- /
- Camping with Wildlife watching
The best camping near Des Moines with wildlife watching
97% (802) • 86 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Des Moines
Greenhouse Camping
1. Greenhouse Camping
97%
(151)
15mi from Des Moines · 2 sites
We love this beautiful land that has been in our family since 1917, and think you will too!
We are located 1/2 mile off I-35 at the north border of the City of Ankeny.
Here you'll find the best of both worlds just fifteen minutes away from your quiet campsite - Boating, skiing, jet-skiing, fishing at Saylorville Lake.
Canoe,
kayak
and paddleboat rental at Big Creek State Park.
Swimming & waterplay for all ages at the Ankeny Aquatic Center.
Upscale shopping and dining at the District.
Or venture out
a bit further to concert venues in Ames & Des Moines, local farmers markets, Des Moines' beautiful riverwalk and exciting nightlife, or
the Iowa State Fair.
It's the best of country and suburban living!
End your day with a quiet stroll along the mowed walking path that overlooks one of the most beautiful areas of
Four Mile Creek in Iowa, which circles right back to your cozy campfire.
Learn more about this land:
You'll love this relaxing space to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors! Very easy access, we are just 1/2 mile off of Interstate-35. Our farm is bordered by nature on three sides and the city of Ankeny on the south. This is a single campsite, private and quiet. Your campsite has an adjoining mowed private walking trail overlooking Four Mile Creek, and is also within walking distance of Ankeny sidewalks for biking, walking, jogging. It’s the best of both worlds - town and country!
We're a 15 minute drive from Big Creek and Ledges State Parks, Jester Park and Saylorville Lake where you can enjoy fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and the beach life. You'll find unique shopping experiences, delicious dining, a good movie, a thriving live music scene just 15 minutes away in downtown Des Moines, downtown and campus town Ames, and at The District in Ankeny.
Upon your arrival you'll find the greenhouse mini-fridge is stocked with 4 complimentary bottles of water and everything you'll need for making S'mores.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$31
/ night
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
96%
(493)
25mi from Des Moines · 61 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and
mature beautiful trees. Hiking trails, playground equipment, dog park, shelterhouse, showerhouse/restrooms, community fire pit, all sites have fire pits and picnic tables, laundry area, rec room, and welcoming staff!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$29
/ night
The Waypoint
3. The Waypoint
99%
(55)
29mi from Des Moines · 5 sites
A vanlife destination located at the confluence of I80 and I35.
18 acres of land featuring a limestone quarry pond, perfect trees for hanging hammocks, flat ground for parking vans and so much space for community.
If you’re interested, we are happy to coordinate introducing you to our small herd of alpacas and Great Pyrenees dogs.
Pets
from
$35
/ night
Walnut Woods State Park
4. Walnut Woods State Park
100%
(3)
State park 7.1mi from Des Moines · 22 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Walnut Woods State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Saylorville Lake
5. Saylorville Lake
100%
(9)
Park 14mi from Des Moines · 446 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nature Heaven by lake red rock
6. Nature Heaven by lake red rock
96%
(317)
33mi from Des Moines · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We open year-round!! The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has its special nature-beauty, so we open year-round. This secluded, beautiful, pet-friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa, with a view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and a far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and the rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table, and a solar light. The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on. There are tons of natural features, you may see deer, rabbits, and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distance to keep privacy from each other.
A recently built 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want a more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent gifts.
For surrounding areas, the nearby White Breast Beach is open from May 23 to September 3, 2026, with boating, hunting, and hiking activities in Lake Red Rock. For our campers' safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public hunting grounds are near our camping ground.
The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on top of a hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and a lake view while enjoying the great nature and having a comfortable stay.
The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^.
Hope you will find joy, peace, and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock Lake areas.
A little history of this land:
These 40 acres of land were a surface mining site. The reclamation works done
during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environmental health backgrounds, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for the nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills, and tall grass, Butterflys... The site is totally different from what Google Maps shows now.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Rooted Timbers
7. Rooted Timbers
100%
(20)
36mi from Des Moines · 4 sites
We're Ben, Trinh, Camille, and Sage.
