Grimes

Pets

Electricity Hookup

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

Sewage Hookup

Picnic table

Acorn Valley Campground

Step into Acorn Valley Campground and you just might swoon at how perfectly picturesque this little spot is

Bob Shetler Recreation Area and Campground

Pitch your tent (or park that RV) and get ready for some riverside livin’

Cherry Glen Campground

Hoo boy, this is one huge campground on Saylorville Lake

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

Walnut Woods Campground

Looking to gather around the campfire with the whole fan-damily, and perfect the art of marshmallow roasting? Give the shady campsites at Walnut Woods campground a shot

Ledges Campground

Make your next camping trip extraordinary with a visit to Ledges State Park

Lake Ahquabi Campground

Get some R&amp;R lakeside style at Lake Ahquabi State Park, which means “resting place” in Sauk and Fox native language

Springbrook Campground

Enjoy rolling, grassy hills dotted with trees plus fresh breezes at Springbrook State Park

Elk Rock Campground

Livin large in luxury in the great outdoors

Equestrian Campground

Why settle for rustic equestrian camping when you can have modern electric hookup sites with a modern shower building and even a horse washing station for your best mate

Whitebreast Campground

Perched right on Lake Red Rock, Whitebreast Campground is a gorgeous spot to spend a day (or two or three!)

Wallashuck Campground

Picturesque camping less than an hour from Des Moines? Count us in

Find & reserve the best campsites near Grimes, Iowa with pets. Tent, cabin & RV camp on private & State Parks, on local farms, vineyards & nature preserves.

The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Grimes, Iowa

Best tent camping near me

Best RV camping near me

Best glamping near me

Des Moines

Okoboji

Omaha

Sioux City

Wisconsin Dells

Sioux Falls

Kansas City

Lake Geneva

Louisville State Recreation Area

Waubonsie State Park

Myre - Big Island State Park

Geode State Park

Brunet Island State Park

Governor Dodge State Park

Hartman Creek State Park

Mirror Lake State Park

Cabins

Glamping

RV parks

Dog-friendly RV parks

Cabins with fishing

Forest cabins

Camping with campfires

Water Hookup

Greenhouse Camping

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&nbsp;to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors!&nbsp;&nbsp;Very easy access,&nbsp; we are just&nbsp;1/2 mile off of Interstate-35. &nbsp;Our&nbsp;farm is bordered by nature on three sides and the city of Ankeny on the south.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a single campsite, private and quiet. Your campsite has an adjoining mowed private&nbsp;walking trail overlooking Four Mile Creek, and is also within walking distance of Ankeny sidewalks for biking, walking, jogging. &nbsp;It’s the best of both worlds - town and country!&nbsp;

We're&nbsp;a&nbsp;15 minute drive&nbsp;from Big Creek and Ledges State Parks,&nbsp;Jester Park and Saylorville Lake&nbsp;where you can enjoy fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;beach life.&nbsp; You'll find unique shopping experiences, delicious dining, a good movie, a thriving live music scene just&nbsp;15 minutes away in downtown Des Moines, downtown and campus town&nbsp;Ames, and &nbsp;at The District in Ankeny.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upon your arrival you'll find the&nbsp;greenhouse mini-fridge is stocked with&nbsp;4 complimentary bottles of water and everything you'll need for making S'mores.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It's the best of both worlds, country and suburban -- we are on the north border of the town of Ankeny, yet surrounded by quiet countryside.  

Lots of morning sun with afternoon shade.

Explore Central Iowa, then cozy up with a campfire in your quiet campsite.  

First class views of  beautiful sunsets right from your campsite.  

The view from your camper, overlooking the beautiful Four Mile Creek valley.

Hot Tub

Wifi

Bend River Farms

Bend River Farms is just a short drive from Interstate 80/35. The farm is nestled in the gently rolling hills of central Iowa. Little Camp Creek flows through the property and continues on towards the mighty Des Moines river. Cool woodland meadows provide a comforting back drop to your tent site or glamping experience.

 All our sites come with complimentary firewood, we offer reduced prices during the summer and a 15% discount on weekday bookings. 

