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Best Campgrounds near Urbandale, IA

525 Reviews

Camping near Urbandale, Iowa encompasses a mix of county parks, recreation areas, and private campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of this Des Moines suburb. The area features several water-oriented camping options around Saylorville Lake, including Prairie Flower Recreation Area, Cherry Glen Campground, and Acorn Valley. Jester County Park in nearby Granger provides year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Timberline Campground in Waukee offers 168 sites with full amenities including yurts, while Walnut Woods State Park Campground in West Des Moines provides a more traditional state park camping experience.

Most campgrounds in the Urbandale area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October, though several remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and holiday weekends. Weather conditions are typical of the Midwest, with hot, humid summers and cold winters that limit winter camping options. Many campgrounds around Saylorville Lake, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offer electric hookups but limited or no sewer connections at individual sites. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with good coverage at most established campgrounds.

The camping options near Urbandale vary in amenities and atmosphere. RV-focused sites like Griffs Valley View RV Park in Altoona provide full hookups and convenient access to urban amenities, while county parks offer more natural settings with varying levels of development. According to reviews, Cherry Glen Campground provides "views of Saylorville Lake, plenty of shade, and clean restrooms," making it popular with families. Timberline Campground receives particularly high marks from visitors, with one camper noting its "outstanding facilities, beautiful and tranquil location." Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tents and RVs, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort while maintaining a camping experience.

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Best Camping Sites Near Urbandale, Iowa (110)

    1. Jester County Park

    29 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    10 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"

    "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."

    2. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    9 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
    7 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. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 987-1714

    $35 - $80 / night

    "If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!"

    "The site we were on is sorta blacktop but the sides have crumbled and it has a slight tilt to it so stepping down out of the camper was tricky as your feet tend to slide in the loose rocks."

    5. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    8 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."

    6. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    8 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."

    7. Acorn Valley

    11 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    7 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. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 834-2729

    "Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp."

    "I love the beautiful surroundings here. Definitely worth the visit."

    9. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    14 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."

    10. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    17 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Urbandale, IA

91 Photos of 110 Urbandale Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Urbandale, IA

525 Reviews of 110 Urbandale Campgrounds

Guide to Urbandale

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

What to do:

  • Hiking and Scenic Views: Explore the beautiful 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 Water Activities: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, "My 35-foot rig made it to the back-in spot easily," highlighting the accessibility for larger vehicles.
  • Playgrounds and Family Fun: Families will appreciate the playgrounds at Jester County Park. One review noted, "The campgrounds are great, the facilities are amazing," making it a hit for kids.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often rave about the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A review for Rock Creek State Park Campground stated, "The campground area is clean. Showers and toilets are clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Yellow Banks County Park mentioned, "Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. One review for Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you're relying 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 to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in the summer. A visitor at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground literally empty and our 2nd car could not sit at the camper???"
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, so it's best to book ahead. A review for Prairie Flower Recreation Area emphasized, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds or kid-friendly activities. Jester County Park has a playground that kids love, as noted by a camper who said, "The campgrounds are great."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids happy with plenty of snacks. A visitor at Lake Anita State Park Campground mentioned, "A bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening)."
  • Plan for Outdoor Games: Bring along games like frisbee or soccer to keep the kids entertained. One camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground enjoyed the "opportunity to rent a boat or paddleboard."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your site can accommodate your RV. A camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you want convenience, choose campgrounds with full hookups. A review for Bob Shelter Recreation Area mentioned, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground shared, "I haven't been back since for camping."

Camping around Urbandale, Iowa, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, these campgrounds have you covered!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Urbandale, IA?

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

What parks are near Urbandale, IA?

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

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