RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Pleasant Hill, IA
35 campgrounds and RV Parks near Pleasant Hill, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
35 campgrounds
2497 campsites
11 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Pleasant Hill, IA
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+4
Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground
Altoona, IA (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(142 sites)
River Oaks RV Park
Hartford, IA (10 miles away)
Walnut Woods State Park
West Des Moines, IA (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+4
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club
Grimes, IA (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(448 sites)
+8
Timberline Campground
Waukee, IA (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(112 sites)
+7
Timberline RV Campground
Waukee, IA (18 miles away)
Main - Elk Rock State Park
Knoxville, IA (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+7
Dallas County Fairgrounds Campground
Adel, IA (26 miles away)
Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey
Newton, IA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+14
Des Moines West KOA Holiday
Adel, IA (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(67 sites)
+8
Shady Brook Camping and RV Adventures, LLC
Earlham, IA (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(13 sites)
+8
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Toilets Dump station Pet friendly Playground Grills Hiking Trails Internet
Camping near Pleasant Hill, Iowa
Pleasant Hill sits on the eastern edge of the Des Moines metro in Polk County, putting RV renters within a short drive of the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Adventureland Resort in neighboring Altoona, and the Raccoon and Des Moines River corridors. The area blends city amenities with river-bottom woodlands, so campers can base near restaurants, groceries, and Interstate 80 while still reaching quiet, tree-shaded sites within twenty minutes.
Campground options range from destination resorts to practical RV parks. Adventureland Campground in Altoona offers a family camping experience next to the Adventureland amusement park, with full-hookup RV sites, and Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground near Altoona features 142 full-hookup, concrete-padded sites that are big rig friendly, with 21 pull-through sites. River Oaks RV Park is a year-round central Iowa campground on the Des Moines River, and Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club sits on wooded acreage in Grimes.
For a state-park stay, Walnut Woods State Park is one of the only parks close to Des Moines with a designated campground, and its proximity to Interstate 35 and the State Highway 5 Bypass makes it convenient for meeting friends or attending metro-area events.
Things to do near Pleasant Hill
Families based near Pleasant Hill can spend a day at Adventureland Resort in Altoona, catch harness racing or table games at Prairie Meadows, or shop the Outlets of Des Moines. The Iowa State Fairgrounds are minutes west, and downtown Des Moines adds museums, the state capitol, and riverfront trails.
Outdoor time centers on the river valleys. Walnut Woods State Park offers more than two miles of trails through wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River, cross-country skiing in winter, and access nearby to the paved 16.5-mile Great Western multi-use trail linking Des Moines and Martensdale. Visitors can also fish from the riverbank or launch a boat from the ramp on the west end of the park.
River Oaks RV Park adds mature hardwoods and fishing on the Des Moines River, while Griff's Valley View sits adjacent to a paved biking and walking trail and features an on-site fishing pond.
Camping spots and RV parks near Pleasant Hill, IA
When to visit and seasonal patterns
- spring
March - May
61° / 41°F 88 mmMild and wet; thunderstorm and tornado risk rises
- summer
June - August
84° / 65°F 115 mmHot and humid; State Fair week books out early
- fall
September - November
63° / 43°F 67 mmCool and drier; foliage peaks in October
- winter
December - February
34° / 17°F 27 mmCold and snowy; driest season with limited camping
Central Iowa has four distinct seasons and a humid continental climate. Summers are warm and fairly wet with significant precipitation, while winters are cold and snowy and are also the driest season. Peak camping runs from late spring through early fall, with the Iowa State Fair in August driving heavy demand across metro campgrounds.
State-park pricing tiers reflect the season. Walnut Woods Campground uses off-peak dates of January 1 through April 30, peak from May 1 through October 15, and off-peak again from October 16 through December 31, and Walnut Woods State Park accepts reservations year-round. Most private RV parks in the Des Moines area operate a full spring-through-fall season, and Adventureland Resort operates roughly May through October, which shapes demand at nearby campgrounds.