Our property offers private restrooms, showers, complimentary towels and firewood, 24/7 laundry room, Wi-Fi, a dish washing station, play area with jungle gym, hiking trails, hands on farm animal activities, a communal outdoor dinning area and a saltwater hot tub await your arrival! 

Bend River Farms was a former junk yard that has now been transformed into a cottage core dream. The farm is operated much like family farms of the 1920's. The focus is on small scale, multi system agriculture, we have fresh eggs, produce and honey for sale.

Bend River Farms is not a resort or public camp ground. It is a place to enjoy wild spaces and recharge. Agri-tourism at it's best. Learn about native prairie restoration, regenerative agriculture and sustainable ranching from owners, Amy Buckendahl and Dave Breese. 

Please understand that our property is a working farm, and our staff are often busy working on projects and have full careers, outside of farming. We do not have the same amenities as a public campground or "all inclusive" camp resort. Instead, we offer your wandering heart a place to rest. 

All travel to the farm is on paved roads, with no confusing dirt roads to navigate. The property is located near the small community of Runnells, Iowa in rural Camp Township. Enjoy a cold beer or hot food at one of the two local taverns, or check out the local ice cream shop or our local farmer's market on Tuesday evenings during the summer. Don't worry if you forget something! We have a nearby gas station and a general store.

Don't forget, we have smores kits, farm fresh honey and eggs available for purchase, check out the EXTRAS option during checkout! 

Amy, our own resident biologist, will give you an opportunity to learn about livestock husbandry and the local wildlife. The farms orchard boasts several wild bird feeding stations, with edible landscaping!

A stay on our farm will provide you with an opportunity to learn about Land Management in an agricultural setting. Learn about carpentry and welding from a master fabricator, or book an adventure to learn about gardening, poultry care, horsemanship, beekeeping and even falconry! These are also available in the EXTRAS option during checkout.  

Fancy a fireside meal or homestyle dinner? Dave is a trained chef and loves to cook for our guests. Select a meal during checkout. 

Off-site, but nearby opportunities: miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, kayaking and fishing. The Iowa State Fair Grounds and Adventureland Waterpark is only 20 minutes away, along with big city fine dining, music and art museums are all less than a thirty miles drive; when you need a break from camping and nature. 

Fee based transportation is available for guests flying in or needing a break from driving, or whenever you need a quick trip into town. 

Our philosophy:

"Here at Bend River Farms we are passionate about regenerative agriculture. We strive to push ourselves and our partners to think of the future and the longevity of our agricultural practices. "

Regenerative Agriculture is an agricultural philosophy that both acknowledges the degenerative impact of poor land stewardship, and the positive use of agricultural practices that foster restoration and productivity."

Local conditions determine which practices are most appropriate. A well managed food system should improve the long-term health and function of the agricultural system and the communities that depend upon them, physically, culturally, spiritually, and economically. 

Regeneratively managed businesses protect and improve the natural function of our water, nutrient, and carbon cycles by taking steps to increase biodiversity in the agricultural system, and works to minimize reliance on external inputs, and avoid the use of synthetic chemicals whenever possible.”

Late summer shadows on the guest patio, charcoal grill, fire pit with grill grate and dinning tables and chairs for alfresco dining

Trappers Hideout: Private picnic area with trash receptacle 

RV Slip: Rural water hook up and dedicated power

All wheel or 4x4 drive recommended. Camper's will have complimentary transportation as requested. 

Guest bathroom located in the main house. Complimentary fresh towels for the shower and hot tub. 

Out side the dome portable fire pit. A perfect spot to watch sunsetting.
There is an additional sitting area behind the dome with another fire pit and picnic table. Additional spaces behind the dome for hammocks car parking etc.

Nature Heaven by lake red rock

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.

Site 3. is on a hill top. One part of the site is in the shade and another part is on a limited open spaces.  This site  have beautiful view of pond, hills and lake.  very nice sunset view if weather permit.

A king size bed. The mattress can be electric heated during winter. A standby electric generator provided so an air conditioner or room heater can be used for colder winter weather. 

Site 1 from the road outside the acreage.  Site 2 is to the left of this, and site 3 is up on the little hill above it.  

