Most of the sites are very large, and there are many tent sites near the water. It has around 300 campsites, with pull-throughs, full hookups, and tent sites. Jester Park is on the west shore of Saylorville Lake, minutes north of Des Moines. Both are near Campgrounds #1 and #2. 2. 3100 Bells Mill Rd There, youre within driving distance of everything Des Moines has to offer. 24 are electric campsites. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. RV Rental Spring Park MN 2757 Dolliver Park Ave Lake Keomah State Park: A Hidden Gem to Discover in South Central Iowa, 29 electric sites, 54 primitive tent sites, and two group tent areas, Located off of Corydon Drive at NW Beaver Drive, Johnston, Located at 4338 NW 94th Ave, Ankeny, IA 50021, 10 group sites with electricity (sites are in a circle around a greenspace/picnic area). Campground #4 has 38 non-electric tent sites in a grassy wooded area. The Jester Park Golf Course offers an 18-hole championship course, 9-hole Par 3 course, learning & practice facility, and an 18-hole miniature golf course. Marshalltown, IA 50158 Five tent sites are available, as well as a youth tent area. See individual campsite descriptions for current camping rate. There youll find more camping and boating access. Some amenities include a fishing pond, playground, exercise equipment, and a game room. Its a Polk County Park, about 30 minutes north of Des Moines, Iowa, on the west shore of Saylorville Lake. There are around 5 miles of groomed ski trails in the park. Its a rural campground, south of Interstate 80 off of about 3 miles of gravel roads. They offer group activities and theme weekends, and have lots of on-site amenities. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. 2370 Shady Oaks Rd While youre camping in Des Moines, check out all the excellent outdoor activities the area has to offer. RV Rental Mexico MO more information. Jester Park Campgrounds (20.6 miles) 11407 NW Jester Park Dr Granger, IA 50109 515.323.5338. 515.576.4258. 100% 7 Reviews. Check the website for hours and rates. The campground offers large, shaded sites for all types of camping-from the weekend tent camper to the full-time camper. His son and uncle gave the land to Polk County in 1954, and it opened to the public in 1958. A youth tent area and primitive sites are available too. Bentonsport County Park. My County Parks 67464 250th St 641.377.2243. Hikers should be aware horses and snowmobiles also use the trail. The campground has 30 electrical hookups, 10 sewer hookups, two water hydrants, a bathhouse with hot water and flush toilets and a dump station. An above-ground pool and restroom/shower facilities are on-site.Source: Shady Brook Campground. Our goal is to help visitors and residents alike experience the best of our beautiful state. They slope down toward the lake to connect with Lakeshore Trail, a 5-mile, multi-use trail. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. It connects to the Stagecoach Trail (near Camp Area #5). Home - Jester Park Nature Center 5627 Rock Creek East Were native Iowans that, for over 25 years, camped, hiked, biked, and explored our home state. Manage Settings The large campground bordering the lake includes electrical hookups and modern rest rooms and showers. The water fountains, flowers, and lights make it the perfect destination for all ages. A youth group camping area is also available. Outside is a scenic terrace and prairie. Mark your calendar for the 2024 FARM PROGRESS SHOW. Tent camping only is allowed at Grammer Grove. And there is seating for up to 250 people inside and another 250+ outside. No spam, just four newsletters each year. In other words, our list is a good starting point. Ledges offers several campsites, including electrical hookups (1 of which is fully accessible), non-electric hookups (1 of which is fully accessible), and some hike-in. They each have a gas fireplace, two bathrooms, showers, and a charcoal grill. A special discounted rate is available for a 7-day camping stay on non-reservable sites. 2023 My County Parks | All Rights Reserved | Web Application by Informatics, Inc. And fun, educational programming is offered through Polk County Conservation. Discovery Trail is an easy, .5-mile accessible trail that loops around Discovery Pond. RV Rental Park View IA 515.832.9570. You wont guess youre that close to the city in this beautiful, secluded campground. We make no express or implied claims or warranties regarding this website or results from using the information, content, materials, products, or services on DesMoinesOutdoors.com. The campground has 10+ electric sites and 15+ non-electric tent sites. Point Lookout State Park A few other trails get used as well. The Jester Park Golf Course is an 18-hole, full-service course, complete with a 5-acre practice facility and a mini-golf course. Camping - Book Your Nature Stay The Polk County Conservation Boards mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education, and long term protection of Polk Countys natural heritage. