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
Popular RV Searches in Des Moines, IA
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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 B RV Near Des Moines, IA
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Des Moines, IA without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Des Moines, IA?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Des Moines, IA, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Des Moines, IA?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Des Moines, IA particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Des Moines, IA that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.