Camping near Des Moines, Iowa? Here, you’ll find just about any kind of campsite–from large RV sites to small-town campgrounds. Whether you’re RV camping with the whole family (including your pets) or setting off on a shorter solo excursion to enjoy some alone time surrounded by mature trees, Des Moines has what you’re looking for.
We put together the top campgrounds near Des Moines to help you plan your next road trip.
Best Premier Campgrounds in the Des Moines Area
When you think about premier campgrounds near Des Moines, Griff’s Valley View RV Park & Campground is the first to come to mind. Located northeast of Des Moines in Altoona, Iowa, Griff’s Valley View provides clean, full-hookup RV sites year-round.
Two other options for premier campgrounds in the area include Adventureland Resort and Cutty’s Des Moines Camping Club.
| Campground Name | Cost Per Night | RV-Friendly | RV Size Restrictions | Top Amenities |
| Griff’s Valley View RV Park | $40 – $60 | Yes | None | Full hookups, Wi-Fi, quiet hours, close to city |
| Adventureland Resort Campground | $35 – $100 | Yes | Up to 70 feet | Full hookups, theme park access, pool, Wi-Fi |
| Cutty’s Des Moines Camping Club | $30 – $50 | Yes | Up to 40 feet | Gated community, indoor/outdoor pools, mini-golf, Wi-Fi |
Best Campgrounds Surrounded by Mature Hardwood Trees
Operating year-round, River Oaks RV Park will satisfy your craving for tranquility. Here, you can enjoy mature hardwood trees, traverse nearby hiking trails, hike up to the observation tower, and enjoy affordable accommodations (at low per-night rates).
Pilot Knob State Park and Ledges State Park also have mature hardwood trees to admire. If you want hiking trails, Pilot Knob has you covered.
| Campground Name | Cost Per Night | RV-Friendly | RV Size Restrictions | Top Amenities |
| River Oaks RV Park | $25 – $45 | Yes | Up to 50 feet | Mature hardwood trees, tranquil environment, year-round operation |
| Pilot Knob State Park | $15 – $30 | Yes | Up to 50 Feet | Hiking trails, observation tower |
| Ledges State Park | $11 – $22 | Yes | Up to 40 feet | Hiking trails, Des Moines River access |
Best Family-Friendly Des Moines Campsites
Adventureland Campground and Des Moines West KOA, located in West Des Moines, are equipped with swimming pools, playgrounds, and recreational areas–not to mention a social calendar filled with pre-coordinated activities and themed weekends.
The adjacent amusement park is reason enough to book at Adventureland. Plan a day to ride the rides and spend a couple of hours in the indoor game room, which promises fun for all ages.
| Campground Name | Cost Per Night | RV-Friendly | RV Size Restrictions | Top Amenities |
| Adventureland Campground | $35 – $100 | Yes | Up to 65 feet | Adjacent amusement park, game room, and recreational areas |
| Des Moines West KOA | $30 – $80 | Yes | Up to 70 feet | Swimming pools, playground, themed weekends |
| Jester Park Campground | $20 – $40 | Yes | Up to 60 feet | Golf course, equestrian center, playgrounds |
Best Small-Town RV Sites with Charm
Located near the extensive 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, Acorn Valley Campground offers campsites with a small-town charm.
Recreational activities at Acorn Valley Campground include boating, fishing, and hiking on the Neal Smith Trail.
For other RV sites with that small-town feel, read on!
| Campground Name | Cost Per Night | RV-Friendly | RV Size Restrictions | Top Amenities |
| Acorn Valley Campground | $20 – $35 | Yes | Up to 40 feet | Close to Saylorville Lake, boating, fishing, hiking |
| Cherry Glen Campground | $18 – $30 | Yes | Up to 35 feet | Near Saylorville Lake, recreational trails, wildlife viewing |
| Bob Shetler Campground | $22 – $40 | Yes | Up to 50 feet | Picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing |
Best Secluded Campgrounds Near Des Moines
If you think you can’t be secluded and near Des Moines, think again. Waubonsie State Park, for example, provides secluded camping in the Loess Hills with various modern and primitive sites, complemented by an extensive network of trails.
Middle River Retreat and Big Hollow Recreation Area are two other options that offer natural trails and river frontage (all with a secluded feel that rivals the most tranquil campsites).
| Campground Name | Cost Per Night | RV-Friendly | RV Size Restrictions | Top Amenities |
| Waubonsie State Park | $10 – $20 | Yes | Up to 55 feet | Modern and primitive sites, extensive trails, scenic views |
| Middle River Retreat | $25 – $50 | Yes | Up to 40 feet | River frontage |
| Big Hollow Recreation Area | $15 – $30 | Yes | Up to 50 feet | Unique oak-hickory forest, secluded sites |
Best Eco-Friendly Campgrounds in the Des Moines Area
Eco-friendly campgrounds (like those below) work hard to these natural escapes are here for generations to come. The most well-known eco-conscious campsite in the Des Moines area is Bend River Farms. Here, you can witness (firsthand) the regenerative agriculture and sustainable ranching practices they have in place.