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 1601 Industrial Park Rd Unsubscribe at any time. The remaining twenty-five percent of . We encourage you to do the same. A full-service campground with complete facilities, including electric hookups, modern showers and restrooms, RV facilities, tent camping, a swimming pool and recreational areas. And at the marina, you can enjoy the 1300 foot long beach, rent personal watercraft, and much more! Guide Heres where visitors can get out and get their hands dirty! The Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, adjacent from the nature center, offers a wide range of outdoor programming through Polk County Conservation, rental equipment, archery andbouldering wallat Jester Park, allowing everyone access to outdoor adventure and fun! Jester Park - Granger, Iowa A variety of overnight facilities available, including 27 inn-style rooms, each with private bath. Read on for all the things there are to do at the park! Situated among the trees, it makes for a secluded getaway, and its also an outdoor wedding venue. But things change, and we dont always know. 1 Jester is the place to go for cross-country skiing! These include 80 electric sites (17 of these allow advance reservation), 62 non-electric sites (9 of these allow advance reservation), four . We do our best to keep up with the latest info on parks, trails, and other outdoor activities. Jester Park in Granger, IA - Camping.org A playground, modern restrooms/showers, and two dump stations are on-site.Lake Ahquabi Campground Map (source: Iowa DNR). At that time, the Polk County Water and Land Legacy bond referendum got passed. We make no express or implied claims or warranties regarding this website or results from using the information, content, materials, products, or services on DesMoinesOutdoors.com. These include many electric and non-electric sites (some of which allow advance reservation), primitive walk-in sites, and two reservable youth areas. Iowa State Parks Reservations | Iowa DNR Arrival: A parking lot is on-site. There are 14 electric and nine non-electric reservable campsites at Jester Park. More information about camping is available on our website atwww.leadingyououtdoors.org. Des Moines Iowa Beaches: Spend a fun summer day at a beach near you! From I-35/I-80, take the exit for IA-141 W/SE Grimes Blvd and head north on Highway 141 for about 7 miles. Favorite Add to Trip. For reservations, go to the My County Parks website. And in 2016, a group of community volunteers raised enough funds to complete the project. 641.752.2946. 641.752.5490. The campground has about 100 RV/trailer sites, including pull-throughs, full hookups, and tent sites. Bob Shetler Recreation Area, Saylorville Lake - Recreation.gov Jester Park Campground | Granger, IA | EV Station View & Fill Out Rental Contract and Application Form Whether youre there for the weekend or a couple of weeks, you wont be disappointed. Bentonsport Campground site 11. But things change, and we dont always know. Advance campsite reservations can be made through thepark reservation system. Two campground showerhouses are open mid-April through mid-October. Address: 11121 Northwest Jester Park Drive Granger, IA 50109 Website: http://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/14-jester-park/ Phone: (515) 323-5300 About Jester Park Jester Park is located at 11121 Northwest Jester Park Drive Granger, IA 50109. Tent sites are in a grassy area. A dump station is near the south entrance to the park. 515.733.4663. Reserve online. Olympic National Park Ochopee, FL. Reservations are available year-round.Source: Polk Co. Conservation. Be sure to check for any posted Alerts and Closures. The campground has a modern restroom/shower building, water, and a dump station.Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Campground. These include many electric and non-electric sites (some of which allow advance reservation), primitive walk-in sites, and two reservable youth areas. We assume no liability for the use of this website, any information on the site, or any inconvenience or injury resulting from information on the activities or places on this site. Turn right on 128th St. Visit our website for more informationwww.leadingyououtdoors.org, 2023 My County Parks | All Rights Reserved | Web Application by Informatics, Inc, One of Iowas leading nature centers, the, The Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, adjacent from the nature center, offers a wide range of outdoor programming through Polk County Conservation, rental equipment, archery and. My County Parks Find the best campgrounds & rv parks near Boone, Iowa. Modern restrooms with showers are near the entrance. GOOD SAM and the GOOD SAM ICON are registered trademarks of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. The campground has ten electric sites and two non-electric sites. The campgrounds are home to mature trees, including large spruce trees. Central Iowans could be seen spending the start of the holiday weekend at Iowa campgrounds. Guide Equestrian Center Guide They sleep 6-8 people. Guide Renovations include an observation deck, spotting scopes, educational exhibits, and artwork. Most of them are within about a 45-minute drive, so if you dont mind a little extra distance, theyre worth checking into. The campground has RV, trailer and tent camping with a modern