Johnston, IA · 7.6 mi from Des Moines
4.6 (61 reviews)
Cottonwood Recreation Area is a day-use facility situated below Saylorville Dam, part of the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans ov...
Johnston, IA · 8.1 mi from Des Moines
3.6 (10 reviews)
Bob Shetler Picnic Area is a day-use facility situated below Saylorville Dam, favored by shoreline fishermen. The surrounding Saylorville Lake Project spans 26,000 acres along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities ...
Altoona, IA · 8.2 mi from Des Moines
3.6 (5 reviews)
Altoona, IA · 8.4 mi from Des Moines
4.2 (5 reviews)
Johnston, IA · 8.5 mi from Des Moines
4.2 (792 reviews)
Bob Shetler Recreation Area is situated in the tailwater region beneath Saylorville Lake, which spans over 50 mi along the Des Moines River Valley. The area offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hun...
Grimes, IA · 8.7 mi from Des Moines
4.2 (5 reviews)
Johnston, IA · 10.4 mi from Des Moines
4.6 (704 reviews)
Cherry Glen Campground is situated on the expansive Saylorville Lake Project, covering 26,000 acres along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting.
Johnston, IA · 10.4 mi from Des Moines
4.6 (38 reviews)
Cherry Glen Picnic Area is a day-use facility within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers various recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans over...
Johnston, IA · 10.9 mi from Des Moines
5.0 (1 review)
Oak Grove Picnic Area is a day-use facility at Saylorville Lake, spanning 26,000 acres along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers various recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area is designed for o...
Johnston, IA · 11 mi from Des Moines
4.6 (11 reviews)
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is a day-use facility within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans...
Johnston, IA · 11.6 mi from Des Moines
4.5 (316 reviews)
Acorn Valley Campground is situated within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. The area offers diverse recreational activities such as camping, bicycling, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting.
Johnston, IA · 11.6 mi from Des Moines
4.6 (809 reviews)
Prairie Flower Recreation Area is part of the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting.
Johnston, IA · 12.3 mi from Des Moines
4.5 (14 reviews)
Sandpiper Recreation Area is a day-use facility within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans ov...
Waukee, IA · 12.8 mi from Des Moines
5.0 (5 reviews)
Waukee, IA · 12.9 mi from Des Moines
5.0 (5 reviews)
Hartford, IA · 14.8 mi from Des Moines
4.8 (5 reviews)
Indianola, IA · 17.3 mi from Des Moines
3.4 (5 reviews)
Adel, IA · 20.6 mi from Des Moines
4.0 (5 reviews)
Adel, IA · 23.7 mi from Des Moines
Earlham, IA · 26 mi from Des Moines
Population: 212,421
Elevation: 810 ft
Reach thousands of outdoor enthusiasts by listing your property on OutReserve.
Population: 212,421
Elevation: 810 ft
Des Moines, Iowa, is a convenient base for Midwestern camping, with rivers, lakes, and prairies close by. Camp near Saylorville Lake for boating, head to Walnut Woods State Park for shaded sites along the Raccoon River, or ride the trails and beaches around Big Creek State Park. Day trips put you within reach of Ledges State Park and the tallgrass at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.
Trip planning: Find 40 nearby campgrounds and RV parks serving RVs and tents. Most operate spring through fall, with limited winter camping. Nightly rates often range from $15 to $35, with an average around $24, making quick weekend stays or longer RV vacations straightforward. Local RV rentals are available, and many hosts can deliver to parks around Des Moines. Book early for summer weekends and fall color, and check site length, hookups, and reservation windows before you roll in.
Des Moines has 40 campgrounds and RV parks listed on OutReserve, ranging from full-hookup RV sites to rustic tent camping. Based on guest ratings, Timberline RV Campground is one of the top-rated options. Use our map view to find the closest options to the city center or your preferred area.
Campgrounds near Des Moines vary in distance from the city center. Use our map view to filter by location and find the most convenient option for your trip.
Many campgrounds near Des Moines welcome pets. Prairie Flower Recreation Area is a great pet-friendly option. Use the pet-friendly filter on our search page to find more properties that accommodate your furry companions.
Most destinations offer a variety of accommodations including tent sites, RV sites, cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Check individual property listings for specific amenities and site types.
The best time to visit depends on your preferences and planned activities. Spring and fall typically offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer is peak season with the warmest temperatures. Winter visits can be great for those seeking solitude and winter activities.
Pair your stay with an RV rental close to Des Moines.
4.6