| Campground Name | Cost Per Night | RV-Friendly | RV Size Restrictions | Top Amenities |
| Bend River Farms | $15 – $30 | Limited | Varies based on availability | Regenerative agriculture, sustainable ranching practices |
| Firefly Creek Ranch | $20 – $40 | Limited | Varies based on availability | Art and retreat center, community-focused |
| Walnut Woods State Park | $15 – $25 | Yes | Up to 40 feet | Wooded trails, bird watching, peaceful natural setting |
The Campgrounds Close to Des Moines With the Best Amenities
Camping doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Timberline Campground and Des Moines West KOA Holiday are two campground options that offer a long list of amenities like game rooms, swimming pools, laundry facilities, level sites, and a fully-stocked camp store.
Looking for a very nice campground (rather than just a site that meets the bare minimum)? If so, check out these amenity-rich campground sites.
| Campground Name | Cost Per Night | RV-Friendly | RV Size Restrictions | Top Amenities |
| Timberline Campground | $30 – $60 | Yes | Up to 60 feet | Laundry, pool, game room, camp store |
| Des Moines West KOA Holiday | $35 – $75 | Yes | Up to 80 feet | Swimming pool, playground, Kamping Kitchen store |
| River Oaks RV Park | $35 – $65 | Yes | Up to 50 feet | Camp store, arcade, restrooms, laundry facilities |
The Best Pet-Friendly Parks Near Des Moines
You’ll see a few repeats here, of the best RV campgrounds we have already covered. Luckily, some of the best in the area are also pet-friendly. River Oaks RV Park and Griff’s Valley View RV Park & Campground, located southeast of Des Moines, are great examples.
These pet-friendly campgrounds offer amenities like a large dog park at Des Moines West KOA Holiday, located just a few miles west of the city.
| Campground Name | Cost Per Night | RV-Friendly | RV Size Restrictions | Top Amenities |
| River Oaks RV Park | $35 – $65 | Yes | Up to 50 feet | Outdoor activities, pet-friendly environment |
| Griff’s Valley View RV Park & Campground | $30 – $60 | Yes | Up to 55 feet | Spacious sites, serene setting, and pet-friendly |
| Des Moines West KOA Holiday | $35 – $75 | Yes | Up to 80 feet | Large dog park, family and pet-friendly amenities |
Campgrounds with Proximity to Local Des Moines Events
Camping near Des Moines also offers convenient access to local attractions such as the Iowa State Fair Grounds and Adventureland Waterpark.
The Iowa State Fair Campground is the prime location for campers during the fair. Just book an online reservation to secure a spot. Note that beyond the fair, the campgrounds remain operational on specific dates, providing additional options for camping experiences.
| Campground Name | Cost Per Night | RV-Friendly | RV Size Restrictions | Top Amenities |
| Iowa State Fair Campground | $25 – $40 | Yes | Up to 50 feet | Close to Iowa State Fair, online reservations, local dining options |
| Adventureland Campground | $35 – $100 | Yes | Up to 65 feet | Near Adventureland Waterpark, private showers, complimentary firewood |
| Sleepy Hollow RV Park | $30 – $60 | Yes | Up to 70 feet | Proximity to local attractions, family-friendly amenities |
Campgrounds Near Top Restaurants and Wineries
Camping near Des Moines also offers easy access to top culinary destinations and local wineries. Timberline Campground is ideally situated just west of Des Moines and is known for its proximity to some of Iowa’s best wines,
All in all, Timberline Campground is a perfect spot for campers looking to explore local flavors.
| Campground Name | Cost Per Night | RV-Friendly | RV Size Restrictions | Top Amenities |
| Timberline Campground | $30 – $60 | Yes | Up to 60 feet | Peaceful outdoor setting |
| Cutty’s Des Moines Camping Club | $35 – $75 | Yes | Up to 65 feet | Close to local wineries and dining, family-friendly amenities |
| Jester Park Campground | $20 – $40 | Yes | Up to 55 feet | Near Des Moines’ culinary scene, golf course |
Summary
When your next camping adventure comes to an end, you’ll need a place to store all of your gear. Although a tent and backpack may fit in the garage, if you have an RV, you may need additional storage space if your home garage isn’t large enough or HOA restrictions prohibit driveway parking.
Luckily, with Neighbor a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, you can find gear and RV storage for up to 50% cheaper (and right in your neighborhood). Save yourself time and money by using Neighbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Camp in Iowa?
Camping in Iowa costs between $10 and $60 per night. The type of campsite and amenities offered play a big role in the total costs. For info on free or cheap campsites nearest you, check out this article.
What Is the Difference Between Boondocking and Camping?
Boondocking is camping without hookups in remote locations where water, electricity, and waste disposal may not be an option.
Is Boondocking Legal in Iowa?
Boondocking is legal in Iowa but only in permitted areas, such as a national forest or public land.