We purchased this 12 acres in Fall '20 as a way to share our love of the outdoors with our friends and family. As time went on, we noticed a need in making outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive to those outside our network. Rooted Timbers was created with the intention of making it easier for you to disconnect from business and connect with stillness.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
8. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
98%
(209)
39mi from Des Moines · 14 sites
Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
9. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
98%
(41)
44mi from Des Moines · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory. Threshold is first, an outdoor learning center for schools during the school year, and a summer camp offering several day camps, family camps, and trips. As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open. We started renting TLC to the public 5 years ago for weddings, reunions, or just families who are looking to connect to the world around them. Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC. We have 7 bedrooms in our dormitory, 5 camp sites, a large camp fire ring, a mini-golf course, and we are always willing to lead your group in an educational experience or take you on a hayrack ride.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Lake Ahquabi State Park
10. Lake Ahquabi State Park
100%
(3)
State park 20mi from Des Moines · 104 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Ahquabi State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Elk Rock State Park
11. Elk Rock State Park
100%
(1)
State park 30mi from Des Moines · 85 sites
Elk Rock State Park: A Haven for Campers and Nature Enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ledges State Park
12. Ledges State Park
100%
(4)
State park 32mi from Des Moines · 94 sites
Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Red Rock
13. Lake Red Rock
100%
(5)
Park 32mi from Des Moines · 390 sites
Discover Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake with endless recreation and scenic beauty.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Firefly Creek Ranch
14. Firefly Creek Ranch
92%
(13)
42mi from Des Moines · 10 sites
Our property was once the County Home until it was closed due to regulatory changes to the mental health industry. The property sat vacant for 2 years as a deficit for the county and its taxpayers. We had a plan to breathe new life into this property by re-opening as a non-profit Art, Community, and Retreat Center. We are in the heart of the rolling hills surrounding Guthrie Center & Lake Panorama. It is simply an amazing place. Please come and see what makes this experience unique. Learn more about this land:Peaceful farm setting in the rolling hills of Guthrie County, Iowa. Outdoor rustic camping and indoor simple Bed & Breakfast rooms. 10 Rustic Campsites or 1 with water and electric hook-ups for additional $5 night. Self contained campers welcome. Ask about our Gathering & Retreat Center with 8 indoor overnight accommodations available. Sleeps 8-15.
Cabin in the Woods
15. Cabin in the Woods
100%
(5)
16mi from Des Moines · 1 site
Cabin in the Woods is located on 18 wooded acres. Small stocked pond right outside your front door! Enjoy the wildlife and peacefulness of nature all around. Secluded area, yet 15 minutes to restaurants, shopping, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Adventureland and more! The cabin is a small one room space, with a loft for extra storage or sleeping. There is electric, but no running water. Gallon of water will be available. There is an attached outhouse with toilet. Small fridge and microwave. TV with DVD player.
Please note that the cabin does share a driveway with our house, so there may be cars that drive by. We do have animals on our property, so you may encounter dogs, cats, chickens and goats (all friendly)!
Toilets
Campfires
from
$120
/ night
Rock Creek State Park
16. Rock Creek State Park
State park 42mi from Des Moines · 193 sites
Discover the natural allure of Rock Creek State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Red Haw State Park
17. Red Haw State Park
State park 43mi from Des Moines · 80 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Red Haw State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Springbrook State Park
18. Springbrook State Park
State park 46mi from Des Moines · 111 sites
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
97% (802) • 86 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Des Moines
Greenhouse Camping
1. Greenhouse Camping
97%
(151)
15mi from Des Moines · 2 sites
We love this beautiful land that has been in our family since 1917, and think you will too!
We are located 1/2 mile off I-35 at the north border of the City of Ankeny.
Here you'll find the best of both worlds just fifteen minutes away from your quiet campsite - Boating, skiing, jet-skiing, fishing at Saylorville Lake.
Canoe,
kayak
and paddleboat rental at Big Creek State Park.
Swimming & waterplay for all ages at the Ankeny Aquatic Center.
Upscale shopping and dining at the District.
Or venture out
a bit further to concert venues in Ames & Des Moines, local farmers markets, Des Moines' beautiful riverwalk and exciting nightlife, or
the Iowa State Fair.
It's the best of country and suburban living!
End your day with a quiet stroll along the mowed walking path that overlooks one of the most beautiful areas of
Four Mile Creek in Iowa, which circles right back to your cozy campfire.
Learn more about this land:
You'll love this relaxing space to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors! Very easy access, we are just 1/2 mile off of Interstate-35. Our farm is bordered by nature on three sides and the city of Ankeny on the south. This is a single campsite, private and quiet. Your campsite has an adjoining mowed private walking trail overlooking Four Mile Creek, and is also within walking distance of Ankeny sidewalks for biking, walking, jogging. It’s the best of both worlds - town and country!
