Stay in an RV, Tent, or Cabin near West Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Enter your travel dates to discover the best campgrounds and RV parks near West Des Moines, Iowa.

Top Campgrounds near West Des Moines

41 campgrounds 1,235 available sites
Closed for Season

Cottonwood Recreation Area

Johnston, IA · 9.8 mi from West 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...

  • Potable Water
  • Pet friendly
Closed for Season

Bob Shetler Picnic Area

Johnston, IA · 9.9 mi from West 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 ...

  • Picnic Table
  • Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Playground
Closed for Season

Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Johnston, IA · 10.2 mi from West 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...

  • RV sites: 60
  • Tent sites: 60
  • Potable Water
  • Pet friendly
  • River Access
  • Dump station on site
Closed for Season

Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Johnston, IA · 11.6 mi from West 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...

  • Disc Golf
  • Picnic Table
  • Restrooms
  • Grill
Closed for Season

Acorn Valley

Johnston, IA · 12.1 mi from West 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.

  • RV sites: 27
  • Tent sites: 83
  • Showers
  • Playground
Closed for Season

Cherry Glen Campground

Johnston, IA · 12.2 mi from West 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.

  • RV sites: 118
  • Tent sites: 82
  • Potable Water
  • Pet friendly
  • Dump station on site
Closed for Season

Cherry Glen Picnic

Johnston, IA · 12.3 mi from West 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...

  • Picnic Table
  • Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Playground
Closed for Season

Oak Grove Picnic Area

Johnston, IA · 12.7 mi from West 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...

  • Picnic Table
  • Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Lake Access
Closed for Season

Prairie Flower Recreation Area

Johnston, IA · 13.2 mi from West 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.

  • RV sites: 153
  • Tent sites: 153
  • Potable Water
  • Beach Access
  • Dump station on site
  • Playground
Closed for Season

Sandpiper Recreation Area

Johnston, IA · 13.3 mi from West 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...

  • Picnic Table
  • Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Lake Access

Explore West Des Moines, IA

Population: 71,083

Nearby city: Des Moines, IA

Approx. 7 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 909 ft

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Explore West Des Moines, IA

Population: 71,083

Nearby city: Des Moines, IA

Approx. 7 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 909 ft

About West Des Moines, Iowa

West Des Moines, Iowa makes an easy base for city-adjacent camping. Campgrounds and RV parks near the area support quick weekend escapes and convenient road-trip stopovers. Browse 35 nearby campgrounds, RV parks, and tent sites to find a fit. RV camping is the primary offering here, with a smaller selection of tent sites, and cabins or glamping options are limited. Nightly rates typically start around $15, average about $24, and reach up to roughly $35.

Plan your trip for spring through fall, when most places are open and conditions are best for relaxed outdoor stays; winter options are limited or may be closed. For busy weekends, book early and consider midweek arrivals for easier site picks. Whether you’re parking the rig or pitching a tent, camping near West Des Moines keeps you close to the essentials while giving you simple access to the region’s parks and open spaces.

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