Top Tent Camping near West Des Moines, IA

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near West Des Moines? Find the best tent camping sites near West Des Moines. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of West Des Moines, Iowa's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near West Des Moines, IA (15)

Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In West Des Moines

442 Reviews of 15 West Des Moines Campgrounds


  • Gudrun C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Adair City Park

    Convenient Spot

    No frills spot for an easy stop off I-80. Only 2 other campers the night we stayed. Great Mexican restaurant 2 blocks away.

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Don Williams Park
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Don Williams Park

    Quite and nice

    Very quite and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents it was awesome view and potable drinking water next to camp, bathrooms and shower facilities was clean and nice

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Lenon Mill Park

    Pretty basic, great for an overnight

    I stayed here one night while I was traveling. It was a Saturday so the campground was kind of busy. People shouting and loud music. Lots of trucks with noisy exhausts coming and going all day. I'm sure it's more quiet during the week.

    Some of the sites are well shaded, and you can access the water. It looked like people had been finding clams (they left the shells all over the picnic table). People were fishing here.

    The power pedestals are far back from the parking pad for some reason. If you back all the way into your spot or if you have a long cord you should be fine. There was only a 50A outlet so I needed to use an adapter for my 30A camper.

    There is one water spigot, and no dump station.

    There are bathrooms, but no showers.

    I had great T-mobile signal here (5G, 160 down and 20 up). And a somewhat decent 4G Verizon signal (70 down, 12 up).

    The Guthrie County Historical Village& Museum is a 5 minute walk away. It's not open evenings or weekends but there is interesting stuff to walk around and see even when closed. The railroad cars are very cool.

  • Michael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ashton Wildwood Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Ashton Wildwood Park

    Small but great spot to camp

    Very clean, easy to reserve. Bathroom was a pit toilet but clean. Camp spot was clean and well-maintained.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Sportsman Park

    JJSploit

    This piece of writing is certain to attract the interest of readers from a wide variety of backgrounds due to the abundance of insightful content and topics that are pertinent to the topic at hand. JJSploit Official

  • BENdejo ~.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Flower Recreation Area
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    Large, level, clean, quiet, cheap

    Large level gravel pad driveways surrounded by beautiful prairie grass. Fantastically clean & well maintained facilities. Nice beach down the road and some Greenway trails. One of the NICEST public campgrounds I've stayed at. Reserve online at rec.gov. America the Beautiful National Parks Pass pays your day use fees at the beach.

  • Deb M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Winterset City Park

    Great city park on a cute town

    Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see. The sites are pretty well spaced with lots of grass and some trees in between. It was a good value for full hookup sites. The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate. We just spent one night here on our way home from Colorado, but will be returning in the fall to explore more and see some colors.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Valley State Park
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Green Valley State Park

    Timing is everything!

    Pretty grounds with woodland coverage on all sides in addition to the lake. We visited in August and realized it was prime family vacation time before school starts up again, so a little crowded and noisy. Spots are pretty close together too. But the grounds are quite lovely and the facilities were super clean. We plan to go back when Autumn arrives, mid week. Bonus easy shore fishing access.

  • James P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Roberts Creek West Campground
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Roberts Creek West Campground

    Roberts Creek - East

    East not west as satellite view in Dyrt is old and doesn’t show East campground. I did add a screenshot of current satellite view. FHU. Easy in and around campground. A lot of space between sites. Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Valley
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Acorn Valley

    Nice playground , well maintained

    Nice and well maintained ! We parked at a site by the playground and bathhouse , and could sit at our camper and watch our son play at a safe distance

  • Alika T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Adair City Park

    Awesome little campsites!

    $15 full power / $6 tents / $5 dump only. They have 110 power as well as regular hookups. Playground, tennis / pickleball courts, little zip line, and covered picnic area.

  • Nancy C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Valley
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Acorn Valley

    Amazingly Quiet

    We lived our time there. It was quiet and we loved listening to the wildlife at night. My only complaint is that they left people in to camp after 10. Which kept me awake for a bit.

  • Thomas P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Campground
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Beaver Lake Campground

    Simple for overnight

    This campground is on the side of a lake. You hear beavers at night, see rabbits are on the sides of the lot. We came late around 8pm and the owner helped us fill the form and pick our spot. The only drawback are the restrooms which were ok but smelly.

  • Matt M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Iowa State Fair Campgrounds
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

    Nice campground!

    We've stayed here a number of times now in the past 2 years (not during fair weeks.) Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds. There are hundreds of sites here. Some are flat, some are no where near flat, but there are so many, you can find one that will work for you! Almost all of the sites are full grass sites. The main shower house is the only one we've ever used and have no complaints. They are clean and bright and well kept.

    The sites are $32/night.

