Join the fun near West Des Moines. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—West Des Moines is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near West Des Moines, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$23 - $25 / 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."
$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."
$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."
"We stayed at the West Des Moines KOA for the Nationals Softball Tournament for my daughter in July. There were 6 families that stayed there with us."
"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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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 ;) )."
$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."
TravelerVery convenient to I-80, well-laid out. Most convenient, though, was setting up at the site and then walking 🚶♂️ to the co-located gas station ⛽ and burgers for dinner (and great ice cream cones). And then sitting on one of the benches watching the birds as the sun set over the prairie.
GuideWe had a great stay here, check in was easy, getting firewood was easy, the bathhouses were so clean and nice, hiking and views were amazing! The only thing we had an issue with was a camp site of noisy people, which was not the parks fault!
ScoutBeautiful campground! Lots of trees and peaceful area. Our spot was pretty level and well maintained
TravelerIf you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site. Youth group camp, the ones with all the energy and strength, is next to parking lot. That's messed up.
RangerEverything’s changed out here, can no longer pay using cash have to reserve it online and can no longer stay out here for a month for my construction workers , definitely don’t like the changes and with all the hidden charges definitely not my cup of tea, $16 plus tax for non electric tent camping is ridiculous and two years ago it was $8-10 for that , on the website it says $12 plus $4 processing fee just ridiculous
ScoutThis is a nice place to stay off of I 80. It’s nice but packed. The voicemail said it was fully booked from May until September. Good thing we got through because they found us a site for the night.
RangerCampsites are well spaced, some have good views of the lake. Men’s bathroom is clean, showers have good hot water but could use a deep cleaning. Bike trail. Very quite when we stayed there.
ScoutBeautiful and quiet place to stay. Really affordable as well.
ScoutNice pads to ark on, however you are right on top of your neighbor. There is no WII-Fii so bring your own. The community center has nice showers, laundry, game room. Kitchen with attached TV room, oh and storm shelter. The pond is nice, groomed all around with paved paths.
Camping near West Des Moines, IA, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there's something for everyone looking to escape the city.
Camping near West Des Moines, IA, has its perks and quirks. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near West Des Moines, IA is Walnut Woods State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near West Des Moines, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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