We're a 15 minute drive from Big Creek and Ledges State Parks, Jester Park and Saylorville Lake where you can enjoy fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and the beach life. You'll find unique shopping experiences, delicious dining, a good movie, a thriving live music scene just 15 minutes away in downtown Des Moines, downtown and campus town Ames, and at The District in Ankeny.
Upon your arrival you'll find the greenhouse mini-fridge is stocked with 4 complimentary bottles of water and everything you'll need for making S'mores.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$31
/ night
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
96%
(493)
25mi from Des Moines · 61 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and
mature beautiful trees. Hiking trails, playground equipment, dog park, shelterhouse, showerhouse/restrooms, community fire pit, all sites have fire pits and picnic tables, laundry area, rec room, and welcoming staff!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$29
/ night
The Waypoint
3. The Waypoint
99%
(55)
29mi from Des Moines · 5 sites
A vanlife destination located at the confluence of I80 and I35.
18 acres of land featuring a limestone quarry pond, perfect trees for hanging hammocks, flat ground for parking vans and so much space for community.
If you’re interested, we are happy to coordinate introducing you to our small herd of alpacas and Great Pyrenees dogs.
Pets
from
$35
/ night
Walnut Woods State Park
4. Walnut Woods State Park
100%
(3)
State park 7.1mi from Des Moines · 22 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Walnut Woods State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Saylorville Lake
5. Saylorville Lake
100%
(9)
Park 14mi from Des Moines · 446 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nature Heaven by lake red rock
6. Nature Heaven by lake red rock
96%
(317)
33mi from Des Moines · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We open year-round!! The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has its special nature-beauty, so we open year-round. This secluded, beautiful, pet-friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa, with a view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and a far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and the rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table, and a solar light. The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on. There are tons of natural features, you may see deer, rabbits, and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distance to keep privacy from each other.
A recently built 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want a more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent gifts.
For surrounding areas, the nearby White Breast Beach is open from May 23 to September 3, 2026, with boating, hunting, and hiking activities in Lake Red Rock. For our campers' safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public hunting grounds are near our camping ground.
The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on top of a hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and a lake view while enjoying the great nature and having a comfortable stay.
The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^.
Hope you will find joy, peace, and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock Lake areas.
A little history of this land:
These 40 acres of land were a surface mining site. The reclamation works done
during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environmental health backgrounds, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for the nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills, and tall grass, Butterflys... The site is totally different from what Google Maps shows now.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Rooted Timbers
7. Rooted Timbers
100%
(20)
36mi from Des Moines · 4 sites
We're Ben, Trinh, Camille, and Sage.
We purchased this 12 acres in Fall '20 as a way to share our love of the outdoors with our friends and family. As time went on, we noticed a need in making outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive to those outside our network. Rooted Timbers was created with the intention of making it easier for you to disconnect from business and connect with stillness.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
8. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
98%
(209)
39mi from Des Moines · 14 sites
Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
9. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
98%
(41)
44mi from Des Moines · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory. Threshold is first, an outdoor learning center for schools during the school year, and a summer camp offering several day camps, family camps, and trips. As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open. We started renting TLC to the public 5 years ago for weddings, reunions, or just families who are looking to connect to the world around them. Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC. We have 7 bedrooms in our dormitory, 5 camp sites, a large camp fire ring, a mini-golf course, and we are always willing to lead your group in an educational experience or take you on a hayrack ride.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Lake Ahquabi State Park
10. Lake Ahquabi State Park
100%
(3)
State park 20mi from Des Moines · 104 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Ahquabi State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Elk Rock State Park
11. Elk Rock State Park
100%
(1)
State park 30mi from Des Moines · 85 sites
Elk Rock State Park: A Haven for Campers and Nature Enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ledges State Park
12. Ledges State Park
100%
(4)
State park 32mi from Des Moines · 94 sites
Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Red Rock
13. Lake Red Rock
100%
(5)
Park 32mi from Des Moines · 390 sites
Discover Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake with endless recreation and scenic beauty.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Firefly Creek Ranch
14. Firefly Creek Ranch
92%
(13)
42mi from Des Moines · 10 sites
Our property was once the County Home until it was closed due to regulatory changes to the mental health industry. The property sat vacant for 2 years as a deficit for the county and its taxpayers. We had a plan to breathe new life into this property by re-opening as a non-profit Art, Community, and Retreat Center. We are in the heart of the rolling hills surrounding Guthrie Center & Lake Panorama. It is simply an amazing place. Please come and see what makes this experience unique. Learn more about this land:Peaceful farm setting in the rolling hills of Guthrie County, Iowa. Outdoor rustic camping and indoor simple Bed & Breakfast rooms. 10 Rustic Campsites or 1 with water and electric hook-ups for additional $5 night. Self contained campers welcome. Ask about our Gathering & Retreat Center with 8 indoor overnight accommodations available. Sleeps 8-15.
