I couldn't peek inside.

    Bottom line, it was well worth our $50 for the cabin (you can't even get a hotel room for that price any more). I'd love to go back and tent in the quiet of a weekday eve when the crickets are chirping and I can feel the breeze through the tent!

    Please note - there are no trash cans at the campground if you are in tents or RV's (the cabins have them inside). It is a carry in/carry out campground

    There are LOTS of water pumps all over the campground. Yay for water!!

  • B
    Sep. 1, 2016

    Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    Lake Ahquabi During Balloon Classic

    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. Also, it had a great fire pit with grill grate that could be moved. It was the perfect overnight location and cheap accommodations during the National Balloon Classic. We spent the night before at the Balloon Glow, came back and had a nice camp fire, then an early morning rise for a balloon flight made for close proximity. There were nearby bathroom facilities that were available. The truth is that the one closest was not lit well and a little messier, perhaps less maintained. The other facility was well lit and not too far a walk. During day light you could see the lake in the distance from this site, and the clearing around the site gave great visibility of stars with very low light pollution. The only downside was this site was near the main entry and exit road on the lower loop, which meant traffic in and out could prove to be a downside. Not for us on our stay at night because of late arrival and early departure, but it is good to know. All in all it was a good stay, the only challenging part was knowing which sites were available and the camp hosts weren't too helpful in knowing or seeking which were still open. But we were lucky to find one!

  • A
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Jester County Park

    Solid campground

    Stayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines.  We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical.  The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice.  This loop was mostly RVs due to the electrical hook ups.  There aren't really trees between the sites, but it is in a wooded area which is nice and there is some space between the sites so you don't feel like you are right on top of the other people.  Generally, people were pretty quiet, especially once it got dark.  Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate.  Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up.  There is a grassy area all around the gravel with plenty of room for multiple tents.  2 bath/shower houses within a short walk from the site- they were both clean and solid to use.  There are some short trails within the park which are generally well marked, but just 1 trail is longer than about 1/2 a mile.  Didn't check it out, but there is also a large lake.  Lots of picnic areas throughout the park.  There's also a volleyball court and free lending library near one of the bathhouses.  Overall, I'd recommend this campground as long as you don't mind seeing your neighbors.  Quick drive into Des Moines too.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2024

    Kellogg RV Park

    Barren Campground Gem Just Off Highway

    I like this place, I really do. It certainly packs a punch with all of the amenities that Kellogg RV Park offers up, not least of which is partnering up with apparently the best burger joint in the whole of Iowa. Burgers and camping? Can it get any better? Well, while this location gets extra points for achieving EZ on- and off-again I80 highway access, that likely is also its downside, as you are so close to arguably the busiest of all thoroughfares here in the state of Iowa that it makes you wonder if you are really getting away from it all or just taking a quick pitstop. 

    As for the grounds themselves, they are very well organized and nearly everything on this property is either brand-spanking new or has a nice degree of ‘kitsch’ that just feels right where you are at in the middle of the Midwest. There’s a well-appointed separate laundry location on the NE corner of RV Park, with a community shower/ bathroom facility smack-dab in the middle of the place, making it central and convenient to get refreshed. There’s a simple little loop that will jog you around the place, where in all there’s some 38 spots perfectly carved out for RVs or 5th Wheelers. While the map for Kellogg RV Park indicates a playground behind the laundry, if it was there to begin with, it has been replaced by a chicken coop, which I have to admit is pretty dang awesome to be woken up by these fine-feathered friends each dawn. Plus, um, there’s fresh eggs for your brunch munching pleasure! 

    With amenities in mind, each pull-thru, gravel-strewn site (all 18’ wide with lengths ranging from 65’ to 85’) comes equipped with all of the typical hook-ups (20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) along with plenty of in-ground fire rings, stand-up BBQ grills and plenty of brand new picnic tables along with complimentary WiFi. There’s solar panels on the for southwest corner of the campground, which sadly eliminates the vibe that you are out in nature. If there was just one bit of advice I would give this place it’s this(and it’s quite simple): plant some trees! That’s the one thing I noticed that felt incredibly weird… there’s just a few trees in this whole place. Granted, it is somewhat surrounded by corn fields, but here’s a hint: After mid-September when all that corn is harvested, the place feels like a barren desert, so how you compensate for that is by planting trees, shrubs, bush or anything that would make this place feel like it was planted in nature versus carved out of a watershed. 

