Thomas Mitchell Park is 18 miles from Des Moines. The dump station is free for guests of the park, but you can expect to pay a small fee if you're not staying overnight. While there, you can have a picnic in the park's woodland and enjoy the blooming wildflowers in season. The Ames Water Pollution Control Facility is 30 miles from Des Moines. You can only use this dump station if you are a resident of Ames. It's free to use, however. The hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. It's a 39-mile dive to Pattee City Park, and you can use the dump station there for free. The park has seasonal restrooms and horseshoe pits. There are also tennis courts there if you'd like to have a game after emptying your RV rental tanks.
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Fifth Wheel
Attaches to a tow vehicle via a gooseneck extension in the truck bedView all Fifth Wheel rentals in Des Moines
Travel Trailer
Trailer options exist for every kind of SUV or pickup tow vehicleView all Travel Trailer rentals in Des Moines
Popup
Can be towed by ordinary passenger vehiclesView all Popup rentals in Des Moines
Toy Hauler
Can be towed by many SUV or pickup tow vehiclesView all Toy Hauler rentals in Des Moines
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Road Trips Starting from Des Moines, IA
Popular State Parks Near Des Moines, IA
Walnut Woods State Park is 9 miles from Des Moines. Birdwatching is the most popular activity at Walnut Woods State Park. About eight dozen species have been sighted in the park, and some of the notable examples include owls, hawks, flycatchers, and warblers. The 2 miles of easy hiking trails are just made for walking laps, and during the winter, you can cross-country ski on them as well. The drive to Ledges State Park is 41 miles. Stroll through 4 miles of hiking trails at this park or walk through the stream at Peas Creek. The campground at Ledges State Park has full hookups at some campsites, as well as restrooms, showers, and a dump station. About 40 miles from Des Moines you'll find Elk Rock State Park, which covers 50,000 acres and lies on the shore of the State of Iowa's largest body of water, Lake Red Rock. There are two boat ramps within the park. Anglers can bait a line for bluegill, crappie, bass, channel catfish, and walleye. There are three hiking trails within Elk Rock State Park, the longest of which is the Elk Rock Perimeter Loop. It's a 9-mile loop trail that gains about 500 feet of elevation.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Des Moines, IA
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is 123 miles from Des Moines. While there, you can experience a taste of President Hoover's Quaker upbringing. You can also visit the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, tour a Quaker meeting house and blacksmith shop, and stroll along the site's 1-mile walking route. RV parking is available either across the street from the visitor center or next to the picnic areas adjacent to the gravesite. Parking is limited, so plan ahead. About 195 miles to the south is Harry S Truman National Historic Site. You can take tours of his home, which was once known as "The Summer White House." Tours are limited to eight people, and you must procure free tickets at the visitor center. You can also take walking tours of the city to see sites that are related to President Truman. The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library is also only a mile down the street. Parking is extremely limited at the site as there is only one lot earmarked for RVs which is to the west of the visitor center. The staff can also advise you on where you can legally park your RV on the street nearby.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
River Oaks RV Park is 21 miles from Des Moines. It's got 97 RV-specific campsites with full hookups. You can even fish in the stocked pond in the campground. If you have a larger rig, then the pull-through sites will be convenient for your visit. Adventureland Campground is just 11 miles from Des Moines, IA. The 110 campsites for RVs have full hookups, and after a day's adventuring, you can relax in the pool, hot tub, or both. The campground has public Wi-Fi access throughout. If you need a few essentials or an afternoon snack, then you can get them at one of the multiple campground stores. If you'd like a little solitude for your camping, then the Kellogg RV Park is just right. It's only got 38 campsites for RVs. However, you don't have to trade solitude for modern amenities because this campground, which is 42 miles from Des Moines, IA, has showers, restrooms, full hookups, and on-site laundry facilities. There is a single convenience store for those times when you need sundries.
RV Rentals Near Des Moines, IA
RVs are also great for taking road trips. Local trips can be to Walnut Woods or Wedges State Park. One great trip is the 333-mile jaunt from Des Moines to Chicago where you can attend Cubs games during the Major League Baseball season. Indiana Dunes National Park is only a few miles beyond the Windy City. It's 585 miles from Des Moines to Louisville, KY, which is a fun place to visit if you're a fan of Kentucky Bluegrass Music. At 663 miles, a trip to Cleveland is just 78 miles further away than Louisville, KY. While in Cleveland, you can attend Browns games during the National Football League season. Nearby parks include Big Creek State Park, Badger Creek State Park, and Margo Frankel Woods State Park, all of which are either within the city itself or within a 20-mile radius. There are some nearby RV campgrounds, as well, including Timberline Campground and the campgrounds at the Iowa State Fair, both of which are fewer than 10 miles from Des Moines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Class A RV Near Des Moines, IA
How do I properly navigate and park a Class A motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces in Des Moines, IA?
Class A motorhomes can be large and require a bit of practice and patience to navigate and park in tight spaces. When driving in urban areas, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and plan your route ahead of time to avoid narrow streets, low overpasses, or weight restrictions. When parking, look for spacious lots that allow for easy entry and exit. It may also be helpful to have a spotter help guide you into your parking spot.
Are there any special licensing requirements or restrictions for operating a Class A motorhome rental in Des Moines, IA?
In most cases, a standard driver's license is required to operate a Class A motorhome rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a Class A motorhome rental during my rental period?
As an RVshare customer, the only maintenance required is keeping the motorhome clean and returning it in the same condition it was received.
Do I need to know any weight restrictions or bridge height limitations when operating a Class A motorhome rental in Des Moines, IA?
Yes, it's important to be aware of weight restrictions and bridge height limitations when operating a Class A motorhome rental. It's important to check with your RV owner or local authorities for any specific restrictions in your area.
Can I bring my bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class A motorhome rental, and what storage options are available for these items?
Yes, you can bring your bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class A motorhome rental. Many motorhomes come equipped with exterior storage compartments or bike racks for convenient storage. Check with the RV owner to see what storage is available to you.
How do I properly level and stabilize a Class A motorhome rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Sometimes stabilizing a Class A motorhome is needed to ensure a comfortable and safe stay at your campsite or RV park. Confirm the type of campsite you’ll stay at and any stabilizing actions or equipment necessary with the RV owner.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a Class A motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Class A motorhomes typically have lower fuel efficiency due to their size and weight. However, there are ways to minimize fuel costs such as driving at a steady speed and avoiding abrupt stops and starts.
Do I need to bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the Class A motorhome rental, such as a home theater system or outdoor grill?
Most Class A motorhomes come equipped with basic entertainment equipment and appliances such as a TV, DVD player, and refrigerator. However, if you have specific entertainment needs or preferences, it's best to check with your RV owner to ensure these items are provided or if you should bring your own.
Are any unique features or amenities available in Class A motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Des Moines, IA?
Class A motorhomes often feature high-end amenities such as leather seating, residential-sized kitchens, and luxurious bedding. Some may also feature high-tech entertainment systems or outdoor kitchens. It's best to check with your RV owner for any specific unique features or amenities that may be available in your rental.