Cabin in the Woods
15. Cabin in the Woods
100%
(5)
16mi from Des Moines · 1 site
Cabin in the Woods is located on 18 wooded acres. Small stocked pond right outside your front door! Enjoy the wildlife and peacefulness of nature all around. Secluded area, yet 15 minutes to restaurants, shopping, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Adventureland and more! The cabin is a small one room space, with a loft for extra storage or sleeping. There is electric, but no running water. Gallon of water will be available. There is an attached outhouse with toilet. Small fridge and microwave. TV with DVD player.
Please note that the cabin does share a driveway with our house, so there may be cars that drive by. We do have animals on our property, so you may encounter dogs, cats, chickens and goats (all friendly)!
Toilets
Campfires
from
$120
/ night
Rock Creek State Park
16. Rock Creek State Park
State park 42mi from Des Moines · 193 sites
Discover the natural allure of Rock Creek State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Red Haw State Park
17. Red Haw State Park
State park 43mi from Des Moines · 80 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Red Haw State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Springbrook State Park
18. Springbrook State Park
State park 46mi from Des Moines · 111 sites
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
N
Nancy
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven by lake red rock
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Dome, which offered a beautiful view. We were fortunate to experience perfect weather and a stunning sunset. I wholeheartedly recommend this location for a peaceful escape from the city. The host was readily available for communication, which I greatly appreciated. The generator unfortunately stopped working on the second day, and we had some difficulty with electricity, but we managed to resolve it. One area I hope they will consider upgrading is the restroom facilities. I was quite disappointed with the bathroom situation, as we had to travel to a gas station for our needs due to cleanliness issues, including spiderwebs, dust, and an unclean toilet. I would love to return, but I would need to be prepared to bring my own portable restroom.
See more
A
Allison
2 weeks ago
With pets
This little slice of Iowa is gorgeous, easy to get to, secluded and a beautiful find.
They really have thought of everything you would need for a couple nights away. I was pleasantly surprised by all the camping essentials there. We were able to leave most of our supplies in the truck and just enjoy everything that was there.
Even with temps getting down to 22 it was cozy in the dome with the wood stove and plenty of blankets for our pack to stay toasty and warm. What a beautiful site! Thanks for sharing your space and land with us.
See more
K
Kristina
2 weeks ago
30 ft Class C
With pets
Dave and Dena were great hosts! We really enjoyed our time!
See more
J
James
November 2025
With pets
After a long day of driving, this was the perfect place to stop. The only mistake I made was not arriving sooner to enjoy the property more. Linda was so responsive, incredibly accommodating, and just a joy to communicate and plan with. Having two large dogs is tough to travel with, and Linda made it so easy within our travel plans. I will be back with my fishing gear in the future. Thank you for the hospitality!
See more
R
Robin
November 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Beautiful property, lots of trails to explore, pond and complete relaxation. Hunters Havin sleeping cabin was awesome. Great for cooler weather and beautiful surroundings for campfire. We can’t wait to return in the summer with the grandkids.
See more
C
Cristian
October 2025
Tent
Great location, and accommodating host. Great directs and signs as you go through. Defined trailed with class 2 base gravel for easy 2wd access. Saw multiple deer both day for short time I was there. Well maintained.
See more
J
Jennifer
October 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
My dogs and I loved our stay on Robin’s land. He is very kind and had everything we needed. Peaceful location and close to everywhere we were going. Will definitely stay again.
See more
K
Katie
October 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Gorgeous property. Booked the sight above the pond which was beautiful and peaceful. Great sunset spot.
See more
Holly
October 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
The host was super friendly and flexible, even when we got in around midnight. The space was safe and views were lovely the next morning. I'd recommend staying!