bathhouse, dump station, swimming pool, playground. Cabin Rentals Near Des Moines: Find the Perfect Cabin For You Visit Website. With a limited number of sites, it fills fast during the summer. There are 29 family sites with electrical hookups and 54 primitive walk-to tent sites. Modern restrooms and a dump station are available, but there are no showers.Walnut Woods Campground. Fishing and hiking are a couple of the most popular activities here. What People Are Saying About Jester Park Campground "Our family camps a lot. Both group sites are available by reservation. The park has facilities for RV campers, including 18 campsites with electrical hookups, a hiking trail, a shelter house, restrooms and a boat ramp to the Iowa river. Conserving over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home . Jester Park offers more than 148 campsites along the lakeshore and across the wooded hills overlooking Saylorville Lake. Two campground shower houses are open mid-April through the end of October (weather permitting). RV Rental Mauston WI This site may contain affiliate links. Bison and Elk Herds Yet more funding was needed. 1515 P. Ave During the fair, the campgrounds are packed to the brim, require a reservation, and are subject to fair-time rates. RV Rentals near Jester Park Campground in Granger, Iowa Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center Programs & Events Join us for a wide variety of outdoor programming! There is no better way to see the fall colors, experience the snow, or spend Valentines Day than a wagon or sleigh ride! For more, see Yellow Banks Park Campgrounds: A Beautiful Outdoor Getaway Close To Des Moines. Our beginner-friendly camps are a great introduction to horses while exploring the outdoors. A modern restroom/shower house is north of the campground, near the playground. Drive an easy 183 miles on U.S. Route 80. If you have an RV, however, beware that the gravel here is very small and it can be messy. Heather, Google Review, RV Rental Franklin Park IL We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Some are short, but many trails on the parks west side connect. Two modern restrooms with showers are open from mid-April through mid-October. It is recommended that campers may want to call ahead and check the weather and road conditions before heading out to camp. The mini-golf course is open from mid-March to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. The campground has 141 campsites, of which 85 are electric sites. Reservations are available year-round.Source: Polk Co. Conservation. And you don't want to miss the golf course, mini-golf course, natural play area, and bison and elk herds! Four modern cabins are in a beautiful green space nestled in the trees. Check out the communities along the Mississippi River. On the north side of this loop trail, you can get on Hickory Ridge Trail and go to the natural playscape. Consult the list of the establishment and sectors affected here . Lehigh, IA 50557 If youre looking for even more things to do, check out a local concert, museum, or festival. These include 80 electric sites (17 of these allow advance reservation), 62 non-electric sites (9 of these allow advance reservation), four primitive walk-in sites, and two reservable youth areas. The campground includes full hookups and non-electric. Check out the map for more information. 1 Guide Self-registration campground (no reservations first come first serve). But we arent doing reviews here, so we recommend doing your research to find the best campground for you! The list below is categorized from nearest to farthest distance from the 2022 Farm Progress Show site. * The interactive displays encourage visitors to understand and relate to nature. Fort Des Moines Park is open 8 a.m. to sunset year-round. 6, Children (17 and under) Jack's camp. 4 But walk-in tent camping is allowed year-round. Ontario. 2552 Smith Ave read more 7/10/2023 Conservation News New, Year-Round Recreation Feature Coming to Sleepy Hollow Sports Park The 552-acre park is well known for its sweeping views and bluffs over the Des Moines River valley. Lehigh, IA 50557 57 Reviews. 515.432.5899. Check out their seasonal hours and prices. Five picnic shelters and several other picnic areas are available. 22098 Hawk Dr Ph: 319-293-3589. Other things worth mentioning include two dog parks, a fishing pond, and themed weekend activities. 515.285.4502. 1601 322nd Ln 4338 NW 94th Place The five-mile Lakeshore Trail is a multi-use trail open to snowmobiles in the winter. Thomas Mitchell Park is about 15 miles east of Des Moines. Three modern cabins are available for rent year-round. 515.964.8792. 