Pets are allowed in this fantastic geodesic tent. Sit inside the tent, work through cell phone hot spot.   

The Waypoint

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.

Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors.&nbsp; We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins.&nbsp; We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning.&nbsp; 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.

Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

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!

RV Spots have electric at the site, water to fill your tanks with and we have a dump station on the way out.  

Cabin rental $150.00 night for the first two people.  $10.00 each person after the first two. 

Red Rock Springs

Private secluded camping area near Lake Red Rock. Two camp spots spread out over 6.5 wooded acres.  There is a Spring-fed stream that runs through this property.  Spot Abundant wildlife including turkey, deer, owls and eagles.  Several trails wind through this camp.  Pull your camper or pitch a tent. (depending on which site you select) The restroom has enough solar power to charge all your devices.    This property Borders  Army corps of engineers land.     Competine Creek is only 1200 feet from this camp and feeds into Lake Red Rock.  Great for canoes or kayaks.  This camp is Less than a 5 min drive to Lake Red Rock boat ramp.  8 min to Knoxville, 10 min to Pella.

This is an off grid property with a clean, simple bathroom featuring a composting toilet and hand-washing sink. (sink currently winterized but hand sanitizer provided)

Burkhart Farm

We live in the country on a working grain farm (corn and soybeans). 
It can get noisy and dusty during harvest and grain hauling operations.
You could wake up to deer eating grain around the bins. In the evenings,
you can look down to the East by tree line for deer and turkey.
We can handle any size RV.
Please pick up after your dogs. We have guest children that play in yard.
All spots are level.
All electric sites are 30/50 and are for year-round use.
We have 9 sites with electric and city water.
3 sites are gravel.
4 sites are grass.
2 are concrete.
We also have a large primitive camping area west of the grain bins in open yard (no electric or water).
Rv parking is available on grass when ground is hard or on the concrete and gravel driveway when soft.
We have one picnic table for campers’ use.
There is a trail we keep mowed North East of the hay barn alongside the crops, which is great for walking/dog run.
Gray water may be dumped in the farm field; the crops love it. 
Sorry, we can no longer recommend black water dump stations as the local campgrounds are refusing non-customer use. 
Whistling Donkey in Woodward has a dump station; you can call them and ask if you can use it (515) 438-2669.
You can be as private or engaged with us as you feel.
Dumpster is by machine shed. 
There are 30+ local TV channels (no cable available).
Open southern skies for satellite use.
The lights automatically turn off at 10 PM. Fire pit is available for your use. Firewood is available East of the barn. Fire Pit light dims down to 15% after 10 PM. Yard lights also come on for one minute at Noon every day.  Stargazing really pops at night on a clear night. You are welcome to turn lights back on and continue outdoor activities and use fire pit as long as you do not disturb other campers. 
Mouse and weather vane lights stay on all night for your convenience.
Please do not put trash in fire pit. (I have to clean it out) 
We would prefer if guests arrive before dark; we like to settle down for the evening.
WIFI is 250 Mbps depending on number of users.
WIFI is Farm. Password is farmfarm (no caps)
(Farm is 4 Miles North of Woodward). &nbsp;1140 300th St Woodward Iowa
Caution; &nbsp; Google maps has a tendency to have you take extra gravel roads. Follow&nbsp;the&nbsp;instructions below to stay on paved roads untill last 1/3&nbsp;mile.
From Woodward: Head to North end of town turn left to the West onto North 3rd&nbsp;St. &nbsp;Go&nbsp;1/4 mile turn right at T&nbsp;intersection to the North onto R18 for&nbsp;two miles. &nbsp;At&nbsp;stop sign turn left to the West on R18.&nbsp; (stay on R18 do not go straight North&nbsp;onto the gravel) in&nbsp;1 mile turn right to the North still on R18&nbsp;for 3 miles turn right to&nbsp;the East on&nbsp;gravel 300th St for&nbsp;1/3 mile. &nbsp;Turn&nbsp;right at (Address 1140)&nbsp;Mickey Mouse Pole Light. Park at Woody the hoot owl and&nbsp;we will help you find a spot.
From Ames: Head West on highway 30 to Highway&nbsp;17 go South for 5 miles to&nbsp;Luther turn right on&nbsp;E57 to the West for 7 miles. &nbsp; At&nbsp;stop sign&nbsp;turn left to the South on R18 for 3 miles turn left to the East on&nbsp;gravel 300th St for&nbsp;1/3 mile. &nbsp;Turn&nbsp;right at (Address 1140)&nbsp;Mickey Mouse Pole Light. &nbsp;Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot.
From Ogden: Head South on Highway&nbsp;169 for 5 miles to E57 turn left to the East for 4 miles. &nbsp;At&nbsp;stop sign turn right to the South on to R18 for 3 miles. &nbsp;Turn&nbsp;left to the East on&nbsp;gravel 300th St for&nbsp;1/3 mile. &nbsp;Turn&nbsp;right at (Address 1140)&nbsp;Mickey Mouse Pole Light. Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot.
From East bound Interstate 80&nbsp; &nbsp;Turn at exit 110 &nbsp; &nbsp;(Adel / Winterset)&nbsp;onto&nbsp;Highway 169&nbsp;and go north 29 miles to E57. &nbsp;&nbsp;(Google maps has a tendency to have you turn onto 300 street which is an extra 4 miles of gravel road go North to E57)&nbsp; Turn&nbsp;right to the East for 4 miles. &nbsp;At&nbsp;stop sign turn right to the South on R18 for 3 miles. &nbsp; Turn&nbsp;left to the East on&nbsp;gravel 300th St for&nbsp;1/3 mile. &nbsp; Turn&nbsp;right at (Address 1140)&nbsp;Mickey Mouse pole&nbsp;Light. &nbsp;Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot.
From Des Moines take 141 to the North to Woodward (From Woodward see above).
For questions&nbsp;about the route look at&nbsp;our host site at the photo map.
Local Hospital
Perry IA ---------------------515 465-3547
Boone IA--------------------515 432-3140 
Local gas station:
  Casey’s General Store (gas, pizza, sub sandwiches, and groceries).
  Madrid (9 miles away) is the closest diesel fuel.
Restaurants in Woodward: 
  Cayennes Café 
  Whistling Donkey Sports Bar and Grill
Laundry:
   Uptown Laundry, 115 S Main St., Woodward
Groceries:
  A J’s Grocery Store
  Picket Fence Creamery
Banks:
  E-Bank, ATM 217 S Main St., Woodward
Local Attractions:
  Picket Fence Creamery
  Woodward High Trestle Bridge & BikeTrail