Spring and early summer bring thunderstorms and occasional severe weather, so RV renters should watch forecasts and know where storm shelters are located on-site.
Top Hosts near Pleasant Hill, IA
Heather13 trips - Joined May 2023
5.0
Absolutely great experience
Adam W. - Jul 2026
5.0
We had a great time camping. Heather was great and very quick to respond with any questions I had. Camper was great and everything that was included with our trip. I would definitely be renting from them again.
Scott E. - Aug 2025
Travis12 trips - Joined Aug 2022
5.0
Great experience with Travis. RV was awesome and delivered as promised. Would utilize again for sure.
Benson H. - Sep 2025
5.0
Very spacious camper that had all the essentials already equipped. Travis was quick to communicate and very helpful to deliver to our campsite.
Jill P. - Jul 2023
How to book campsites near Pleasant Hill
State-park sites use a central reservation system. Iowa State Parks reservations are usually made up to three months in advance, and walk-in campsites are also available on a first come, first serve basis with few exceptions. At Walnut Woods, eight full hookups and 13 standard electric-only campsites can be booked through iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com, and 100 percent of the campsites are reservable.
Private parks book directly. Adventureland Campground, Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground, and River Oaks RV Park all take reservations by phone or website. Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club is a private club for members and their guests, with space typically allotted on a first come, first served basis rather than through a formal reservation system.
Iowa also caps stays: campers may stay up to 14 consecutive nights in a state park and must then remove their unit for at least 3 nights, and at Walnut Woods no more than 14 nights are allowed in any 30-day period.
What to expect on-site
Hookup levels vary by park. At Walnut Woods, all campsites include electric hookups, with eight sites featuring full water, sewer, and electric connections for RV campers, and the campground does not have showers, but it does contain modern restrooms and a sanitary dump station. Private parks are generally more RV-focused: Griff's Valley View provides 50-amp and 30-amp hookups, water and sewer, pull-through sites, laundry, and shower houses, and River Oaks offers sites with mature trees, electric, water, and sewer, a picnic table, a fire ring, and Wi-Fi.
Families often gravitate to resort-style options. Adventureland Campground includes electric hookups, modern showers and restrooms, tent and RV sites, and recreational areas next to the amusement park, while Cutty's offers pools, a fishing lake, and organized recreation during the warm season.
Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in all 99 Iowa counties: buy firewood locally near the park and burn it during the stay rather than transporting it.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Pleasant Hill, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Pleasant Hill, IA?
An RV rental in Pleasant Hill typically starts around $125 to $175 per night for travel trailers and pop-ups, while Class C and Class A motorhomes generally range from $200 to $350 per night depending on size, age, and season. You can stretch your budget by traveling midweek, booking shoulder seasons like late April or October, and using the price filter on RVezy to find a cheap RV rental Pleasant Hill renters book again and again. Heads up: the second week of August coincides with the Iowa State Fair, which pushes Des Moines metro demand and pricing higher, so book early if those dates matter.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pleasant%20Hill%2C%20IowaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Pleasant Hill, IA?
You're in luck: for almost every RV rental in Pleasant Hill, IA, a standard Class C Iowa driver's license (or the equivalent from your home state or country) is all you need. Iowa does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for personal motorhomes or travel trailers under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, which covers virtually every RV on RVezy. You'll also need to be at least 25 years old, and RVezy verifies your ID through the platform during booking, so there's no extra paperwork at pickup. International visitors should bring their home license plus an International Driving Permit. That's it, you're ready to roll.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsIs my RV rental in Pleasant Hill, IA protected if something goes wrong?
Peace of mind is built into every booking. Every RV rental in Pleasant Hill comes with an RVezy renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you are covered for eligible damage to the vehicle and supported anywhere your trip takes you. At checkout you choose the protection level that fits your comfort zone, from essential to premium, and RVezy provides the package directly, not the host. That means hail at Saylorville Lake, a flat tire on I-80, or a parking lot bump in Des Moines will not derail your trip. Most renters tell us this is the moment they finally feel ready to click book.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my plans change?
