Yellow Banks County Park offers diverse camping options near Runnells, Iowa, positioned about 6 miles east of Des Moines along the Des Moines River. The terrain features a mix of wooded areas and open spaces, with elevation changes near the river providing both hilltop and riverside camping spots. Seasonal water levels fluctuate significantly, affecting river access and site availability from April through October.
What to do
Creek exploration: Swimming and wading opportunities at Thomas Mitchell County Park provide relief during hot months. "Perfect weather last weekend and loved the little creek to splash around in with the dogs. Loads of rock stairways to enter and exit the creek throughout the park," notes Kimberly W. The park features accessible entry points for cooling off.
Fishing: Multiple locations for anglers at Yellow Banks County Park with both river and pond access. "Access to DM River, has nice pond, playgrounds, just a beautiful area. Fishing not the greatest, Pond is silted to about 9ft deep, have caught few small bass, bluegill," reports Kelly. The river offers better fishing prospects for catfish species.
Hiking: Well-maintained trail systems for day hikes ranging from short loops to longer routes. "There is a hiking trail that will take you to indian burial mounds. There is also fishing and boating. They have a fun playground also," mentions Derrick W. about Yellow Banks. Most trails remain open year-round, though some become muddy after rainfall.
What campers like
Privacy and spacing: Sites designed with breathing room at many locations. At Jester County Park, "Sites are well spaced," according to Tom, who appreciates the thoughtful layout. Campgrounds typically feature natural barriers between many sites for added privacy.
Quiet atmosphere: Peaceful camping experiences even while relatively close to urban areas. "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," notes Larissa C. about Jester Park. Weekday camping offers particularly tranquil conditions with significantly fewer campers.
Fall season camping: Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage enhance camping experiences. "Our favorite time is in the Fall," mentions Bob R. about Thomas Mitchell Park. Fall camping benefits from reduced insect populations and comfortable daytime temperatures in the 60-70°F range.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Not all facilities available year-round at local campgrounds. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground operates from "April 1 to December 31," with many facilities reducing service during shoulder seasons. Water systems typically shut down when temperatures approach freezing.
Site variations: Considerable differences between sites within the same campground. "I would not want to be in a site beyond number 7 as it gets too close to the dump station and subsequent sewage lagoon," warns Ben K. about Thomas Mitchell Park. Research specific site locations before booking.
Limited bathroom facilities: Varied quality and availability of restrooms. "Bathroom at the campground doesn't have plumbing and no water available so make sure to bring plenty of water," advises Willy W. about Ashton Wildwood Park. Many campgrounds feature a mix of vault toilets and modern shower facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas for children at family-friendly parks. "The park has a large playground for kids," notes Shannon G. about Thomas Mitchell Park. "Sand volleyball" and open spaces provide additional recreation options for energetic kids.
Creek safety: Supervised water play opportunities require parental oversight. "Great place to go tent camping, very clean and quiet... Easy trails for the kids to go hiking and playing in the creek to cool off in the heat," shares Willy W. Creek depths vary seasonally and after rainfall.
Educational opportunities: Nature learning experiences available at Jester County Park with its "brand new Nature Center, amphitheater, bison and bird viewing," according to Larissa C. Programs run primarily on weekends during summer months, with some requiring advance registration.
Tips from RVers
Levelness challenges: Prepare for uneven sites at county parks. "The sites are somewhat unlevel so you'll likely need to block up tires," warns Adam about Marion County Park. Bringing extra leveling blocks helps address common slope issues at non-commercial campgrounds.
Electric-only hookups: Limited full-service sites at many public parks. "Electric and non-electric sites available. The outer loop has a creek that flows behind the sites with large stairs to get down to it," explains Shannon G. Water fill and dump stations typically available but not at individual sites.
Reservation timing: Planning ahead for weekend stays essential during peak season. Yellow Banks "is full by Thurs night" according to Kelly, who recommends arriving "on Wed" for first-come, first-served sites. Many parks hold some sites for walk-ups while reserving others online.
Luxury camping near Runnells provides modern amenities while maintaining natural surroundings. Glamping options in central Iowa include cabin accommodations at several parks, offering alternatives to traditional tent camping with more comfort features.
