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35 campgrounds and RV Parks near Altoona, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
35 campgrounds
2504 campsites
11 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Altoona, IA
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+4
Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground
Altoona, IA (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(142 sites)
River Oaks RV Park
Hartford, IA (12 miles away)
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club
Grimes, IA (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(448 sites)
+8
Walnut Woods State Park
West Des Moines, IA (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+4
Timberline Campground
Waukee, IA (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(112 sites)
+7
Timberline RV Campground
Waukee, IA (21 miles away)
Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey
Newton, IA (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+14
Main - Elk Rock State Park
Knoxville, IA (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+7
Dallas County Fairgrounds Campground
Adel, IA (28 miles away)
Kellogg RV Park
Kellogg, IA (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(38 sites)
+6
Ledges State Park
Madrid, IA (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(94 sites)
+5
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Toilets Dump station Pet friendly Playground Grills Hiking Trails Internet
Campgrounds near Altoona, Iowa
Altoona sits just east of Des Moines along Interstate 80 in central Iowa, making it a practical hub for RV travelers who want quick access to the metro area and the state's marquee summer events. The city is home to Adventureland amusement park and Prairie Meadows casino, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds sit only a short drive west in Des Moines.
Campground options near Altoona range from destination resorts to quiet rural parks. Adventureland Campground sits next to the amusement park with full hookup RV sites and tent spaces, while Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground offers concrete pads and full hookups in a countryside setting just north of town. River Oaks RV Park provides another private option in the area.
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club in nearby Grimes is a private, member-owned resort not open to the general public. For a public-land alternative, Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines is the closest Iowa DNR campground and the only state park campground inside the Des Moines metro.
Things to do around Altoona
Adventureland Park anchors the local attraction list, with rides plus the Adventure Bay water park included with admission. Prairie Meadows hosts live horse racing and a casino next door, and the Outlets of Des Moines shopping center is minutes away. Families staying at Adventureland Campground can walk across a bridge on the west side of the campground straight to the park's front gate.
Outdoor options are close at hand. Walnut Woods State Park preserves the largest surviving natural stand of black walnut trees in North America, with roughly two miles of trails along the Raccoon River and a boat ramp for fishing or canoeing. The Chichaqua Valley Trail, a paved multi-use rail-trail, runs directly past Griff's Valley View RV Park and connects toward Bondurant and beyond.
Camping spots and RV parks near Altoona, IA
Seasonal patterns for RV trips
- spring
March - May
61° / 37°F 85 mmWettest stretch; severe thunderstorm season begins.
- summer
June - August
84° / 63°F 115 mmPeak bookings; State Fair fills sites in August.
- fall
September - November
61° / 39°F 65 mmMild days, cool nights; best shoulder-season window.
- winter
December - February
32° / 14°F 30 mmCold and snowy; most private campgrounds closed.
Central Iowa has a humid continental climate with sharp seasonal swings. Winters are cold and snowy with January averaging well below freezing, and most private campgrounds shut down for the cold months. Adventureland Campground, for example, operates from May through the end of October, aligned with the amusement park season.
Spring brings rapid warming and the region's wettest months, with May typically the peak for rainfall. Thunderstorms and occasional severe weather are common from spring into summer. Summer is the busiest booking window, driven by school vacations, Adventureland, and the Iowa State Fair each August, which fills nearby campgrounds well in advance.
Fall is often the most comfortable stretch for RV travel: warm days, cool nights, and lower humidity. Walnut Woods State Park stays open year-round and is one of the few local options for a shoulder-season or winter stay, though the campground has no showers and the peak-season two-night weekend minimum applies from May through October.
Top Hosts near Altoona, IA
Heather13 trips - Joined May 2023
Absolutely great experience
Adam W. - Jul 2026
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
Great experience with Travis. RV was awesome and delivered as promised. Would utilize again for sure.
Benson H. - Sep 2025
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 a campsite
Walnut Woods State Park uses the Iowa State Parks system on ReserveAmerica. The campground is one hundred percent reservable, and standard sites open for booking about three months in advance. Same-day reservations are accepted until 9:00 pm Central at Walnut Woods. Stays are capped at 14 consecutive nights, after which campers must remove their unit from the park for at least three nights.