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Howell Station
    May. 7, 2024

    Howell Station

    Large spacious campground

    Well maintained campground with mature shade trees. Gravel sites, a little bit of leveling required. Poor Verizon cell signal, no internet signal. Not much natural privacy between sites, but sites were well spaced apart. Paved trail nice for biking and walking. Fishing nearby and the Dutch themed town of Pella is a short drive and a must see. Bathrooms and showers were nice, clean. Handicap camp site and bathhouse available. Firewood for sale at front gate. The potable water available at the dump station was clear and good for drinking. Dump station is easily accessible. Dumpsters were positioned around the campground. Staff was friendly. The night we stayed, there was a severe weather threat, and the staff, at the end of the night, had unlocked the storm shelters (utility area in the middle of the bathhouses) should the need arise. We ended up having to seek shelter because of a tornado warning.

  • Amanda W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Apr. 13, 2024

    Jester County Park

    camping

    we love it here people are great price is Right Showers are hot every time it a WOnderfull place •to be .

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Swede Point Park
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Swede Point Park

    Great little gem

    Great little hideaway of a campground, very reasonably priced and clean , fresh drinking water with dump stations and hot water showers and modern toilet facilities,

  • Deb K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ashton Wildwood Park
    Dec. 23, 2023

    Ashton Wildwood Park

    I love this secluded little campground!

    I live just 7 miles away, but I love to take my grand daughter here for overnight camping.  Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious.  It's only $7/night!  There is some play equipment for children.  There is only a pit toilet in the campground and it's nice enough for midnight runs.  (Bring your flashlight!)  Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower, also a water spigot on the back side.  There is also a big group site for family get togethers.  There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement.  I'd highly recommend it, but I don't want it to get too crowded!

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake
    Oct. 23, 2023

    Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake

    Beautiful fall camping site

    We really enjoyed our stay at site 4 in the woods. It was absolutely beautiful with the fall colors and leaves falling all around us. We also enjoyed the trails around our site and a pretty view of a pond a short walk away. Anna was very responsive and gave thorough directions for us. We would stay again.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Co Park
    Oct. 18, 2023

    Lakeside Co Park

    Nice lake, but run down campsites.

    First, there is no dump station! All sites have water and electricity with 20, 30, and 60 amp plugs. The sites are 20 dollars. The campsites located near the entrance are pull-through but need maintenance. The campsites along the lake will support short to medium length RVs or trailers, and all are back in. As of this posting, all are not level and in poor condition. The city of Huneston, Iowa is a few minutes away and has several gas stations and a grocery store.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Oct. 14, 2023

    Thomas Mitchell County Park

    Nice campground although not too many spaces.

    Came in late, even though there were several empty spaces turns out they were reserved. Very nice camp host told us we could have a non-electric site, none of them were reserved. Bathroom/showers were clean.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake

    We had a great time at this site:) …

    We had a great time at this site:) Anna was very responsive and helpful when we had questions. I would definitely recommend to others, and I would return again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Swede Point Park
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Swede Point Park

    Nice Quiet place to spend the weekend

    Great place to stay. Just a few minutes drive to High Trestle Bridge and right off the river. People were accommodating and friendly. Right between Madrid and Woodward with small town conveniences…

  • Benjamin L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park
    Sep. 16, 2023

    Walnut Woods State Park

    Nice park, convenient to Des Moines

    We stayed 2 nights, the park was nice and well maintained with walking trails. It is wooded so there is a lot of shade. The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine.



Guide to West Des Moines

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the 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: Head to Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground for some fishing fun. A visitor noted, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing, it was fun watching the water come through the dam."
  • Water Activities: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can enjoy boating and kayaking. One reviewer said, "Great location, good facilities... Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Jester County Park remarked, "Showers are hot every time; it's a wonderful place to be."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, open sites. A camper at Yellow Banks County Park mentioned, "Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often highlight the helpful staff. One reviewer at 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 rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Ledges State Park Campground 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 Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The RV section of campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space."
  • No Free Amenities: Some campgrounds do not offer free firewood or markets. A camper at Lake Anita State Park Campground pointed out, "NO free, NO market."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Jester County Park has a playground that families enjoy. One parent said, "The campground has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course, and nature center."
  • Secluded Spots: Choose campgrounds with wooded areas for privacy. A camper at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground mentioned, "The lake is beautiful and the path around it is in great shape!"
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or outdoor games to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area noted, "There are hiking trails, a sandy beach with a swimming area, and a nice playground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Walnut Woods State Park Campground said, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Leveling Gear: Bring blocks for leveling your RV. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A reviewer at Rock Creek State Park Campground appreciated the convenience, stating, "Park management was fine with changing campsite."

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

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Des Moines, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Des Moines, IA is Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board) with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near West Des Moines, IA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near West Des Moines, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.