As the capital and cultural center of Iowa, Des Moines is the perfect place to start an RV adventure in the Hawkeye State. Quite a few of the RV campgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, offer lake access or beautiful views of the rural plains.
This central part of Iowa gets cold in the winter. However, Des Moines’ long, warm summers are perfect for RV camping. If you’re looking for a local place to park your RV during a road trip, consider the following top 10 campgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.
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River Oaks RV Park
River Oaks RV Park is a family-owned and pet-friendly campground located in Hartford, Iowa, just 20 minutes southeast of Des Moines. The park is full of fun things to do and is one of the premier campgrounds in Iowa.
You can spend your day biking and hiking the miles of trails carved through the woods or enjoy the serene atmosphere throughout the park. You'll enjoy mature hardwood trees and large RV sites during your stay. Also, take advantage of the one-acre stocked fishing pond or cast a line out on the Des Moines River!
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https://www.adventurelandreso...
This RV park is part of a wide-spanning resort complex. Adventureland itself offers numerous rides, games, and stores. The Adventureland Campground, which is a couple of miles northeast of Des Moines, features spacious sites and well-kept accommodations.
Adventureland Campground is a popular spot in the summer once the amusement park’s outdoor rides are open for business. Even in the winter, the indoor game room is available for your enjoyment. Those who are traveling on a budget will appreciate that Adventureland Campground offers discounted rates to large groups.
“This is a very nice campground with generous sized sites. A pool is available during the season. Comfort stations are strategically placed throughout the grind with each one having restrooms and showers.” – Mark, Google Review
Griff’s Valley View RV Park & Campground is just northeast of Des Moines in Altoo, Iowa. While this RV park is relatively large and has lots of guests, it features a 10 p.m. “quiet curfew” for those who like a bit of peace and quiet. Visitors also appreciate the Wi-Fi and clean RV sites with full hookups.
• Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $30/$132.50/$435 • # of RV Sites: 142 • Full Hookups: Yes • 30/50 Amp: Both • Back-In/Pull-Through Sites: Both • Pool/Hot Tub: No • Showers: Yes • Pets Allowed: Yes • Cell Reception: Strong sigl • Playground • Laundry Facilities • Wi-Fi • Decorative Pond
“The owners were extremely welcoming and kind. The campground was immaculately clean, and everything worked well as expected. A huge storm hit us and we were so thankful to be parked in a safe place with other campers! I would definitely stay here again! Easy to find and one of the best we’ve stayed at.” – Amanda, Google Review
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https://koa.com/campgrounds/n...
Newton/Des Moines East Koa is a medium-sized RV park only 30 minutes east of Des Moines, Iowa. Bring a lawn chair and cast a line in the campground’s fishing pond for bluegill, bass, and channel catfish. You’ll also find that firewood, ice, and groceries are offered at this RV park’s Kamp Store.
When you stay at Newton/Des Moines East KOA, you’ll be able to enjoy the adjoining 1 mile ture trail, pitch horseshoes or let your children enjoy the playground. Best of all, Wi-Fi is available throughout the campground.
“My first time staying at a KOA. We had a really great time. Staff was very friendly. My son loved the sandbox and the bounce pad. Admittedly, I had a pretty great time jumping with him. The facilities were immaculate! It feels so good to take a shower after a long day of travel in a well taken care of bathroom. Thank you for that! If ever we’re passing through this area again, we will definitely be back.” – Corissa, Google Review
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Des Moines West KOA Holiday is in Adel, which is just west of Des Moines. This RV park offers common KOA amenities such as a communal kitchen, firewood, and a snack bar. Plus, you can rent a bike or go fishing at this KOA RV park.
Unlike many Des Moines campgrounds, the sites at this KOA property are big enough to accommodate any RV. Propane is offered on-site, and every site includes access to cable TV. Best of all, Des Moines West KOA Holiday features a large dog park for your furry friends.
“We stayed a week 5/28 – 6/4/18 while attending family celebrations in the Des Moines area. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The evening of our arrival one young man on staff checked back with us before he went home for the night to assure we were able to get our refrigeration working. The park is clean and well cared for. We look forward to a return visit” – Kristen, Google Review
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If you’re traveling with the family, you simply must make a stop at Sleepy Hollow RV Park & Campground in Oxford. This is located on the banks of a private lake that’s ideal for swimming. In addition, Sleepy Hollow RV Park & Campground offers free Wi-Fi.
Sleepy Hollow RV Park & Campground is a family-oriented RV park that offers various seasol activities. The beach at this RV park is maintained throughout the summer, and hayrack rides are offered in the autumn. Plus, the campground includes a GaGa ball pit and a basketball court.