Private parks handle reservations directly. Adventureland Campground takes reservations by phone or through its website for the May to October season. Griff's Valley View books through its own website or by phone. Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club requires membership or a member sponsor and is not available for public booking.
What to expect on-site
Private parks near Altoona lean toward full hookup RV sites on concrete pads with 30 and 50 amp service. Griff's Valley View has 142 concrete sites with full hookups, two shower and laundry houses, a community center with a storm shelter, and a fishing pond, and it sits adjacent to the paved Chichaqua Valley Trail. Adventureland Campground offers water, electric, and sewer at each site, a swimming pool, laundry, showers, and a walking bridge to the amusement park.
Walnut Woods State Park has concrete pads with standard electric or full hookup sites, modern restrooms, and a dump station, but no showers. Sites are shaded but close together, and the park can flood after heavy rain. Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in every Iowa county, so buy firewood locally rather than transporting it in.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Altoona, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Altoona, IA?
RV rental in Altoona is one of the most affordable getaways in the Midwest. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes generally run $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A coaches or luxury fifth wheels land closer to $250 to $400 nightly. Because hosts set their own pricing, you can filter by your budget to find cheap RV rental Altoona options like pop-up campers or smaller trailers for family trips to Adventureland. Pro tip: book a Sunday through Thursday stretch during the Iowa State Fair shoulder weeks to dodge peak pricing and still enjoy the buzz around town.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Altoona%2C%20IowaWhat kind of driver's license do I need to rent an RV in Altoona?
Good news: a regular Class D driver's license (the standard one most Iowans carry) is all you need to rent and drive any motorhome on RVezy in Altoona. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) allows Class D holders to operate vehicles up to 26,000 pounds, which covers every Class A, B, and C motorhome on the platform. You'll need to be at least 25 years old, and RVezy verifies your ID through the booking system, so there's no extra DMV trip required. Visiting from abroad? Bring your home country license plus an International Driving Permit and you're set to rent an RV in Iowa.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsIs insurance and roadside help included with my Altoona RV rental?
Yes, every motorhome rental Altoona booking on RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance. The protection plan covers damage to the vehicle during your trip for real peace of mind, and you choose your coverage level (Standard, Plus, or Premium) during checkout so you decide how much protection feels right for your Iowa RV trip. If you blow a tire on I-80 heading to Adventureland or need a jump start at Prairie Meadows, one call gets help dispatched to you any time, day or night.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Altoona RV rental?
You have flexibility on your side. RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and every booking includes a money-back grace period right after you reserve, so you can lock in your Altoona RV trip with confidence. Depending on how far out from your trip you cancel, you may be eligible for additional refunds, and RVezy has special provisions for events outside your control like severe Iowa weather. The exact terms are explained during checkout, so there are no surprises. Tip: book early to secure the best Adventureland-area RVs, knowing you have room to adjust if plans change.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on my Altoona RV trip?
Absolutely, and you'll find plenty of pet-friendly RV rental Altoona options. Just check the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see hosts who welcome four-legged passengers, and message the host before booking if you have a larger breed or multiple pets. Once you're on the ground, Altoona is a great dog town: the Altoona Dog Park off 8th Street SW has separate areas for big and small dogs, and Lake Ahquabi State Park (about 35 minutes south) allows leashed pets throughout the campground and on all seven miles of multi-use trails. Bring a tie-out, water bowl, and proof of vaccinations and your pup is ready to roll.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-ahquabi-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to my campsite or hotel in Altoona?
Yes, RV delivery Altoona is one of the most popular options on the platform, especially for first-timers and families flying into Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which is just 15 miles southwest. Many Altoona hosts will deliver and set up the RV directly at Adventureland Campground, Griff's Valley View RV Park, or even your driveway if you're staying with family. The host levels the rig, hooks up water, sewer, and 30/50-amp power, and walks you through every system before handing over the keys. Filter by Delivery on RVezy and message the host with your destination address to confirm the delivery fee, which is usually based on round-trip mileage.
flydsm.com/Do Altoona RV rentals come with unlimited mileage?