Booking is genuinely low-risk. RVezy applies a clear cancellation policy with a full money-back grace period right after booking, so you can lock in your dates with confidence. After that window, your refund depends on how far out you cancel, and there are additional protections if a host cancels on you. The full cancellation terms are set by RVezy (not the host) and are available in the RVezy Help Center, and our support team can walk you through any questions. Translation: book your Pleasant Hill RV trip now, plan the details later.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Pleasant Hill RV trip?
Yes, many hosts offer pet-friendly RV rental Pleasant Hill IA options, and you'll find them in seconds. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see every listing that welcomes furry co-pilots. Pleasant Hill is a great pet town too: Yellow Banks Park has shaded, leashed dog-friendly trails along the Des Moines River, and the Chichaqua Valley Trail offers 25 miles of paved walking right out of Bondurant. Saylorville Lake's Prairie Flower and Cherry Glen campgrounds also allow leashed pets. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fees and bring a copy of vaccination records, since some campgrounds will ask for them at check-in.
polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/yellow-banks-park/Can the RV be delivered to my campsite in Pleasant Hill, IA?
Yes, RV delivery in Pleasant Hill is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers. Many local hosts will deliver and set up the RV at your campground, driveway, or event site, including popular spots like Yellow Banks Park, Cherry Glen, Prairie Flower Recreation Area, or the Iowa State Fairgrounds. They will level the rig, hook up water and electric, walk you through every system, and pick it up when you are done, so you never have to drive a motorhome if you would rather not. Filter by Delivery on RVezy to see hosts offering this service. It is the easiest way to enjoy a campervan rental Pleasant Hill travelers love without the learning curve.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pleasant%20Hill%2C%20IowaHow far can I drive on a Pleasant Hill RV rental?
Plenty far, the Midwest is your oyster. Most hosts offering a motorhome rental Pleasant Hill IA include generous daily mileage (often 100 to 150 miles per day), and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is perfect for a longer RV road trip from Pleasant Hill. From here you're 35 miles from Pella's tulip fields, 130 miles to the Amana Colonies, 175 miles to the Mississippi River bluffs in Dubuque, 245 miles to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, and 335 miles to Chicago. Mileage limits and overage rates are listed clearly on every listing page, so you'll know exactly what you're working with before you book.
iowadot.gov/mapsWhere are the best campgrounds near Pleasant Hill, IA?
You are spoiled for choice. The best campgrounds near Pleasant Hill include Yellow Banks Park, a Polk County park about 10 minutes east with electric sites, shaded loops, and Des Moines River access. Saylorville Lake (about 25 minutes northwest) is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offers reservable campgrounds including Prairie Flower, Cherry Glen, Acorn Valley, and Bob Shetler, with a mix of electric sites, lake views, and wooded loops. Thomas Mitchell Park in Altoona is another nearby option, and Adventureland Campground sits right next to the theme park. Pro tip for RV camping Pleasant Hill visitors: book Saylorville sites on recreation.gov up to six months ahead for summer weekends.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/161When is the best time to rent an RV in Pleasant Hill, IA?
The sweet spot runs from late April through mid-October, but the absolute best windows are May to early June and September. Summer days hover around a warm 85°F with low humidity by Midwest standards, while spring brings tulips in nearby Pella and fall delivers stunning color along the Des Moines River. July is the warmest month (average highs near 86°F) and great for Saylorville Lake swimming, while August coincides with the Iowa State Fair (an iconic 11-day event that books out RVs months in advance). Winters in Pleasant Hill are genuinely cold, with January averaging 13 to 31°F and 34 inches of annual snowfall, so most rentals shut down December through March.
weather.gov/dmx/climateI've never driven an RV before, will I be okay?