9 sites with Electric and water.   Open yard with no utilities 

Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey

Discover the unique charm of our centrally located KOA, where you immerse yourself in the beauty of an open, rolling landscape. Our campground features spacious RV and tent sites, including gravel full hook-up pull-through sites and large grassy back-in sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.

Take a refreshing dip in our pool, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or relax by our catch and release fishing pond, full of bluegill, bass, and channel catfish. We offer spacious cabins and the cutest vintage sleeping campers (the Silver Sisters) for those who want to bring non-RV owners along on vacation. Check out our cabin and glamping listing on Hip Camp too!

As the sun sets, enjoy the cooler evenings by hiking the adjoining 1-mile nature trail, challenging yourself to the 9-hole disc golf course and watching your children explore our playground, jumping pad, and GaGa pit. We even have weekend pancake breakfasts, kiddie train rides and craft activities (peak season months). 

We cater to your furry friends with a fenced dog park, allowing them to run free and off-leash while you unwind nearby. We are close to many Central Iowa attractions and events, including Alta House Wedding & Event Center, the Iowa Speedway, Knoxville Nationals, Pella Tulip Time and downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. 

It's always a Great Day at Newton, Des Moines East KOA!

Rooted Timbers

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.

This is the designated camp site and where you should park

Timberline Campground, Waukee

Discover the unique charm of Timberline Campground, where the tranquility of nature meets the convenience of urban life. Located on the outskirts of Waukee, Iowa, this gem offers a peaceful retreat while being easily accessible from Interstate 80, just a mile and a half away.

