Camping opportunities near Maxwell, Iowa range from electric sites to primitive camping, with varying seasonal availability from April through October. Located in central Iowa's Polk and Story Counties, the area sits at around 900 feet elevation with prairie and woodland landscapes intersected by small creeks and rivers. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with less humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cherry Glen Campground provides access to Saylorville Lake where fishing is popular. "Love this it's close to the city yet feel so far away," notes one camper about the wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities.
Trail exploration: Ashton Wildwood Park offers hiking trails with orienteering courses. "There are a couple of hiking trails in the park that are maintained. One goes to a creek and a bird watching station. There is also a orienteering course but you have to walk in the woods to finish it," explains a visitor.
Stargazing: Ashton Wildwood Park features an observatory open on Saturdays. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) 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," writes one camper.
Creek wading: Thomas Mitchell County Park has accessible creek areas for cooling off. A visitor explains: "Easy trails for the kids to go hiking and playing in the creek to cool off in the heat. There is even a pond for fishing that you can take a trail from the campsite to."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Griffs Valley View RV Park offers large, level camping sites. "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," reports one RVer.
Quiet camping atmosphere: Hickory Grove Campground provides peaceful camping experience. One visitor notes, "We tent camp, so the modern bathrooms (with showers!!) is a huge plus. The spots are some of the biggest we've seen at any campground, so there aren't many and it's almost always quiet."
Clean facilities: Jester County Park maintains excellent bathhouses and grounds. A camper shares: "We had a great stay here, check in was easy, getting firewood was easy, the bathhouses were so clean and nice, hiking and views were amazing!"
Affordable camping: Ashton Wildwood Park offers budget-friendly rates. "It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children. There is only a pit toilet in the campground and it's nice enough for midnight runs," mentions a regular visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt closes during fall and winter. One camper warns: "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."
Water level variability: Several parks have water activities dependent on conditions. "Unfortunately you can not rent kayaks or canoes at this time due to water levels," explains a visitor to Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt.
Reservation requirements: Prairie Flower Recreation Area fills quickly during peak season. "This campground is a hot spot for Des Moines to escape the weekend - with that said, reservations are a must! Most times you need to make them six months out," advises a regular camper.
Bug preparation: Multiple parks report significant insect activity. "Make sure to bring bug spray," warns a camper at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, while another at Thomas Mitchell Park mentions "Mosquitoes can get pretty bad, also poison ivy if you get into the thickets."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks offer play areas for children. At Prairie Flower Recreation Area, a visitor notes: "This is a very large campground with lots of sites and large group camping areas. The bathrooms and shower house are nice and clean."
Water recreation: Ledges State Park Campground provides unique water features. "The ledges along the river were beautiful and depending on the river height you can walk right along them! It's also fun for kids to take a dip in," shares one visitor.
Fishing with kids: Bob Shelter Recreation Area offers fishing access. "Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Great fishing in the river. Near a city so you don't run short on supplies," notes a visitor.
Nature centers: Jester County Park features educational facilities. One visitor explains: "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."
Tips from RVers
Dump station planning: Prairie Flower Recreation Area has limited dump facilities. A camper advises: "There's one dump station for a campground that is large is size and popularity. Trying to leave on a Sunday is a good 1 hour wait."
Hookup notes: Bob Shelter Recreation Area provides electric-only sites. "We stayed at spot 20 which was extra wide, concrete pad with electric hook up. No water or sewer," explains an RVer, adding that the location "backs to the river below the spillway from the dam."
Water connection preparedness: RVers at Prairie Flower Recreation Area should prepare for water logistics. "No water connections at sites but in group camping there is a one water connection to fill tanks. On large loops you will need a lot of hose to reach. I think I needed about 80' some campers will need 100'."
Site selection strategy: Cherry Glen Campground has specific recommended sites. "I would suggest looking for camp sites on the back side of the western loops because they have views of the lake. I would look at sites 111-116 and 72-78. These last six are also very close to a shower house."