See more
Laura
October 2025
17 ft travel trailer
With pets
Perfect location, beautiful sunset (picture included) nice grassy trail for an anytime still by yourself or with your dog. Speaking of dogs, Robin has installed a HUGE and I mean HUGE Dog Park. Water, electric and convenient extras if you want them🫶🏼 I’ll be back!
See more
J
Josh
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
Emma and her husband Jason always go above and beyond to make any visit to the Waypoint awesome! The stay was perfect as usual and I will definitely be back again
See more
E
Eric
October 2025
2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
Absolutely love the cute little cottage and the fun playground areas.
See more
Rayven
October 2025
2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
We had a great stay! The cabin was cozy and clean, tucked on the outskirts of Des Moines in a quiet little RV park and campground. The host was super friendly and helpful, and we appreciated that it wasn’t crowded at all. There were fun swings to discover around the property, and we enjoyed a perfect evening campfire—firewood was conveniently available on-site. Would definitely stay again!
See more
G
Georgia
September 2025
Tent
Wow this place is just so gorgeous. We fit one 2 person tent and one 4 person tent very comfortably next to each other. When you’re in or around your tent, or sitting at the bonfire it’s incredibly private, but you can still walk out just 30 feet and see the beautiful wide open view. Definitely will be back soon a recommending this site to all of my friends!!!
See more
Cristian
September 2025
Tent
10/10 returning soon again beautiful area quiet away from everyone perfect spot
See more
J
James
September 2025
Tent
The facilities were good, the site was nice (trees, nearby creek), and the staff were friendly and helpful.
The only potential downside to this campsite is that there was fairly continual traffic noise from an interstate highway that was about a half mile to the north of the site; the noise eventually faded into the background of our awareness and didn't impact our ability to sleep at night
See more
Patricia
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Hostess was friendly and helpful. The site was large and shady. The facilities were clean. Directions, actually coordinates, were for a location about a mile away. I had to call to find the campground. Site T3 was very close to I-80 so it became noisy at times. The brook had an area of extremely slow moving water which seemed to attract mosquitoes. Perhaps that was seasonal. I would highly recommend for RVs and camper vans. Only can rate a maybe for tent camping..
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Amanda
September 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Convenient metro location with easy access to food and nature areas. Loved the location and didn’t mind the minor road/interstate noise. Clean. Great basic campsite with some extra touches.
See more
E
Eric
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven by lake red rock
Loved the location, the view. And the fun setup. Had a great time!
See moreE
Executive
September 2025
33 ft travel trailer
This so calm and relaxing. Lots of space and quiet. Right now there is a lot of construction going on in the area, but it was still quiet during our three night stay. Robin stopped by the first night to make sure we were settled in and had what we needed. Very friendly. Met the other camper there who was taking their two dogs to the dog run. Nice fenced in area that is quite large. We don't have dogs, but that was a nice area to take them to play. We will definitely try to stay again if we are in the area.
See more
The best camping near Des Moines with wildlife watching guide
Where to go
Botanical Gardens
Des Moines hosts one of the more active botanical gardens you will ever encounter. The grounds are fantastic with open green spaces and gardens on display. They have plenty of public space and even have live music, yoga sessions and educational events for gardening. Located downtown, the 12-acre property is the perfect stop while visiting the city. It’s open all year and has a cafe to enjoy between stops at the various gardens.
Racoon River Trails
The city has numerous parks, trails and wildlife areas to enjoy. Many are situated around the Racoon River where wooded bottomlands and open space prevail. Walnut Woods State Park is a perfect stop with 260 acres to explore. It has campsites available and is on the edge of the city for easy access. The Great Western Trailhead, Denman’s Woods Trail, Bill Riley Trail and plenty more are located on or near the river for hiking and biking.
Saylorville Lake
The large reservoir of the Des Moines River is a recreational paradise with around a dozen campgrounds for both RV and tent campers. The lake has big beaches like Oak Grove Beach, numerous bays and a ton of water to enjoy. Take a summer swim, play volleyball on the beach, go fishing or bring a boat and go water skiing. With 26,000 acres and ample public access, Saylorville Lake offers something for every type of camper.
When to go
As with most of Iowa, the winters are long and cold. The parks in and around Des Moines are perfect for ice fishing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Most campgrounds will close during the winter however and campers should have a heat system and winter gear. Summer is the prime visiting season with June, July and August being ideal for water based activities. Temperatures are often comfortable but can become hot and humid at times. September is a quieter month and is an excellent time to enjoy cooling weather and changing colors. The city itself has great dining and indoor experiences to enjoy year-round.