Mileage policies are set by each host, and many Altoona hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night, with additional miles running roughly $0.30 to $0.45 each. If you are planning a longer Iowa RV trip, look for RV rental with unlimited mileage right in the search filters: some hosts offer it as a flat add-on, which is a money-saver for road trips. For most short hops (Adventureland is just minutes from downtown Altoona, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is about 8 miles away, and Ledges State Park sits roughly 45 miles northwest), the included mileage is more than enough. Always confirm the policy in the listing before you book.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhere are the best campgrounds near Altoona for an RV trip?
You're spoiled for choice with great campgrounds near Altoona. Griff's Valley View RV Park (6429 NE 46th St) has 142 full-hookup, concrete-pad sites and stays open year-round, making it a favorite for big rigs. Adventureland Campground (3200 Adventureland Dr) sits walking distance from the theme park gates and is open mid-April through early November. For state-park scenery, Lake Ahquabi State Park is 35 minutes south near Indianola with electric sites and a sandy beach, and Ledges State Park near Madrid (about 45 miles northwest) is a sandstone canyon classic. Book the state parks up to three months ahead through Iowa's ReserveAmerica system.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-ahquabi-state-parkWhen is the best time to visit Altoona in an RV?
Late May through early October is the sweet spot for RV camping Altoona. June and July deliver classic Iowa summer with highs in the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit, perfect for Adventureland's Adventure Bay water park. Early August brings the legendary Iowa State Fair (just 8 miles away at the fairgrounds in Des Moines), and September cools to the 70s with smaller crowds and harvest scenery on the Chichaqua Valley Trail. Spring (April-May) and fall (late September-October) are insider's choices: temperatures in the 60s, lower campground rates, and easier reservations. Winter trips are possible at year-round parks like Griff's, but pack for single-digit nights.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never driven an RV before. Is renting in Altoona beginner-friendly?
First time renting an RV? Altoona is one of the easiest places in the country to start. The roads are flat, lanes are wide, and most attractions sit right off I-80 or US-65 with big parking lots that fit motorhomes. Your host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup, covering how to operate the generator, slide-outs, holding tanks, awning, and propane system. Most first-timers choose a Class C motorhome (drives like a big van) or a small travel trailer. Pro tip: book a delivery-and-setup host so the RV is already parked and leveled at your campground. Then practice driving the next day on quiet roads near Lake Petocka before heading out.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/new-iowaWhat if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You are never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so if you have a flat tire on I-235, a dead battery at Prairie Meadows, or a mechanical hiccup at Yellow Banks Park, one call gets help dispatched to your location. Your host is also a message away through the RVezy app for questions about the RV's systems (like resetting the inverter or relighting the water heater pilot), and RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your Iowa RV trip. That's three layers of backup so you can focus on the fun.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Altoona RV rental to other states or across the border?
Yes, an RV road trip from Altoona opens up the whole Midwest. Most hosts allow travel throughout the continental United States, with popular routes including the Badlands and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota (about 9 hours west), the Wisconsin Dells (about 4.5 hours northeast), Hannibal, Missouri (about 3 hours south), and the Lake of the Ozarks (about 4.5 hours south). Cross-border trips to Canada may be allowed depending on the host, so message them before booking to confirm. Trips into Mexico are not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Always confirm route plans with your host in the chat.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on an Altoona RV trip?
Fuel is usually the second-biggest line item after the rental itself, but Iowa makes it manageable: gas prices in the Des Moines metro typically run a bit below the national average. Plan for 7 to 10 miles per gallon on a Class A or C motorhome, 10 to 14 mpg on a Class B campervan, and your tow vehicle's normal mpg minus 30 to 40 percent when pulling a travel trailer. A weekend loop from Altoona to Ledges State Park and back (roughly 100 miles) might cost $40 to $60 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up at the Casey's or Kum & Go on 8th Street SW before heading out — they're easy to pull a big rig through.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Altoona?
