Camping season is here in central Iowa and you don’t need to go far to find a great campground to go camping near Des Moines with kids. Being outdoors is a wonderful way to leave the stress of the week behind, teach kids an appreciation for Mother Nature and bring the family a little closer. It’s also a great opportunity to go electronic free, have fun telling stories around a campfire and making s’mores!
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Here are a few family friendly campgrounds in central Iowa near Des Moines:
Adventureland Campground
2600 Adventureland Drive
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 265-7321
More of an urban camping experience, Adventureland Campground offers all the bells and whistles and is located near many popular Des Moines attractions such as the Bass Pro Shops, Prairie Meadows, Outlets of Des Moines and of course the theme park with the same name.
This year-round destination, is a full service campground with complete facilities including: electric hookups, modern showers and restrooms, RV facilities, tent camping, a swimming pool and recreational areas. Call to make reservations.
Des Moines West KOA Holiday
34308 L Avenue
Adel, IA 50003
(800) 562-2181
Des Moines West KOA welcomes you with a country charm that’s certain to make you feel right at home. The campground, located near Adel, has a swimming pool and WiFi. They even have a jumping pillow and not one but two dog parks. This KOA also offers families themed weekend activities.
The campground has 30 modern RV facilities and four one-room camping cabins to rent. The Des Moines West KOA also boasts a general store, laundry room, and bathhouse. Reservations can be made online or by giving them a call.
Marion County Park
306 Willetts Drive
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 828-2214
Located on a whopping 140 acres, Marion County Park has been providing families a fun outdoor retreat since the 1940s. With 99 modern camping sites you’re sure to find a spot. On site a family can enjoy a basketball court, sports fields, playgrounds, a fishing pier, historical buildings, and a covered bridge. There is also a seven-acre fishing lake stocked with catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass.
Located in Knoxville, the campground also has picnic shelters, restroom facilities, and shower facilities. Advance reservations can be made through the My County Parks on-line reservation system. 
Jester Park
11407 NW Jester Park Drive
Granger, IA 50109
(515) 323-5300
Just a few miles north of Des Moines families can experience nature at Jester Park. The park offers several amenities not found at other parks including: hiking, golfing and horseback riding. Overnight options include several campgrounds, for walk-ins, tents and campers, they also have cabins available for reservation.
There are several kid friendly areas scattered throughout the park. The children’s playground in the main picnic area includes separate play areas for preschoolers and older children. There is also a Natural Playscape located between the Bison enclosure and the end of the Hickory Ridge Hiking Trail. There are a few vending machines located in the park, but convenience stores or grocery stores are a bit of a drive. So come prepared with your supplies.
Rock Creek State Park
5627 Rock Creek E Street
Kellogg, IA 50135
(641) 236-3722
Just 50 miles outside of Des Moines, Rock Creek State Park is one of Iowa’s camping hotspots and getaway destinations. Enjoy individual or group campsites with easy access to hiking trails and the lake. The camping area offers modern restrooms and showers, as well as a “convenience store” where you can purchase concessions, bait and tackle, boat rental and firewood.
The lake is the real draw at this state park. Whether you boat, swim, fish or just want to observe wildlife this is a great place to do it. Reserve early! Advance campsite reservations can be made through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and spots fill up quickly.
Saylorville Lake
5600 NW 78th Avenue
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 276-4656
If you’re a water-loving family craving a “staycation,” Saylorville Lake may be just the ticket. For Des Moines families, it’s just a few minutes away, but you’ll feel miles from home. This 16,000-acre lake is ringed by four campgrounds featuring 525 campsites of varying sizes, amenities and facilities, so whether you’re RV-ing or pitching a tent you’ll find something suitable.
Many people go to Saylorville Lake for the swimming and boating opportunities. The lake’s marina is privately operated and offers boat storage, boat rentals, access to boat ramps and a convenience center. They also have two restaurants including Latitude 41 Bar & Grill, the only floating restaurant in Central Iowa.
Sportsman Park
13821 130th Street
Dawson, IA
515-465-3577
Sportsman Park, located just outside of Dawson, IA allows for a more intimate camping experience. There are ten electrical hook-up sites, eight tent sites and two cabins available for reservation. The park features a shower house and modern restroom, available May through October. The cabins sleep five people and include a bathroom with a shower, microwave, refrigerator, heat and air conditioning for all season use. Guests will need to bring pillows, towels, linens and camping supplies.
Campers can enjoy nature by hiking, fishing in the Raccoon River, playing on the handicap accessible playground, and bird watching. It’s also a great geo-caching site.
Where’s your family’s favorite camping spot in Central Iowa?
