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Best Campgrounds near Runnells, IA

500 Reviews

Camping opportunities near Runnells, Iowa include a mix of county parks and developed campgrounds within a 20-mile radius of town. Yellow Banks County Park provides spacious sites with both RV hookups and tent camping areas, while Grant Park offers more primitive camping experiences. The region includes established campgrounds with full hookup options for RVs at River Oaks RV Park and Adventureland Campground, along with state-operated facilities at Lake Ahquabi State Park that feature tent sites, RV spaces, and glamping accommodations.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. "I camped here in November. Not many people here. The water has been turned off but the camping pads and spacing between the campsites is amazing," noted one visitor about Yellow Banks County Park. Primitive camping at Grant Park attracts visitors seeking free or low-cost options, though facilities are more limited than at developed sites. Winter camping is available at select locations including Yellow Banks and Walnut Woods State Park, though water systems are typically winterized. Most campgrounds require registration, with stay limits typically set at 14 days for county parks. Electric hookups are common at established sites, while primitive areas may offer only basic amenities.

Campground spacing and natural surroundings represent common themes in visitor feedback about the Runnells area. Grant Park receives praise for site layout, with one camper describing "10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so your chairs are actually level." River access appears as a valued feature at Yellow Banks County Park, which borders the Des Moines River and provides fishing opportunities. Sites near water tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails, with Yellow Banks offering trails to Native American burial mounds. Proximity to Des Moines attractions, particularly the Iowa State Fair, makes Runnells area campgrounds convenient basecamps for regional exploration while maintaining a quieter, more natural setting than urban camping options.

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Best Camping Sites Near Runnells, Iowa (112)

    1. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    6 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."

    2. Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    10 Reviews
    Swan, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-6169

    "Each of the 10 campsites are spacious and plenty of distance between. Nice quick trails with wildlife. The park is well maintained and well priced!"

    "You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail."

    3. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    9 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."

    4. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    14 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."

    5. Adventureland Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 265-7384

    "With a theme park on one side and a casino on the other, both in walking distance. It’s more of a park and party place hahaha"

    "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."

    6. River Oaks RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Runnells, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 989-0574

    $45 - $60 / night

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

    "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."

    7. Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 262-3111

    "Wonderfull Surroundings ,People and Experiences."

    "Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds. There are hundreds of sites here."

    8. Iowa State Fairgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 262-3111

    "The Iowa State Fair is the best fair in the world with more than a million visitors every year! There is something for everyone in the family."

    "I always loved going here when I lived in Iowa! The State Fair was a blast! Being able to actually stay there made it that much better!!"

    9. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Indianola, IA
    19 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."

    10. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    20 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Runnells, IA

88 Photos of 112 Runnells Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Runnells, IA

500 Reviews of 112 Runnells Campgrounds

  • Kent W.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Howell Station

    One of our favorites

    This is a really nice campground. It’s run by friendly, helpful people. It’s well maintained, the bathrooms are clean, you’re not packed together like sardines, there’s a nice bike/walking trail around the park and (at least when we’ve visited) bald eagles, blue herons and pelicans line the river. It’s just a little over an hour from us so it’s easy to get to.

    We’re trying parks all over Iowa and Howell has been one of our favorites.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here

    Happy Camping!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    lakeside casino resort and rv park

    Good for an overnight stop

    This is a casino campground. There are full hookups but no facilities. No trees, sites very close together. It’s essentially a parking lot with hookups.

    It’s adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate.

    If you are traveling I35 and it’s convenient for an overnight rest, it’s well worth the cost. Otherwise, unless the casino is your destination, find a more traditional campground

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Winterset City Park

    Peaceful

    Our first time staying here and we extended twice because we like the area so much. It’s been a peaceful two weeks and we love the town of Winterset. The campground has a variety of FHU and or just W& E, also some shared water.

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • 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.

Guide to Runnells

Camping near Runnells, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Ledges State Park Campground is a popular spot for hiking. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals." The scenic trails are perfect for both summer and winter hikes.
  • Water Activities: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy a no-wake lake with boat and kayak rentals. A reviewer noted, "The campground area is clean. Showers and toilets are clean. The RV section of campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space."
  • Family Fun: Jester County Park offers a variety of activities, including airsoft gun and archery ranges. One camper shared, "Campgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges snowshoeing equestrians and cross-country skiing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground said, "Clean facilities."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Cherry Glen Campground, offer spacious sites. One camper remarked, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a reviewer said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A visitor at Ledges State Park Campground noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially in summer. One camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is busy in the summer months."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds, like Prairie Flower Recreation Area, require reservations, especially during peak times. A camper advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family-friendly activities. Jester County Park has a kids' playground and hiking trails, making it a great spot for families. One camper said, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A visitor at Cherry Glen Campground mentioned, "Some sites are close together, but generally spacious."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has food options. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a camper noted, "Pizza on site is excellent and you can order it ahead for your arrival."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground said, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. At Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "Some sites have full hookups, ours had only electrical."
  • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow roads, so be cautious when maneuvering. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground noted, "The road around the campground is paved, but very narrow."

Camping near Runnells, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Runnells, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Runnells, IA is Yellow Banks County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

What parks are near Runnells, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Runnells, IA that allow camping, notably Lake Red Rock and Saylorville Lake.

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