10263-10331 NW Lake Dr Whether youre pitching a tent or parking an RV, theres no shortage of excellent places to go camping in Des Moines! Saylorville Lake Cherry Glen Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. A dump station is near the south entrance to the park. They also offer some rentals, including cabins, tree tents, and a camping trailer. Some campsites are reservable, but most are available first-come, first-serve. See the full disclosure, Mini Wakan State Park: A Hidden Gem on Iowas Big Spirit Lake, Lake Keomah State Park: A Hidden Gem to Discover in South Central Iowa. Overnight Camping. See the groomed trails map for details. Camping - MyCountyParks.com Self-registration campground (no reservations first come first serve) has 150 campsites with electricity and 30 non-electric campsites, two dump stations. Prices can be foundhere. Waubonsie State Park The park has 40 campsites, all with water and electricity. Duration: Adults (18 and over) State park camping is available year-round in most places depending upon weather conditions. We respect your privacy. Overnight Cabins | Iowa DNR Reservations are required, and they allow extended stays. Lakeshore Trail is a 5-mile, multi-use trail that runs along the west shore of Saylorville Lake. 515.275.9906. Jester Park (Polk County Park) 12130 NW 128th St. Granger, IA 50109. Stations located at Unnamed Road, Granger, IA 50109, USA There are 48 electric sites and several tent, backpacker, and group campsites too. Buccaneer State Park We do our best to keep up with the latest info on parks, trails, and other outdoor activities. All rights reserved. It connects up with Lakeshore Trail for those who want to hike further. This long-term RV park near Ames, Iowa, also offers great fishing. 515.265.7321. We respect your privacy. Marshalltown, IA 50158 With over 8300 acres along the Skunk River oxbows, the park features a diverse Iowa landscape, with vast wetland and prairie. Favorite Add to Trip. The campgrounds are home to mature trees, including large spruce trees. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting. Sign up for our seasonal newsletter on the best things to do and places to see! Parking lots are at the Nature Center, mini-golf course, golf course, natural playscape/elk & bison area, Discovery Pond/cabin area, shelters, and campgrounds. Camping and picnicking are two favorite pastimes for many park users. A playground is between the two campgrounds. A youth camping area is available by reservation only. 3837 Union Ave Its wise to plan ahead and reserve a campsite if you can. The campground has 50 RV sites with full hookups, modern restrooms, a bathhouse with private showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi. Jewell, IA 50130 Unsubscribe at any time. Prices can be foundhere. Also, primitive, equestrian, and youth group sites are available. 8.9. Guide Decks back to the woods, and front porches offer views of Discovery Pond. Nine camping cabins (with electricity and water) are also available.Crows Nest Campground Map. Take a Virtual Tour View Park Map Nature Center Hours Exhibits Things To Do The Art of Jester Park Location & Maps Meeting/Event Space Commemorative & Memorial Gifts 12130 NW 128th St Granger, IA 50109 Ranger Cell Phone Number: 515-249-3229 Diverse recreational experiences and the Jester Park Nature Center await visitors on 1,661 acres of land, located along the west shore of Saylorville Lake. Access 213 trusted reviews, 124 photos & 61 tips from fellow RVers. Picnic tables and shelters are scattered throughout the park, accommodating small and large groups. Chichaqua Bottoms is about 25 miles northeast of Des Moines. Near the Northwest park entrance, (click here for a map of the area) you will be treated to avision of the wildlife that were abundant in Iowa more than 200 years ago. Best Camping in and Near Voyageur Provincial Park To book your spot, visit Reserve America. A good trail for snowshoeing in the park is Hickory Ridge Trail. Hundreds of miles of connected paved trails get you anywhere in the Des Moines metro and beyond. Madison County Fairgrounds Campground County Park +1. Users recognize this risk and agree to hold us harmless for any liability from the use of information on DesMoinesOutdoors.com, including, but not limited to, bodily injury, death, property damage, sickness, or disease. Most of the sites are offered as first-come, first-served. 10 / 10 / 10 This category addresses the park's setting and site layout, function and identification of signage, overall exterior building maintenance, noise, trash disposal, litter and debris around the grounds and sites, and appearance of grounds, sites and entrance area. A dump station is near the south entrance to the park. 515.359.2539. Nestled in a rural area, it offers panoramic views from bluffs over the Des Moines River. Access to certain Spaq establishments closed due to forest fires may be restored following a reduction in the prohibited zone by the Gouvernement du Qubec. Wheel House RV Park is about 20 miles south of Des Moines, in Indianola. Beautiful Timberwolf Valley was established in the 1970s. Details. Camping in Des Moines: Your Guide to Local Campgrounds The fairgrounds have 90+ camping spots, with bathrooms and showers available. 5 With all but one of the Great Lakes lapping its shoreline, Ontario is estimated to have 20% of the world's freshwater stores. And modern restrooms/showers and laundry are on-site. Please see our hours of operation. Continue Reading, Your RV tour through the pastoral Iowa countryside starts mid-state in Des Moines, heads due east to the Amana Colonies and ends at the mighty Mississippi River in Davenport. Campers Loop Trail is a short, easy .3-mile trail between Camp areas #1 and #2. See the quaint shops of the East Village and explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Iowans and visitors from across the U.S. can find a quality outdoor recreation experience in the forested natural setting at Walnut Woods. For the non-reservable sites, set up on your campsite before registering. 