“Great campground!! We stopped at this site on our way across country just for one night. Staff was very accommodating as we were arriving late at night after office hours. They had a packet labeled for us that had a detailed map with the best drawn out route to get to our spot and even had a small lamppost illumited at our desigted spot.” – Stephanie, Google Review
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Kellogg RV Park is home to a restaurant known as Iowa’s Best Burger Cafe. There is also a convenience store on-site, and you can fill up your tanks at the gas station. While this RV park is quite small, the diner and extra amenities more than make up for it.
Kellogg RV Park offers all of the amenities you need to fuel up and move on. The on-site restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, you can stock up on RV supplies at the convenience store. For added peace of mind, Kellogg RV Park includes an F-5 tornado shelter that can protect you from any storms.
“We stayed in the campground over 6 weeks while waiting on our home to be ready. Met some great people, ate at the burger cafe (many times) enjoying most of their menu and the ice cream… It was a great treat! Had a few campfires with other campers and that was a ton of fun!” – Toni, Google Review
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If you like rustic surroundings with some unique amenities, check out Whispering Oaks Campground in Story City. This RV park near Des Moines is known for featuring an antique carousel. In addition, fishing is available on the Skunk River.
Whispering Oaks Campground is situated in verdant parkland. Nature trails are abundant, and Wi-Fi is pumped throughout the campground area. If you need to stock up on a few essentials, Whispering Oaks Campground even includes a small camp store
“Stayed there off and on May June. Google maps took me directly there with no issues. Grounds were clean sites were big enough having room in between RVs. Owners very friendly. I was there due to death in my family. Owner was more than helpful to me even loaned me folding chairs for service. With raising her kids-school and sports they were there limited times and yes honor system in place.” – Bill, Google Review
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As the name implies, Sudbury Court Motel & RV Park in Marengo has a campground that’s adjacent to a more traditional lodging area. If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll like this property. The RV park features a stocked fishing pond, and wildflowers are abundant throughout the area during the spring.
Sudbury Court Motel & RV Park is a hunter-friendly RV park. The surrounding area is filled with game, and this RV park offers freezers where you can keep your prizes. Best of all, Sudbury Court Motel & RV Park features a large barbecue facility.
“RV Park: a nice little RV park in the area. Access to AT&T LTE is very limited. Park WiFi is pretty good but there were only 3 rigs in the park. Bathrooms were closed for the season, could not rate those.” – Jason, Google Review
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Lake Ahquabi State Park covers a beautifully forested area due south of Des Moines. This park covers over 700 acres, and it features a large campground. In addition, the park includes a stone lodge overlooking the lake that can be reserved for groups.
Lake Ahquabi State Park is a popular spot for fishing. To accommodate visiting anglers, boat rentals are offered at the campground. A variety of trails snake their way through this park, and there is a camp store on-site. You can buy bait, snacks, ice, and beach items at this store.
“Beautiful well maintained campground, clean bathrooms and showers, gorgeous lake with swimming and various watercraft rentals. Loved our visit enough we decided to stay an extra night.” – Sandra, Google Review
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https://www.iowastatefair.org/
The Iowa State Fair Campground is located slightly to the east of Des Moines. Since this campground is part of the Iowa State Fairgrounds, various events are held on the property throughout the year. The campground fills up quickly in the summer, but you can make reservations online ahead of time.
The biggest event presented at this property is the Iowa State Fair, which is held every August. If you plan to come back to the fair next year, you can reserve a spot that will be held for you every August in perpetuity. Amenities at the fair include rides, food stalls, and livestock competitions.
“Huge park, very few level sites. BIG bathhouse. Nice that livestock trailers park far away.” – Mardi, Google Review
Now that you’ve reviewed this information on RV camping in Des Moines, you’ll surely agree that this region is a great place to take your rental camper.
If you’re looking forward to being close to all of the amenities and attractions of downtown Des Moines, a property like Griff’s Valley View RV Park & Campground or Des Moines West KOA Holiday would be your best bet. However, if soaking up the sights and sounds of rural Iowa sounds more pleasant, you can stay at Kellogg RV Park. Whichever Des Moines, Iowa campground you choose, you’ll find that the region serves up a slice of true Americana beyond compare.
The top 10 campgrounds we selected all show daily, weekly and monthly rates for you. Pricing will vary.
Pricing will vary. The top 10 RV Parks we selected all display daily, weekly and monthly rates for you.
Staying at an RV Park for a long period of time will vary on the campground & RV Park you choose. View our post for more information.
Yes. The majority of campgrounds we selected in this blog allow pets.