Walnut Woods State Park RV & Campground Guide
Iowa
- Home
- State Parks
- Iowa
- Walnut Woods State Park
Walnut Woods State Park boasts the most extensive surviving natural stand of black walnut trees in North America. Aside from the hardwood forest, visitors can access the Raccoon River, which offers plenty of water activities. There's also a year-round lodge on-site that offers both an indoor and outdoor fireplace where you can gather together for a graduation, wedding, or large family gathering. Walnut Woods is about eight miles southeast of West Des Moines and nine miles southwest of Urbandale. When visiting, you'll love the mild temperatures, but it is wise to bring a sweater or jacket as the nights tend to become chilly. In winter, the temperatures stay near or below freezing.
Spring 29-73 F
Summer 62-86 F
Fall 30-77 F
Winter 13-35 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Walnut Woods State Park
Whether you visit Walnut Woods State Park in the warmth of summer or during the cold winter, an RV provides the ideal home base. It will keep you comfortable if you stay at the rustic on-site campground. If you don't have an RV, consider renting one from RVshare.com, where you can select from different models and class sizes.
Timberline Campground
Timberline Campground is a few miles from West Des Moines and about 1.5 miles from Interstate 80. The campground offers both tent and RV site accommodations; any size of rig or camper can easily fit in and maneuver throughout the grounds with ease. There is a camp store where you can purchase snacks, supplies, soda, firewood, and Iowa wines.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Dump station, swimming pool, recreation hall, and playground
Iowa State Fair Campgrounds
This campground offers camping arrangements during the state fair and other times throughout the year. The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds has more than 2,300 sites during the fair events, so there are plenty of spaces for non-fair camping as well. If you stay here, you will be within easy walking distance of all fairground activities.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Three large bathhouses and restrooms
Griff’s Valley View RV Park & Campground
Griff’s Valley View RV Park & Campground has 142 sites that accommodate big rigs. The campground is a short distance from Interstate 35 and other local attractions. There is an inside lodge, a recreation room, and a playground.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Laundry facility, storm shelters, and exercise equipment
What to Do at
Walnut Woods State Park
Inside Walnut Woods State Park
Walnut Woods State Park has more than two miles of trails that meander through wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River. Bird-watching is an activity that many tourists enjoy all year round. During the summer and fall months, you'll be able to spot owls, flycatchers, hawks, warblers, and various kinds of songbirds. Picnic sites are located strategically throughout the park, making it convenient to gather together with friends and family. You can go boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the river.
How to Get to
Walnut Woods State Park
From Interstate 35, take Exit 68, travel on IA-5 toward West Des Moines/Norwalk, and follow for a little over a mile. Take exit 102; turn left onto Southeast 35th Street. Go about a half-mile, and then turn left onto Southwest 64th Avenue/Southeast Post Road. In a short distance, turn right onto Southwest 105th Street/Southwest 52nd Avenue and follow about 1.5 miles. Make a left onto Walnut Woods Drive and follow signs to the state park.
Entering Walnut Woods State Park
Walnut Woods State Park is open Sunday through Saturday from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Walnut Woods State Park Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $5.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Walnut Woods State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walnut Woods State Park
Yes, Walnut Woods State Park contains a small campground with 24 designated RV camping spots. All 24 of the RV sites come equipped with full hookups and several other amenities.
The climate of Walnut Woods State Park is moderate during summer and fairly harsh during winter. The winter months can get as cold as 13 degrees with significant snowfall, but the summer temperatures rarely exceed 85.
Ideally, you should try to visit Walnut Woods State Park between May and September. Between late spring and early fall, the weather is warm, but it rarely gets too hot to comfortably enjoy outdoor activities.
The park is an excellent area to bring your pets. There are lots of trails and areas that are perfect for having your dogs with you. However, you'll need to keep your pets leashed and clean up after them.
Featuring over 90 identified avian species, Walnut Woods State Park is known as a fantastic bird-watching destination. A few of the species you might see soaring by include flycatchers, warblers, and a variety of hawks, owls, and songbirds.
Related
Millbury, Ohio RV Rental Deals McCarr, Kentucky RV Rental Deals Bourbon, Missouri RV Rental Deals Hopedale, Illinois RV Rentals Lebanon, Maine RV Rentals Rosebud, Missouri RV Rental Deals Nellis AFB, Nevada RV Rental Deals Quechee, Vermont RV Rentals Lake Lucerne, Florida RV Rentals Abbotsford, Wisconsin RV Rental Deals