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Best Campgrounds near Sheldahl, IA

537 Reviews

Campgrounds in central Iowa near Sheldahl offer a variety of accommodation options from tent and RV sites to cabin rentals. Jester County Park provides one of the most comprehensive camping experiences in the area, featuring electrical hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities. Other notable options include Ledges State Park Campground about 10 miles west of Sheldahl and Prairie Flower Recreation Area located near Saylorville Lake. Most campgrounds in this region support both tent and RV camping, with several locations like Griffs Valley View RV Park specifically designed for recreational vehicles with full hookups.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Saylorville Lake campgrounds, including Cherry Glen and Bob Shelter Recreation Area, typically open in May and close by late September or October. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Some campgrounds have specific regulations regarding pets, alcohol, and generator use. Campground roads are generally well-maintained for standard vehicles without specialized clearance requirements. A camper noted, "The campgrounds are clean and quiet. Currently some camping spots are out of use due to flooding, but they are working on clean up."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for many campgrounds in the area, with several offering views of Saylorville Lake. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere at waterside sites, though proximity to water may limit availability during peak season. According to one visitor, "We stayed at site 410 and 409. 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." Many campgrounds feature well-maintained facilities with clean bathrooms and shower buildings. Families appreciate the additional amenities at locations like Jester Park, which includes hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing areas with bison and elk. Several campgrounds provide gravel pads with picnic tables and fire rings, creating comfortable sites for overnight stays.

Map showing campgrounds near Sheldahl, IowaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Sheldahl, Iowa (108)

    1. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"

    "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."

    2. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $17 - $35 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    3. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."

    "Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."

    4. Swede Point Park

    13 Reviews
    Madrid, IA
    8 miles
    Website

    "We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."

    "Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail"

    5. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."

    "Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."

    6. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    11 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."

    7. Acorn Valley

    11 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0429

    $14 - $84 / night

    "Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."

    "Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."

    8. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    16 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."

    9. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

    8 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    15 miles
    Website

    "Next to skunk river oxbows, kayak, no swimming, water stagnant, no fish, about 4ft depth everywhere. Great hiking trails, clean, great camp hosts, ranger. All sites first come."

    "We haven't camped here, but have seen that the tent areas are right next to the water. Super serene with great hiking trails and bird watching!"

    10. Greenhouse Camping

    2 Reviews
    Ankeny, IA
    8 miles
    +1 (515) 423-8877

    "My niece lives in Desert Moines and it was a short drive for her to come for a visit and bring some local, delicious tacos for dinner. We will definitely consider this spot next time through!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Sheldahl, IA

80 Photos of 108 Sheldahl Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sheldahl, IA

537 Reviews of 108 Sheldahl Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Bethany G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    I stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself. Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax. I look forward to camping here again soon!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Jester County Park

    Nothing but exceptional

    Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. 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. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Great campground and amazing amusement park

    July, 2017

    Great place but not quiet at all.  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.

    We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th.

  • Jerry V.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Well Maintaned & Good Fishing

    I stayed at site #13 with my two boys.  We had a blast.  I would highly recommend site #13.  It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy.  It had a nice access spot for fishing.  The new restroom/shower facility was very nice and clean.  Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that.  There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks.  The campground manager was extremely helpful.  He had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Don Williams Park

    Beautiful park

    Great sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views.

Guide to Sheldahl

Camping near Sheldahl, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

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: Head to Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground for some fishing fun. A visitor shared, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing, it was fun watching the water come through the dam."
  • Biking: The nearby High Trestle Trail is perfect for biking. One reviewer noted, "Great place to stay. Just a few minutes drive to High Trestle Bridge and right off the river."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Prairie Flower Recreation Area stated, "Fantastically clean & well maintained facilities."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, one guest said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers love having room to spread out. A visitor at Cherry Glen Campground mentioned, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you're relying on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper 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 in the summer. One reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was nice and well maintained with walking trails."
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Be aware that not all campgrounds offer shower facilities. A visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground said, "I didn’t use the bathroom/shower house, but it was outdated, old and dark."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds Available: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. At Jester County Park, one camper mentioned, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or hiking gear to keep everyone entertained. A family at Timberline Campground shared, "Great, safe, and quiet campground. Beautiful site on a pond, clean bath houses."
  • Check for Events: Some campgrounds host special events or activities. A visitor at Swede Point Park noted, "Just a few minutes drive to High Trestle Bridge and right off the river."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level pads for easier setup. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. A camper at Cherry Glen Campground said, "The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping."
  • Quiet Locations: Seek out quieter spots if you prefer a peaceful stay. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground noted, "The campground was fairly empty until around Thursday and filled on the weekend."

Camping near Sheldahl, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sheldahl, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sheldahl, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Sheldahl, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Sheldahl, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sheldahl, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sheldahl, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Sheldahl, IA.

What parks are near Sheldahl, IA?

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

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