    While the main office is up front where you would have seen that Iowa’s Best Burger Café sign, where there’s also an Amoco gas station along with a convenience market that has limited groceries and supplies. Bonus points to Kellogg RV Park for having an F5-rated tornado shelter located on-site, so while your RV might blow away, no worries, you and those you hold most precious will be protected in the event of a tornado, which is important because this state gets hit by them all the time. They’ll also sell you a bundle of firewood for$6 / bundle, which is fair, especially considering that they’ll deliver the bundles directly to your site. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best sites are those located as far east and north as possible (yes, right near the laundry facilities and chicken coop). Why? Well, because they will be furthest away from I80, so less noise, plus they are on the periphery, so this offers up better views of corn country, and additionally, more tranquility. Plus the shower / restroom facilities are centrally located, so not too far away; (2) 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!; (3) Should your foodie vibes need to be tamed while here, head on over to nearby Maytag Blue Cheese for a slice or slab or head on over to Dayton Meat Products, which not only processes meat in case you are out and about with a bow & arrow, but will serve up some pretty outrageously awesome sausages, loins and particular cuts of meats that you just can’t find anywhere nearby. Oh, and if farmer’s markets are your thing, then check out nearby Grinnell Farmers Market or Jasper County Farmer’s Market – both just 10 minutes from here; and (4) Once you grow tired of pillaging your on-board mini-fridge or Cordova roto-molded cooler and are looking for some local fare, I will have to admit that Iowa’s Best Burger Café does live up to its boast – and while I didn’t have another burger while I was in the ‘Hawkeye State’ I do make it my business to check stuff out when I see ‘Best’ noted anywhere and there’s reasonable proof behind this claim here, so give the good folks here the better side of your discerning tastes and try them out. Oh, and there’s that little thing that there’s not too much competition in these parts, so unless you are up for a good drive, the only other joint is RJ’s Bar& Grill, which trust me, is much more Bar than Grill. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Larissa C.
    Aug. 3, 2018

    Jester County Park

    Best Camping in Central Iowa

    Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit. In addition to the water access ways, there is a sweet pond to fish in, several hiking trails, a brand new (opened August 2018) Nature Center, amphitheater, bison and bird viewing, and even cabins if you want to rent them (fully stocked, linens included!).

    Our favorite spot to camp is 410 and 409. It's a secluded area within the 400s that is lined with trees on one side and a drop off into the Saylorville water circuit on the other (see photos). For $15/night/camping spot, you can enjoy the best view of stars and amazing sunsets. We go a couple times a year to camp and Jester has even been the place where we hold special events like birthdays/going away parties.

  • Tom S.
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Don't fall off the ledge!

    One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there. It's close to how I remember it.

    The campground has a good picnic area, restrooms, and an excellent trail. It's also inexpensive.

    What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. There are some excellent views, so make sure your phone has enough battery to take photos (unlike me). I also spent a lot of time off the trail. It isn't too hard to get around. 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.

    If you are looking for a cool place to camp within an hour of Des Moines, you should seriously consider this park.

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

    Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.

  • Renee H.
    May. 23, 2024

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    Nice modern KOA

    Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs and also tent campers. Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade. Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available. Convenient to John Wayne’s birthplace and covered bridges of Madison County. Bulk propane tanks were on site for winter campers. Camper cabins available. Small store with Hunt Brothers pizza to order. Gathering room on site and pedal car racetrack. Verizon cell signal was good. Garbage dumpster and dump station on site.

  • b
    Nov. 19, 2022

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    Great Setting, Nice Campground

    Very courteous staff and clean campground. Pizza on site is excellent snd you can order it ahead for your arrival.


