Best Campgrounds near Winterset, IA

Winterset, IA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Winterset, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Winterset, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Winterset, Iowa (98)

    1. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    22 Reviews
    33 Photos
    47 Saves
    Earlham, Iowa

    We are very excited to provide you and your family a memorable Iowa camping experience at the best rated Des Moines RV Park & Campground. If it's been years since you've camped at Des Moines West KOA, make it a point to stop back in to see all the new and exciting improvements, including 2 Dog Parks, Huge Jumping Pillow, Jump Shot (Trampoline Basketball), Water Wars, Paddle Boats, Organized Weekend Activities, Ladder Ball, Horseshoes, & Hunt Brother's Pizza & Wings. We promise you'll be pleasantly surprised. The park is nestled 1.5 miles north of I-80, off exit 106, amongst beautiful Iowa farm fields, in a peaceful rural setting, where the only thing you'll hear are the songbirds singing!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    2. Winterset City Park

    12 Reviews
    28 Photos
    47 Saves
    Winterset, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $22 / night

    3. Pammel County Park

    12 Reviews
    52 Photos
    44 Saves
    Winterset, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $15 - $20 / night

    4. Timberline Campground

    12 Reviews
    6 Photos
    44 Saves
    West Des Moines, Iowa

    Timberline Campground is nestled on the outskirts of Waukee, Iowa, which is located just a few miles west of West Des Moines. It is conveniently situated one and a half miles away from Interstate 80, but your ears won’t be able to tell.

    From the shady campsites to the immaculate facilities, Timberline Campground continues to delight its guests time and time again. Let your hosts show you how Timberline Campground provides country camping with city convenience! ​

    Timberline is private property, not public property, and shall not be used as public property. Check in at the office and register all guests and planned activities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $80 / night

    5. Jester County Park

    27 Reviews
    45 Photos
    103 Saves
    Granger, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $25 / night

    6. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    63 Photos
    98 Saves
    West Des Moines, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    7. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    17 Photos
    42 Saves
    Indianola, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    8. Ledges State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    57 Photos
    213 Saves
    Boone, Iowa

    Millions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape.

    The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $18 / night

    9. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    71 Photos
    54 Saves
    Johnston, Iowa

    Overview

    Bob Shetler Recreation Area is located in the tailwater area below the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

    Natural Features

    Large shade trees dot the open grassy areas of the campground, which offers excellent views of the Des Moines River. Most campsites are within easy walking distance of the shore. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $22 - $26 / night

    10. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    44 Photos
    62 Saves
    Polk City, Iowa

    Overview

    Prairie Flower Recreation Area is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

    Natural Features

    Iowa's prairie heritage is celebrated in more than 40 acres of prairie plantings throughout the campground. The wide variety of grass and flowers provides vivid colors from mid-summer to fall. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $336 / night

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Recent Reviews near Winterset, IA

461 Reviews of 98 Winterset Campgrounds



Guide to Winterset

Camping near Winterset, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and exploring: Ledges State Park Campground is a popular spot for hiking. One visitor noted, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals." The scenic trails are perfect for both summer and winter hikes.
  • Fishing and boating: Lake Anita State Park Campground provides great fishing opportunities. A camper shared, "Great location, good facilities... Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass." The lake is ideal for a relaxing day on the water.
  • Wildlife watching: Prairie Flower Recreation Area is known for its wildlife. One happy camper said, "The whole park was the cleanest we have seen anywhere else," highlighting the natural beauty and wildlife you might encounter.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Jester County Park, one reviewer mentioned, "Showers are hot every time; it’s a wonderful place to be."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds, like Cherry Glen Campground, offer roomy sites. A visitor remarked, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area, one reviewer noted, "Friendly hosts & Rangers," making for a welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: If you're relying on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Ledges State Park Campground said, "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, especially in summer. One visitor at Lake Anita State Park Campground noted, "A bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening)."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots like Prairie Flower Recreation Area fill up quickly. A camper advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance," to ensure you get a spot.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Jester County Park has a kids' playground, making it a great choice for families. One parent shared, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."
  • Nature trails: Choose campgrounds with easy access to trails for family hikes. At Walnut Woods State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The park was nice and well maintained with walking trails."
  • Plan for downtime: Bring games or activities for quiet time. A camper at Yellow Banks County Park said, "Lots of shade, fairly level sites, clean bathrooms," which makes for a comfortable stay.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade."
  • Look for amenities: Campgrounds with full hookups can make your stay easier. At Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground, one camper noted, "The bathroom/showers were decent," highlighting the importance of good facilities.
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds can be lively. A visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area mentioned, "It gets busy with a lot of fishing," so be ready for some activity around you.

Camping near Winterset, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Winterset, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Winterset, IA is Des Moines West KOA Holiday with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

  • What parks are near Winterset, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Winterset, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.