Best Campgrounds near Winterset, IA

Campgrounds near Winterset, Iowa range from established city parks to county-managed recreation areas, with most sites concentrated within a 30-minute drive of town. Winterset City Park offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options with full hookups, while Pammel County Park provides a more natural setting with yurts and access to the Middle River. Madison County Fairground Campground and Criss Cove County Park round out the local options, giving campers choices between more developed facilities and simpler sites with basic amenities.

Many campgrounds in the Winterset area operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November, with limited winter availability. "Pammel Park is awesome. It is actually a State Park that is managed by the local County Conservation Board. Pammel Park has amazing trails with varied terrain and nice forests," noted one visitor. Road access is generally good throughout the region, with most campgrounds accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel roads. Travelers should be aware that some sites, particularly at Criss Cove, have limited big-rig accessibility. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and fall when visitors come to see Madison County's famous covered bridges.

The camping experience near Winterset benefits from proximity to natural and cultural attractions. Several campers mentioned the Middle River Trail at Pammel Park as a highlight, with varied terrain and forest hiking opportunities. According to one visitor, "Winterset City Park rocks. The campground is clean and there is a large space for campers/RVs and a separate spot for tents towards the back of the campground." The region's campgrounds provide convenient access to Winterset's attractions, including the John Wayne Birthplace Museum and the covered bridges made famous in "The Bridges of Madison County." Most campgrounds feature clean facilities, with Winterset City Park and Pammel Park receiving particularly positive reviews for their maintenance and amenities. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, though visitors to Pammel Park are cautioned to watch for rattlesnakes while hiking.

Best Camping Sites Near Winterset, Iowa (101)

    1. Winterset City Park

    12 Reviews
    Winterset, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 462-3258

    $15 - $22 / night

    "Don't let the name fool you, for a city park and campground, Winterset City Park rocks. You probably didn't know that Winterset, Iowa is the birthplace of John Wayne."

    "It is part of a city park on the outskirts of Winterset. There is a dog park and one of the Bridges of Madison County is located within walking distance of the campground."

    2. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 834-2729

    "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."

    "I love the beautiful surroundings here. Definitely worth the visit."

    3. Pammel County Park

    12 Reviews
    Winterset, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 462-3536

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Pammel Park has amazing trails with varied terrain and nice forests.

    The campgrounds are clean with options for tenters and RVs. There are even Yurt Cabins that can be rented."

    "Has both shaded and open spots, yurts, trails.  "

    4. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 987-1714

    $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."

    5. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 285-4502

    $25 - $38 / 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."

    6. Criss Cove County Park

    3 Reviews
    Winterset, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 462-3536

    $15 / night

    "Between the heat and the pond near by be sure you’re prepared for damp, muggy, and buggy conditions. Otherwise cute little place. There is a bathroom- I didn’t need it but its there!"

    7. Madison County Fairground Campground

    1 Review
    Winterset, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (641) 728-4750

    $11 - $105 / night

    8. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Indianola, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-7101

    $25 - $35 / night

    "We entered the park looking for a walk-up spot and landed on Site 67 which was not reserved. The site was spacious with a big tree with good shade and cover if needed."

    "The beach, and park were very far away from the camping area. A suggestion of a bagger for their lawn mower for all the cut grass. The lake by the boat landing was nice and so were the trails."

    9. Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, LLC

    2 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 238-1998

    "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."

    10. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $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"

    "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."

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Recent Reviews near Winterset, IA

477 Reviews of 101 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 Winterset City Park with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.