Best Campgrounds near Ankeny, IA

The Ankeny area features a variety of established campgrounds clustered around Saylorville Lake, providing options for different camping styles within a 30-minute drive. Jester County Park, located on the north end of Saylorville Reservoir, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Several Corps of Engineers campgrounds including Prairie Flower Recreation Area, Cherry Glen, and Bob Shelter Recreation Area provide additional options with varying amenities. Most campgrounds in this region cater primarily to RVs with electric hookups, though tent camping is available at most locations. Thomas Mitchell County Park, situated on 197 acres outside Altoona, provides both electric and non-electric sites with creek access.

Seasonal availability varies significantly across the region, with some campgrounds operating year-round while others close during winter months. Prairie Flower Recreation Area typically operates from May through October, while Acorn Valley has a shorter season from early June through late August. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. According to camper Jay M., "Jester Park was fairly empty until around Thursday and filled on the weekend." Highway noise affects several campgrounds in the area, particularly those closest to Interstate 80. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and the possibility of severe storms. Mosquitoes can be problematic during warmer months, especially near water features.

Campers consistently praise the shaded sites and clean facilities at many Ankeny area campgrounds. Jester Park receives high marks for its numerous amenities including playgrounds, hiking trails, an equestrian center, golf course, and nature center. As one visitor noted, "Each site towards the front of the 400s is BIG. You have plenty of room for 2 vehicles and two sizable tents." Water recreation opportunities abound with Saylorville Lake providing fishing, boating, and swimming access. Bike trails connect several campgrounds, with the High Trestle Trail accessible from some locations. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, turkeys, and various bird species. Proximity to urban amenities is another advantage, with most campgrounds within 15-20 minutes of shopping and dining options in Ankeny or Des Moines.

Best Camping Sites Near Ankeny, Iowa (104)

    1. Jester County Park

    29 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Nice CG located on the North end of Saylorville Reservoir. Camped in the upper CG site#145. Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV."

    "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"

    2. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    5 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."

    3. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    4 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."

    4. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    4 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."

    5. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    5 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."

    6. Acorn Valley

    11 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    6 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 ;) )."

    7. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    13 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."

    8. Adventureland Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    7 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"

    "There are lots of restaurants near by like Spectators and Jethro’s BBQ.

    As far as the RV park goes it’s pretty busy, mostly small families and older folks."

    9. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

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

    $25 - $38 / 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. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    13 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 104 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ankeny, IA

505 Reviews of 104 Ankeny Campgrounds



Guide to Ankeny

Camping near Ankeny, Iowa, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. 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."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, you can rent boats and kayaks. A reviewer noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Jester County Park has a kids' playground and plenty of space for family fun. One camper shared, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area said, "Clean shower house and restrooms."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, well-spaced sites. A reviewer 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. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, one guest 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 camper at Iowa Ledges State Park noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially in summer. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground area is clean... but the RV section of campground was nearly full."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, so it's best to book in advance. A reviewer at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, "If we ever stay here again we would choose a site closer to the dam."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots like Jester County Park that have playgrounds. A camper mentioned, "Kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. One visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground said, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Plan for Activities: Check out local attractions like the scenic train ride in Boone. A camper at Iowa Ledges State Park suggested, "I would suggest the 'high tressel trail' for bike riders."

Tips from RVers:

  • Leveling Your Site: Some sites may require leveling. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure the campground has the hookups you need. A reviewer at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Campground has some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
  • Quiet Locations: If you prefer peace, look for campgrounds that are less busy. A camper at Walnut Woods State Park Campground said, "It is a very small camp but all sites have a concrete slab."

Camping around Ankeny, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a quiet getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Ankeny, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ankeny, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 29 reviews.

What parks are near Ankeny, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Ankeny, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.