Feeling Like Getting Out Of The City? Places To Go Camping

Even though there are plenty of things to do in Des Moines, as well as the surrounding areas including Waukee and West Des Moines, there are times when you might want to get out of the city. Camping -- that great American pastime that's as well suited for families as it is for singles -- can be found in areas close to the city. Below, in no certain orders, are our top picks for camping near Des Moines. 

1. Timberline Campground

Situated less than two miles off Interstate 80, Timberline Campground is a highly-ranked campground that offers something for everyone. Equipped with Wi-Fi, a new dog park and immaculate amenities, Timberline Campground blends natural surroundings with a convenient location to earn it a spot in Trailer Life as Iowa's highest-rated park each year from 2012 through 2016. 

2. Seven Oaks Recreation

Seven Oaks Recreation is located in Boone, Iowa, a short drive from Des Moines, Waukee and West Des Moines. Offering tent camping in a peaceful setting, Seven Oaks Recreation has fire rings, clean and well-maintained porta-potties, picnic tables and modern restrooms with showers. 

3. Walnut Woods State Park

Walnut Woods State Park is situated on 260 acres within the Des Moines metro area near State Highway 5 Bypass and Interstate 35. One of the only parks in the metro area that offers camping Walnut Woods offers modern restrooms -- but no showers -- concrete pads and a sanitary dump station within its shady campsites. 

4. Des Moines West KOA

Des Moines West KOA is located in Adel, IA. Winterset, a small town with lots of charm, is also home to John Wayne's birthplace and the "Bridges of Madison County." Conveniently located just 1.5 miles off Interstate 80, Des Moines West KOA has organized activities for the kids, sand volleyball, horseshoes, ladder ball, dog parks, water wars, jumping pillow and much more. 

5. Bob Shetler Rec Area

The Bob Shetler Rec Area provides a convenient location from which to experience either tent or RV camping. With partial handicap access and 67 sites, the Bob Shetler Rec Area also offers access to the Des Moines River, swimming, a playground and horseshoes. 

Springs Apartments has two conveniently located communities to serve the Des Moines, West Des Moines and Waukee areas -- Springs at Jordan Creek and Springs at Waukee. Both communities are friendly and offer lots of modern amenities. Contact us today to learn more about vibrant apartment living as part of the Springs family.