As summer quickly approaches, you are probably starting to make plans for the warm weather season. Summertime brings many fun adventures, such as swimming at the lake, fishing, fairs, and roasting smores around a campfire. And all of those activities can be enhanced when you add a camping trip. Are you looking for some ideas for the absolute best camping near Des Moines? Check out these top picks for days filled with outdoor recreation and nights spent under the stars.

1. Yellow Banks Park (Absolute Best Camping Near Des Moines)

Yellow Banks Park spans 600 acres and offers an unforgettable area for recreation and learning about history. Archeologists have uncovered artifacts dating back 10,000 years, such as spears and stone knives. History buffs will enjoy camping in the countryside with breathtaking views. You can hike through oak savannahs and view a Native American burial mound. Or you can view the migration of birds of prey. The park also offers access to the Des Moines River, where you can go canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The campsite offers primitive camping, where you can be fully immersed in nature. Or there are a couple of options nearby for electric sites.

2. Walnut Woods State Park

Have you ever wanted to camp around the largest stand of black walnut trees on the continent? Well, now’s your chance at one of the absolute best camping near Des Moines. The Walnut Woods State Park is in West Des Moines, where it preserves a bottomland hardwood forest. The park contains 260 acres along the Raccoon River, where you can camp in a forest setting. The campsite offers more modern camping, with concrete pads, electric hookups, and restroom facilities. You can also participate in hiking, fishing, floating, canoeing, and birdwatching.

3. Des Moine West KOA Holiday

If you’re wanting to go camping with all of the amenities of home, check out the Des Moines West KOA Holiday. This site offers RV camping, glamping, cabins, and extended stays. It’s close to the city but offers everything you need for a fun vacation. Plus, it’s an excellent place to take the kids. The campground has dog parks, a jumping pillow, trampoline basketball, water toys, paddle boats, horseshoes,…