You'll be just fine, and your host has your back. Every RVezy host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup, covering driving, leveling, hookups, propane, the awning, the toilet, and everything in between. If you're nervous about first time renting an RV, start with a travel trailer that stays put at the campground or pick a Class B campervan, which drives like a tall minivan. Pleasant Hill is also surrounded by easy, flat roads with wide shoulders, perfect for getting comfortable before tackling I-235 or downtown Des Moines. And remember: choosing delivery means you skip the driving entirely. Most first-timers tell us the whole thing was easier than they imagined.
iowadot.gov/safetyWhat happens if I have a breakdown or emergency on my trip?
Help is one phone call away, day or night. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and mechanical issues throughout the United States. If you run into trouble between Pleasant Hill and your destination, whether that is a flat on I-80 outside Newton or a power issue at Yellow Banks Park, call the dedicated roadside line and they will dispatch local help. Your host is also reachable through the RVezy app, and our customer support team is available throughout your trip. Pleasant Hill sits inside the Des Moines metro, so qualified RV repair shops are never far away.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Pleasant Hill RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, road-tripping across state lines is one of the joys of an RV trip from Pleasant Hill. Most hosts welcome travel throughout the continental United States, so you can easily run up to the Black Hills (about 600 miles), down to the Lake of the Ozarks (320 miles), or over to Chicago (335 miles). Travel to Canada may be allowed depending on the host and insurance, so message them directly before booking to confirm. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because protection coverage doesn't extend there. Once your route is approved, you're free to roam the U.S. with peace of mind.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goHow much should I budget for fuel on an RV road trip from Pleasant Hill?
Fuel is one of the easier costs to plan. Iowa gas prices typically run a bit below the national average, and Pleasant Hill has several truck-friendly stations along Hubbell Avenue and US-65. Travel trailers towed by your own vehicle won't change your MPG dramatically; Class B campervans average 18 to 22 MPG, Class C motorhomes get about 8 to 12 MPG, and Class A motorhomes often run 6 to 10 MPG. A typical 300-mile weekend loop to Saylorville Lake, Pella, and back will run roughly $60 to $120 in fuel for a Class C. Pro tip: GasBuddy and the Iowa 511 app help you find cheap diesel and unleaded along I-80.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Pleasant Hill?
For peak summer weekends and the Iowa State Fair window in August, book six months ahead, no exaggeration. Saylorville Lake's Prairie Flower, Cherry Glen, Acorn Valley, and Bob Shetler campgrounds open reservations through recreation.gov on a rolling six-month basis, and the lakefront sites at Prairie Flower vanish within minutes. Yellow Banks Park reservations go through the Polk County Conservation site and tend to fill 60 to 90 days out for holiday weekends. For shoulder-season trips in May, September, or October, two to three weeks ahead is usually plenty. Insider tip: midweek arrivals (Sunday to Thursday) almost always have openings, even in July.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233594What are local driving conditions like around Pleasant Hill, IA?
Driving here is refreshingly easy. Pleasant Hill sits just east of Des Moines along US-65 and connects quickly to I-80, I-235, and I-35, all wide, well-maintained interstates with generous shoulders. Roads are flat to gently rolling, with no mountain passes or steep grades to worry about. The two things to watch for: summer thunderstorms (which can roll through fast with hail and high winds, so check the Iowa 511 app before driving) and winter ice from November through March. Tornado season runs roughly April through June, so download a weather alert app. Avoid downtown Des Moines parking garages with low clearance, and you'll have smooth sailing.
511ia.org/What amenities do campgrounds near Pleasant Hill offer?
