Best Campgrounds near Runnells, IA

Runnells, IA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Runnells is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Runnells. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Runnells, Iowa (107)

    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

    8 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"

    "The biggest draw for us was Adventureland Park which was a five minute walk from the campground. Adventureland Park is a small amusement park and water park which is great for all ages."

    6. 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."

    7. 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!!"

    8. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Indianola, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-7101

    $20 - $25 / 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."

    9. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 285-4502

    $23 - $25 / 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."

    10. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $22 - $26 / night

    "We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."

    "Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."

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Recent Reviews near Runnells, IA

479 Reviews of 107 Runnells Campgrounds



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 Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.