Best Campgrounds near Pleasant Hill, IA
Campgrounds surrounding Pleasant Hill, Iowa feature a mix of county and state-managed facilities with varying amenities and landscapes. Yellow Banks County Park offers spacious sites with river access and hiking trails to Indian burial mounds, while Thomas Mitchell County Park provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. Most developed campgrounds in the area maintain electric hookups and standard amenities, with several offering full RV connections including sewer, water, and 50-amp service. The region includes multiple lakeside options near Saylorville Lake, with Bob Shelter Recreation Area, Prairie Flower Recreation Area, and Cherry Glen Campground providing alternatives for campers seeking water proximity.
Camping is available year-round at several locations including Yellow Banks County Park, Jester County Park, and Walnut Woods State Park, while others operate seasonally from spring through fall. Saylorville Lake campgrounds typically open from May through September or October. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds feature spacious, level sites with gravel or paved pads. A camper noted, "Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table. Cost per night is low. Firewood available and camp host was a wonderful older gentleman."
The Iowa State Fairgrounds provides a unique camping experience with hundreds of full-hookup sites, primarily designed for RVs rather than tent camping. While not a traditional nature-focused destination, it offers convenient access to fair events and activities in Des Moines. Developed campgrounds in the area typically include modern restrooms and shower facilities, though amenities vary by location. Many sites throughout the region offer shaded camping areas, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails. One visitor described Yellow Banks as having "nice quiet campground with the Des Moines river close by for fishing or kayaking. Most of the spots are shaded and well maintained." Several campgrounds feature playgrounds, making them suitable for family camping trips, while others provide boat ramps for water access.