Most local campgrounds are well-equipped for a comfortable stay. Saylorville Lake's Prairie Flower and Cherry Glen offer electric hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water spigots, and dump stations, with about 280 family sites combined. Bob Shetler adds river views, and Acorn Valley has 29 electric sites in a wooded setting. Yellow Banks Park provides electric hookups, modern restrooms, and shaded sites. For full hookups (water, electric, sewer at the site), River Oaks RV Park, Griff's Valley View, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds (non-fair season) all have 30/50-amp sites. Need to dump tanks mid-trip? Most county and Corps of Engineers parks let you use their dump stations for a small fee even if you're not camping.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233455What is included inside the RV when I rent in Pleasant Hill, IA?
More than you would expect. Most RVs on RVezy come fully stocked so you can start cooking and sleeping the moment you arrive: a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, cookware, dishes, utensils), a bathroom with toilet and shower, comfortable beds sleeping anywhere from 2 to 10 people, seat-belted travel seats, and climate control. Larger Class A and Class C motorhomes often add a generator, outdoor speakers, and slide-outs for extra living space. Some hosts include bedding, towels, camp chairs, and a BBQ at no extra cost. Each listing has a detailed amenities checklist, so you know exactly what is onboard before you book your RV camping Pleasant Hill adventure.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pleasant%20Hill%2C%20IowaWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts in Pleasant Hill offer genuinely useful add-ons that can transform your trip. Common extras include linen and kitchen packages, portable generators, outdoor grills, bikes, kayaks, camp chairs, and Starlink internet for working on the road. Delivery and setup is the most popular add-on, especially for first-timers, and many hosts will deliver within a 30 to 50 mile radius, covering Saylorville Lake, Adventureland, Yellow Banks Park, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Pickup and drop-off times are set by each host and shown on the listing, and most are flexible if you message ahead. Mileage policies and any add-on fees are clearly listed on each RV listing, so there are no surprises.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pleasant%20Hill%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work?
The payment process is simple and secure. When you book through RVezy, you pay the full rental amount upfront through the platform using a credit or debit card, so there is no cash changing hands at pickup. A refundable security deposit hold is also placed on your card, separate from your booking payment, and the amount is listed on every RV listing before you book. Assuming the RV comes back in the same condition it left, the hold is released after your trip wraps. Pro tip: do a quick walkaround video at pickup and drop-off and take photos of any existing scratches, and you will have zero issues getting your deposit back.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in winter in Pleasant Hill, IA?
Winter rentals are limited but possible, and they can be a real adventure. Pleasant Hill winters are genuinely cold, with January highs near the low 30s F and lows in the teens, plus regular snowfall, so most hosts winterize their RVs from late November through March to protect the plumbing. A handful of four-season motorhomes with heated holding tanks and enclosed underbellies stay available year-round, and several full-hookup parks in the Des Moines metro operate through winter. If you are chasing a winter escape, message hosts about an extended or one-way trip to warmer states. Otherwise, plan a cozy weekend at a heated campground and watch the snow fall from a toasty RV.
weather.gov/dmx/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Moreno Valley, CALake Forest, CAPeoria, AZFrench Valley, CAKaty, TXNorth Tustin, CASan Diego, CAVilla Park, CAGilbert, AZElk Grove, CATemecula, CANorth Las Vegas, NVLake San Marcos, CAMead, COEastvale, CAFontana, CAJurupa Valley, CAMaricopa Colony, AZChino Hills, CAPoway, CAMenifee, CADalworthington Gardens, TXBranford, FLSun City West, AZLakeside, CASantee, CAMesa, AZVista, CAPort Hueneme, CAParadise, NVCamarillo, CABeaumont, CAHemet, CAEnterprise, NVRocklin, CARoseville, CALa Mesa, CAMurrieta, CAWalden, NYQueen Creek, AZTustin, CASanta Susana, CAParadise Valley, AZNational City, CASan Fernando, CAChino, CASan Marcos, CANorco, CARamona, CAEl Segundo, CAHomestead, FLEscondido, CAGranite Hills, CAEl Dorado Hills, CASpring Valley, NVFountain Valley, CAEncinitas, CANipomo, CASan Martin, CAEl Sobrante, CA