Guide to Polk City

Camping options around Polk City combine accessible sites with significant variety across seasonal conditions. The town's proximity to both Saylorville Lake and the Des Moines River creates distinct microclimates, with summer humidity levels reaching 70-85% during peak camping season. Winter yurt camping requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can drop below 15°F between December and February.

What to do

Trail exploration near water: Access the Des Moines River directly from Yellow Banks County Park, where camping spots provide convenient water access. "The banks are amazing! River access and a pond to fish! Camped here my whole life. Boy scouts and with friends. Check out the burial grounds," mentions Steve H. The park features riverfront areas and connecting trails for both hiking and fishing.

Night sky viewing: Experience stargazing at Ashton Wildwood Park, which features an on-site observatory open Saturdays (except the first Saturday of each month). "The observatory that's open on Saturday's was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," shares Willy W. The park also offers an orienteering course through wooded areas.

Kayaking and fishing: Camp near multiple fishing spots at Don Williams Park where lake access provides recreational options beyond standard camping. "Camped by tent, basic amenities on-site-fire ring, table, etc. Went kayaking on lake and then on Des Moines River (close by). Nice wildlife areas, hiking, fishing," reports James M. The park maintains a swimming area adjacent to camping zones.

What campers like

Water features: Many sites offer direct access to creeks and waterways. At Thomas Mitchell County Park, campers appreciate the water access. "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," notes Kimberly W. The creek access points include constructed stone staircases.

Spacious, wooded campsites: Tent campers seeking privacy find secluded spots at Ledges State Park Campground. "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents," according to Topaz G. Ledges features diverse terrain with sandstone formations and varied elevation changes not common in central Iowa.

Quiet, smaller campgrounds: Less crowded options provide peaceful alternatives to larger facilities. "Small county park with clean showers and restrooms. Several short trails, mile mile and a half maybe. Tent camping is always available (literally - was just there over Labor day weekend and had no trouble getting a spot on Saturday)," reports Billy K. about Swede Point Park.

What you should know

Reservation systems vary: Many parks operate on a first-come basis rather than reservations. At Swede Point Park, "Plan to get here Wednesday or Thursday because this park is FIRST COME basis. NO RESERVATIONS! And ALL of the electrical sites were full Thursday evening. There were plenty on tent sites still available," advises j B.

Amenities differ significantly: Bathroom facilities range from basic pit toilets to full shower houses. "The bathhouse was very clean and had two showers that had hot water. We could not hear the highway from our spot despite it being close by, and the other campers around were very quiet," notes Reese W. about Thomas Mitchell County Park.

Site selection matters: Some areas have specific considerations. "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,'" advises Ben K. about Thomas Mitchell County Park. At Cherry Glen, sites 111-116 and 72-78 offer lake views.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly water options: For families with children, water access provides natural entertainment. "This place has a lot to offer and the hosts are great. There is a fishing lake, playground, sand volleyball, and hiking," notes Bob R. about Thomas Mitchell Park. The creek areas offer natural cooling options during hot summer months.

Consider noise factors: Some locations have nearby activities that affect noise levels. "Can hear shots from gun range next door," mentions Mia L. about Timberline Campground, though the campground offers "pool, arcade" and other family amenities to balance this factor.

Playground availability: Multiple parks feature play equipment for younger campers. "Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail. There are a few miles of mowed trails along with a couple of trail through the woods up and down hills. Do you like volleyball? They have that and a half court basketball too," notes j B.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: RVers should prepare for varied terrain at several campgrounds. "Spots were pretty level, sizable that our 43' motorhome and tow fit without unhooking. We just stayed over night since we're heading home. They take you to your site," explains Roxanna L. about Timberline Campground.

Hookup differences: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary widely between parks. "Sites are gravel. Nice bit of grass with each site, most are at least partially shaded. Small dog park which is pea gravel, not grass," reports Jo E. about RV accommodations at Timberline Campground, one of the few year-round yurt camping options near Polk City, Iowa.

Dump station access: RVers appreciate the well-designed facilities at certain parks. "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," notes jim S. about Jester County Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Polk City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Polk City, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Polk City, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 25 glamping camping locations near Polk City, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.