Timberline Campground features spacious, shaded campsites that provide a perfect blend of privacy and comfort. Guests consistently rave about the pristine facilities and pool, weekend youth activities and special entertainment like themed grill outs, band appearances and more. We offer cute cabins and "Yellowstone" inspired vintage sleeping campers for non-RV owners who wish to join you during your stay. Check out our cabin and Horseshoe Bend glamping listing on Hip Camp. 

You must visit Myrtle the Turtle in the camp store; she was voted Waukee Best Mascot!

After a day of adventure, you can enjoy local restaurants and shops that are just a short drive away. Explore nearby hot spots, including Raccoon River Valley Trail, Vibrant Music Hall, Barn Town Brewery and Jordan Creek Mall to name a few. Let your hosts at Timberline Campground show you how to enjoy country camping with all the conveniences of city life.

Fruits of Our Labor Vinyard

Within 3.7 miles of Knoxville Raceway, 20 minutes from Pella, and Lake Red Rock.
Partly Forested, Partly Vinyard, partly prairie - with lake and Fire pit. 

View from the other side - not as pretty, but you don't have to carry your stuff far at all! You can even leave most of it in the car!

Firefly Creek Ranch

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.&nbsp; We are in the heart of the rolling hills surrounding Guthrie Center &&nbsp;Lake Panorama.&nbsp; It is simply an amazing place.&nbsp; Please come and see what makes this experience unique.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp; 10 Rustic Campsites or 1 with water and electric hook-ups for additional $5 night.&nbsp; Self contained campers welcome.&nbsp; Ask about our&nbsp;Gathering &&nbsp;Retreat Center with&nbsp;8 indoor overnight accommodations available.&nbsp; Sleeps 8-15.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our chosen campsite on some flat ground near the path leading into the building.

The barn and land at sunset. So beautiful and serene!

Saylor Creek Hideaway

Escape to nature without sacrificing comfort!

Experience a unique getaway with your friends or family. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, creating fun family memories or simply looking for a weekend getaway, our place is perfect for you!

“There is nothing like hearing the owls at night and hanging out by the campfire all day.”  - Christy

Come and relax in the trees. Wake up to the beauty of nature and relax with a cup of espresso on the deck. During the day, explore all that Des Moines has to offer. From outdoor activities to shopping and dining, there is something for everyone. And when night falls, gather around the fire pit with your loved ones and share stories while roasting s'mores.

You won't have to give up comfort while "camping". Our glamping tent offers all the amenities you need to feel comfortable while still being immersed in nature. With air conditioning and heat, you can adjust the temperature to suit your needs no matter what the Iowa weather throws your way. Get a good night's sleep in our king-size bed with cozy bedding. 

Enjoy the convenience of running water at the nearby sink and shower, which means you won't have to give up cleanliness while camping. Sticky hands from roasting s'mores? No problem!

“This is the perfect getaway location without having to "rough it"... this was the absolute best place to try out camping without sacrificing some comforts.” - Gloria

Inside the Tent:

- King size bed. All bedding is provided.

- Couch folds into a twin size bed. Bedding provided.

- Towels, shampoo, conditioner body wash

- Air conditioning & heat

- Small refrigerator

- Nespresso machine with pods, creamer & sugar

- Dining table with two chairs

- TV with Hulu, Disney+, Prime

- WiFi

- Board games

“Extremely comfy bed with cozy warm bedding.” - Lindsey

Outside the Tent:

- Two deck chairs

- Solo Stove smokeless fire pit

- Two Adirondack chairs

- Charcoal grill with charcoal

- One large bundle of firewood

- Fire starter and lighter

- Outhouse with sink & composting toilet

- Outdoor shower with rainfall shower head

This tent is tucked into the trees on the 7 acre property where we live. Our house is out of sight when you're on the campsite. A short walk down a path and you will reach the tent where you will be immersed in the trees.

King size bed with couch that pulls out into a twin size bed

The best dog-friendly camping near Grimes

Top-rated campgrounds near Grimes

Top-rated campgrounds near Grimes

Popular Grimes trips

Top parks near Grimes

Top cities near Grimes

Best camping near me