Best Campgrounds near West Des Moines, IA
Campgrounds around West Des Moines provide a range of accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts in central Iowa. Walnut Woods State Park Campground, located within city limits, offers tent and RV camping options in a wooded setting along the Raccoon River. Just northwest in Waukee, Timberline Campground features 168 sites with amenities for tent campers, RVs, and cabin rentals. The area includes several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate diverse camping styles, with Jester County Park offering year-round access to cabins and traditional campsites about 20 miles north of the city.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with many facilities operating from April through October. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Timberline Campground operates from April 1 to November 1, while several state park facilities remain open year-round. "Camping doesn't get much better than this in Iowa," noted one visitor about nearby Lake Red Rock campgrounds, which offer shaded sites and direct lake access. Water and electric hookups are standard at most developed sites, though sewer connections are less common. Weather conditions remain relatively mild during camping season, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and occasional thunderstorms requiring weather awareness.
The camping experience near West Des Moines ranges from basic amenities to more developed facilities. Several visitors mentioned clean facilities as a highlight of their stays. At Jester County Park, campers appreciate the nature center and wildlife viewing opportunities alongside traditional camping experiences. According to one camper, "This site was great, it has a reserve site to its right and a first-come, first-served site to the left. Super quiet and relaxing." Campgrounds within state parks typically offer more natural settings with hiking trails, while private campgrounds feature additional amenities like pools and planned activities. Raccoon River access provides fishing and paddling opportunities at several locations, with Walnut Woods and Yellow Banks County Park offering river access points popular with anglers and water enthusiasts.