For peak summer weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day), book your campground the moment the reservation window opens, which is exactly three months before your arrival date on Iowa's ReserveAmerica system for state parks like Ledges and Lake Ahquabi. Private parks like Griff's Valley View and Adventureland Campground tend to fill 4 to 8 weeks ahead for Adventureland weekends and Iowa State Fair week (early to mid-August), so don't wait. Weekend stays from May through October require a minimum two-night booking (Friday and Saturday), and holiday weekends require three nights. Off-season midweek? You can often walk in same-day at year-round private parks.
iowa.gov/how-do-i-reserve-campsiteWhat are the driving conditions like in and around Altoona?
Driving an RV in Altoona is refreshingly easy. The city sits at the northeast corner of the Des Moines metro right off I-80, with mostly flat terrain, wide rural highways, and reasonable traffic outside of rush hour (4-6 PM on I-235 can get busy). Watch for two things: summer thunderstorms that roll through quickly with strong crosswinds (pull over and wait it out), and winter ice from November through March if you're traveling outside the warm season. The Iowa DOT's 511ia.org site gives you live road conditions, cameras, and construction alerts. Most Altoona campgrounds are within 15 minutes of the interstate, so you'll spend more time relaxing than driving.
iowadot.gov/What hookups and amenities will I find at Altoona-area campgrounds?
Most full-service parks near Altoona offer the full setup: 30/50-amp electric, water, sewer, free or paid Wi-Fi, hot showers, laundry, and a dump station. Griff's Valley View has 142 full-hookup sites with paved roads and a small fishing pond. State parks like Lake Ahquabi and Ledges offer electric sites plus a centralized dump station and modern restrooms with showers. For where to park an RV in Altoona for a quick overnight, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino allows free overnight RV parking in designated lots (casino patrons only, no hookups). Always top off fresh water at your campground spigot before checkout, since dump stations are easier to find than fill stations.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/make-reservation/overnight-campingWhat features and equipment come standard in Altoona RV rentals?
Altoona RV rentals come ready for the road. Expect sleeping for 2 to 8 (queen or king bed, convertible dinette, bunk beds in family models), a full kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with shower and toilet, climate control with air conditioning and furnace, and seatbelts for every passenger. Many rigs include a flat-screen TV, and some have generators and outdoor speakers for tailgating near the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Wi-Fi varies, so ask the host if you need it for remote work. Campervan rental Altoona options (Class B and Sprinter-style) often include solar panels and house batteries so you can boondock comfortably.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Altoona%2C%20IowaWhat add-ons can I get with my Altoona RV rental?
Hosts offer a variety of add-ons to make your Altoona RV trip turnkey. Popular ones include linen and bedding packages, camp chairs and outdoor rugs, bikes, kayaks, generators, propane refills, and kitchen kits stocked with pots, pans, and coffee makers. Delivery and setup is the most loved add-on for first-time renters, especially if you are heading to Adventureland Campground or Cherry Glen Campground at Saylorville Lake. Pickup and dropoff times are typically in the afternoon and late morning, but many hosts offer flexible windows for an extra fee. You will see all available add-ons and fees right on the listing page before you book.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Altoona%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure. You pay the full rental amount through RVezy's platform at booking using a credit or debit card. A refundable security deposit (set by the host) is held on your card a few days before pickup and released back to you after the trip, assuming the RV comes back in the same condition. To avoid any holds, do a quick walkaround video at pickup and dropoff with your host, dump the tanks if your rental agreement requires it, and refuel before returning. Easy steps, no surprises, and you are free to enjoy your Altoona RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat's a great road trip route from Altoona to try?
An RV road trip from Altoona has some seriously fun options. Head 30 miles north to Saylorville Lake for a quick weekend at Cherry Glen Campground with swimming and 50 miles of paved trails. Drive 45 miles northwest to Ledges State Park for sandstone canyons and Civilian Conservation Corps history. Push 2.5 hours east to the Amana Colonies for German heritage and craft shops. Or aim 3 hours northeast to the Mississippi River bluffs around Dubuque for jaw-dropping scenery. Local insider tip: time a late-July trip around the National Balloon Classic in Indianola (35 miles south), where hot-air balloons fill the sky every evening for nine straight days.
traveliowa.com/