Nations Bridge Park offers RV camping sites with electric hookups and water access approximately 6 miles from Interstate 80. The park features separate upper and lower camping zones, with the upper section providing more level spots during wet conditions. RV sites include fire rings and picnic tables. The park contains multiple hiking trails, a frisbee golf course, and horseshoe pits. Cell phone service can be limited in certain areas of the park.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Nations Bridge Park provides access to water for fishing activities. "Views of the water and walking trails from the site" make it convenient for anglers staying at the campgrounds.
Frisbee golf course: Nations Bridge Park features a complete disc golf course for visitors. "There are horse shoe pits and even a frisby-golf course" that campers can enjoy during their stay.
Bike trails: The Chichaqua Valley Trail runs for 25 miles near several campgrounds in the area. According to one camper at Griffs Valley View RV Park, "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office."
Playground access: Many area campgrounds offer playground facilities for younger visitors. At Casey City Park, one camper noted, "It also had a magnificent playground. My kids had been cooped up for two days and needed to run off some pent up energy and this was perfect."
What campers like
Quiet camping areas: Several campgrounds offer peaceful settings despite proximity to highways. At Nations Bridge Park, one reviewer mentioned, "We were there on a Wednesday, and there was barely anyone there. In fact, we had the bottom half all to ourselves."
Level parking sites: RV campers appreciate the level concrete pads available at some locations. At Griffs Valley View RV Park, a camper noted, "The campground very very well kept with spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/sewage hookups."
Clean bathroom facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained restroom facilities receive positive feedback. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, one reviewer shared, "Clean bathrooms with space heaters running to ensure they're warm during the December cold."
Affordable pricing: Several campgrounds offer reasonable rates for overnight stays. At Casey City Park, a camper mentioned, "It was only $10" for an overnight stay with electric hookups and grassy areas for walking pets.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some park facilities close during off-seasons. At Nations Bridge Park, a camper noted, "All the restrooms were locked for the season, and the only signage was on the doors of the facilities. No signage about the closures at the self registration."
Varying site conditions: Lower camping areas may experience flooding or muddy conditions. One Nations Bridge Park reviewer mentioned, "The lower camp zone looks like it floods easily and was pretty muddy, so we opted for a nice level spot in the upper section."
Highway proximity: Some RV parks are located very close to interstate highways. At Lakeside Casino RV Park, a visitor observed, "It's adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate" while another noted it's "essentially a parking lot with hookups."
Limited amenities in smaller towns: When camping near smaller communities, services may be restricted. A Casey City Park camper warned, "There is a little diner and a few businesses, but if you camp here make sure you have not forgotten anything important at home."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Several campgrounds offer organized activities for children. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a visitor highlighted, "They have a ton of fun amenities for kids such as a pool, dunk tank, gem mining, ladder golf, horseshoes, jumping pillow, water balloon wars, basketball and more."
Playground accessibility: City parks often feature playgrounds adjacent to camping areas. At Casey City Park, one family noted, "A few neighborhood kids joined them (it was smack dab in a neighborhood) and they had a blast, all while I rested from my chair at my campsite."
Pet accommodations: Many campgrounds welcome pets with standard restrictions. Griffs Valley View RV Park provides a fishing pond with paved walking paths that work well for dog walking, and Casey City Park offers "a grassy park to walk the dogs around."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Check the location of hookups before setting up. A camper at River Oaks RV Park shared, "Sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6' hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site."
Leveling requirements: Many RV sites in the area require leveling blocks. The River Oaks reviewer noted, "Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks."
Extension cords: Electrical connections may not always be ideally placed. For campers staying at locations with shared electrical hookups, one Des Moines West KOA visitor advised, "Spaces are tight and some share electrical, so bring your connectors just in case."
Internet considerations: Wi-Fi quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At River Oaks RV Park, a camper reported, "Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider."