7/10/2023 Conservation Events Horse Adventures Camp (ages 8-12) Discover nature and horsemanship at Jester Park Equestrian Center! If you have a campground to add, or if we missed important information, please let us know, and well get the list updated! A pit latrine is on the north end of the campground. Chester Frost Park | Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, TN Find the registration booth at the entrance to Campground #1. Jester Park is easily reached by taking Interstate 35/80 exit #127(Highway 141 West) go north seven (7)miles. Colo, IA50056 Firewood is available near the registration booth. Jester Park has five campgrounds, including 80 electric sites and 62 non-electric sites. A pool, dog run, and playground are some campground amenities. Its a popular stop for Pelicans and other migrating birds in the fall and spring. Two picnic shelters, restrooms, electricity. Behavioral Health & Disability Services Home, Polk County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Easter Lake Park & Mark C. Ackelson Trail, Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, Emergency Health Profiles - RapidSOS Ready, Polk County Conservation Administration Office. Modern restrooms with showers are near the playground, west of the campground. Jester Park Nature Center Facebook Health & Wellness Programs Join us for our series of Health & Wellness Programs at the nature center! Lodging rentals are also available (cabins and glamping tents!). See the full disclosure, Yellow Banks Park Campgrounds: A Beautiful Outdoor Getaway Close To Des Moines, see our Saylorville Lake Campgrounds article, Camping near Dubuque and Bellevue: Find the best campground for you (+map & info), Campgrounds Near Interstate 80 in Iowa: Find the Best Camping Along I-80, 5 places to kayak and canoe in Okoboji [+ where to rent kayaks], Mini Wakan State Park: A Hidden Gem on Iowas Big Spirit Lake. But snowshoers are asked to stay off of groomed cross-country ski trails. Birding is especially popular at Jester Park. Amenities available include showers, restrooms, drinking water, and a dump station. The campground has a modern restroom/shower building, water, and a dump station. A fun 18-hole mini-golf course is next to the Jester Park Golf Practice facility, off NW 118th Avenue. Cuttys sits on 80-acres, with over 500 campsites. Jester Park is at 12130 NW 128th St, Granger, Iowa 50109. Two outdoor pools, a fishing lake, paddle boats, mini-golf, and tennis courts, are a few of the many available. Saylorville Lake is the most popular place to camp in the Des Moines area! Shelter #2 and the campground entrance are the trailheads. A few of the campsites in each loop are reservable. Water and Shower/Restroom Availability: Park staff generally try to have the . With 75 sites, the campground contains modern restrooms and shower facilities that are cleaned daily. In 2012, the enclosures got renovated to make it easier to view and learn about the native Iowa animals. Onefourthof the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Summer hours are 6:30 am 10:30 pm, and winter hours are sunrise to sunset. Iowa State Parks: Info, Map, & Printable List, This site may contain affiliate links. Best for quiet camping: Iroquois Campground has radio-free and dog-free sites for those who want a serene camping experience. Des Moines Outdoors is a site dedicated to helping you find the best of everything outdoors in the state of Iowa. Hickory Ridge Trail is a .7-mile trail that takes hikers west to Discovery Pond or north near the natural playscape. All sites in this campground are first-come, first-serve. 25% of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Natural Falls State Park Theres so much more to see and do in Iowa than many people imagine! Were native Iowans that, for over 25 years, camped, hiked, biked, and explored our home state. Jester Park features campsites spread across wooded hills and along the shore of Saylorville Lake. You can (and should) reserve campsites ahead of timethey fill up fast! Each furnished cabin is a two-story walkout, with a modern kitchen that sleeps 6-8 people. Camping - Polk County Iowa Registration and firewood are at the entrance to Campground #1. 5 places to kayak and canoe in Okoboji [+ where to rent kayaks], Mini Wakan State Park: A Hidden Gem on Iowas Big Spirit Lake. There are 79 available campsites, RV and tent units. Modern restrooms, private showers, laundry, and propane are on site.Source: Griffs Valley View. (If you're a history buff or just like odd roadside attractions, start your trip 55 miles west of Des Moines in Adair, Iowa. Modern rest rooms, showers, a trailer dump station and a playground are located in the campground. 515.832.9570. Jester Park campgrounds are open April 1-November 30. Shower house with flush toilets, a beach area, picnic area and shelters, hiking, canoeing and boating.