Best Campgrounds near Prairie City, IA

Camping near Prairie City, 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: Explore scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
• Fishing and Boating: Enjoy the water at Rock Creek State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities. Campground has some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
• Wildlife Watching: Check out Yellow Banks County Park for a chance to see local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "Lots of shade, fairly level sites, clean bathrooms, right off river with boat access."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Jester County Park said, "Showers are hot every time; it’s a wonderful place to be."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, open sites. A camper at Cherry Glen Campground mentioned, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
• Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday stated, "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 Iowa Ledges State Park 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 area is clean... but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space."
• No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. A reviewer at Bob Shetler Recreation Area pointed out, "We didn’t use the bathroom/shower house, but I walked into one to check it out and it was outdated."

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds Available: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A camper at Jester County Park mentioned, "CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center."
• Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. One family at Rock Creek State Park Campground enjoyed, "Found a great trail to hike, also the opportunity to rent a boat or paddleboard."
• Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade."
• Use Dump Stations: Many campgrounds have dump stations available. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park mentioned, "There is a bathroom, trash dumpsters, and a dump station with both potable and tank cleanout water spigots."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby. A camper at Bob Shetler Recreation Area said, "It’s just an old basic campground, inexpensive, everyone welcome."

Camping near Prairie City, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!