Camping options near Windsor Heights, Iowa range from small RV resorts to larger commercial campgrounds, with several sites offering access to outdoor recreation activities. The central Iowa region experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters, making late spring through early fall the prime camping months. Area campgrounds typically open from April through October, though some RV parks near Windsor Heights provide year-round access.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Griffs Valley View RV Park, campers can fish in a well-maintained pond on the property. "The pond is nice, groomed all around with paved paths," notes one visitor. Another camper mentions, "There is a really nice pond for fishing that has some bluegills. The water is very clean."
Trail access: Several campgrounds connect directly to local trails. "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office," reports one guest at Griffs Valley View. At River Oaks RV Park, a camper notes the park "is adjacent to a bike and running trail."
Casino gaming: For those seeking entertainment beyond outdoor activities, Kellogg RV Park and Lakeside Casino RV Park offer camping near gaming facilities. "Come for the convenience, stay for the burgers," writes one Kellogg visitor. "Very 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."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the Windsor Heights region frequently receive praise for cleanliness. One camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday reported, "Clean, small" while another noted, "Bathrooms were immaculate. Very nice store too!" A third visitor appreciated that "the showers have space heaters running to ensure they're warm during the December cold."
Food options: On-site and nearby dining earns positive reviews. "The office is a little gas station, hamburger cafe with a very efficient and friendly check in person," writes one Kellogg RV Park guest. Another visitor notes, "They'll also sell you a bundle of firewood for $6/bundle, which is fair, especially considering that they'll deliver the bundles directly to your site."
Recreational amenities: Family-friendly activities receive high marks at several parks. A Des Moines West KOA Holiday guest commented, "They have a ton of fun amenities for kids such as a pool, dunk tank, gem mining, ladder golf, horseshoes, jumping pillow, water balloon wars, basketball and more." At Griffs Valley View RV Park, one camper noted, "There is a recreational building and bathroom facilities to use as well."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many rv parks near Windsor Heights, Iowa require advance planning. "We got through because they found us a site for the night," reports a Griffs Valley View visitor, while another mentions it was "fully booked from May until September."
Site spacing: Site density varies significantly between campgrounds. At Adventureland Campground, a reviewer notes, "The lots aren't very big and you are kind of packed in there," while another states, "Spaces are fairly close together, not much privacy." This matches experiences at other facilities, with one camper at Kellogg RV Park describing it as "essentially a parking lot with hookups."
Highway noise: Several camping areas sit near major highways. "You could literally throw a rock from the entrance and hit a passing semi," writes one visitor to Shady Brook Camping. At Lakeside Casino RV Park, a camper notes it's "adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate."
Wi-Fi quality: Internet connectivity varies between Windsor Heights area rv parks. A Griffs Valley View guest reports "there is no Wi-Fi so bring your own," while at River Oaks RV Park, "Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider."
Tips for camping with families
Pool activities: Crow's Nest RV Resort and Adventureland Campground offer swimming pools that appeal to families with children. At Des Moines West KOA, one camper noted, "The pool was up and running perfect! They even had a dunk tank which was pretty funny!"
Children's programming: Organized activities can keep kids engaged. A Des Moines West KOA Holiday guest reported, "There are many organized weekend activities for families," while another mentioned, "Looked to be lots of fun, kid oriented amenities."
Amusement park access: Adventureland Campground provides direct access to the adjacent theme park. "Short walk to the amusement park," notes one visitor. "We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park."
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature animal attractions. At Kellogg RV Park, a visitor mentioned the "chicken coop, which I have to admit is pretty dang awesome to be woken up by these fine-feathered friends each dawn." Griffs Valley View offers "horses with hay to feed them!" according to another camper.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Windsor Heights-area rv parks typically offer concrete or gravel pads. At River Oaks RV Park, one RVer noted, "Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks," while at Griffs Valley View, a visitor appreciated the "spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/sewage hookups."
Utility placement: Experienced RVers recommend checking hookup locations. A River Oaks guest observed, "Sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6' hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site."
Big rig accessibility: Multiple parks accommodate larger RVs. At Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, a visitor noted, "We looked at the other reviews and it talked about it being so close to the freeway, but we didn't hear a sound. It was really in a good perimeter of trees and lots of shade and level camp spots." Kellogg RV Park receives similar praise: "It doesn't have much but it's a nice place to take a break."
Easy access routes: For travelers, parks with straightforward access prove popular. "Open year around. Nice large sites and no need to unhook. Clean rv park with easy access to I-80," reports a Kellogg RV Park guest. Several Windsor Heights area RV parks position themselves specifically as overnight stops along major routes.
