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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Ankeny, IA
32 campgrounds and RV Parks near Ankeny, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
32 campgrounds
2319 campsites
11 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Ankeny, IA
Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground
Altoona, IA (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(142 sites)
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+4
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club
Grimes, IA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(448 sites)
+8
Walnut Woods State Park
West Des Moines, IA (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+4
Timberline RV Campground
Waukee, IA (18 miles away)
Timberline Campground
Waukee, IA (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(112 sites)
+7
River Oaks RV Park
Hartford, IA (21 miles away)
Dallas County Fairgrounds Campground
Adel, IA (23 miles away)
Ledges State Park
Madrid, IA (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(94 sites)
+5
Des Moines West KOA Holiday
Adel, IA (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(67 sites)
+8
Shady Brook Camping and RV Adventures, LLC
Earlham, IA (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(13 sites)
+8
Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey
Newton, IA (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+14
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Toilets Dump station Playground Pet friendly Grills Hiking Trails Firewood
Campgrounds near Ankeny, Iowa
Ankeny sits just north of Des Moines in Polk County, placing RV travelers within a short drive of both urban attractions and river-valley parks. The area serves as a convenient base for visitors heading to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Adventureland theme park, and the Raccoon and Des Moines river corridors.
Campground options around Ankeny cover a range of styles. Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground and Timberline RV Campground provide private-park amenities, while Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club operates as a member-oriented resort. Adventureland Campground is attached directly to the theme park in nearby Altoona, and Walnut Woods State Park is one of the only parks close to Des Moines with a designated campground, with close proximity to Interstate 35 and the State Highway 5 Bypass making it a convenient base for metro-area events.
Most sites lie within a 20-minute drive of Ankeny, making day trips into the city and back to the campground straightforward for families traveling with an RV.
Things to do near Ankeny
Families basing an RV near Ankeny typically split time between city attractions and outdoor recreation. Adventureland Campground puts guests next to the theme park and waterpark, while trails, greenbelts, and the High Trestle Trail draw cyclists north of town.
At Walnut Woods State Park, visitors can hike nearly three miles of trails through wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River, and fish or canoe the river with a boat ramp on the west end of the park. The park also has a bird blind and Purple Martin Water Resource Area, and birdwatching is especially popular in summer and fall with flycatchers, warblers, hawks, owls, and songbirds.
For road cyclists, paved regional trails connect Des Moines suburbs including Ankeny, West Des Moines, and Waukee, offering flat, family-friendly riding within a short drive of most campgrounds.
Camping spots and RV parks near Ankeny, IA
Seasonal patterns around Ankeny
- spring
March - May
63° / 41°F 90 mmSevere thunderstorm season; monitor NOAA alerts
- summer
June - August
84° / 64°F 120 mmHot, humid, and wet; peak booking season
- fall
September - November
61° / 41°F 70 mmCool nights and foliage; fewer crowds after October
- winter
December - February
32° / 16°F 28 mmCold and snowy; most private parks closed
Central Iowa has a humid continental climate with sharp seasonal swings. Summers are warm and fairly wet, with significant precipitation, while winters are cold and snowy. Peak RV season runs from Memorial Day through mid-October, when private parks are fully open and state park loops are busiest.
Spring brings variable weather and the possibility of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes across the region, so RV travelers should monitor NOAA alerts and confirm site drainage before booking low-lying loops. The Raccoon River can rise quickly, and low-elevation sites at Walnut Woods sit only slightly above normal river level, so water levels fluctuate throughout the season.
Iowa DNR staff generally turn on water and open shower buildings and dump stations by May 1 and start closing them down around mid-October, depending on the weather. Walnut Woods State Park accepts reservations year-round, but most private campgrounds around Ankeny close or reduce services from late October through March.
Top Hosts near Ankeny, 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 campgrounds near Ankeny
For state park camping, Iowa uses a single central system. Reservations may be made up to 3 months in advance of the arrival date, and walk-in camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis with few exceptions. Camping and lodge reservations at Walnut Woods State Park are made at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com, and all campsites are available by reservation only.
Private parks near Ankeny, including Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground, Adventureland Campground, and Timberline RV Campground, take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club generally requires membership, so non-members should call ahead to confirm availability.
Campers may stay up to 14 consecutive nights in an Iowa state park or recreation area, after which they must leave and remove their camping unit for at least 3 nights before returning. At Walnut Woods, the limit is 14 nights within any 30-day period.
What to expect on-site
Hookup levels vary widely across the Ankeny area. Private parks typically offer full water, sewer, and electric service along with showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi. State park facilities are more basic: at Walnut Woods, all campsites have electric service and 8 sites have water, sewer, and electric hookups. The campground has modern restrooms and a sanitary dump station but no showers.
Sites at Walnut Woods sit on concrete pads under mature hardwoods, with electrical service or full hookups. Summer heat and humidity are the norm, and shaded loops book out first.
Because emerald ash borer is present statewide, RV travelers should avoid transporting firewood across state lines, buy firewood locally near the park, and burn it all during the stay.
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 Ankeny, IA
How much does an RV rental in Ankeny typically cost?
RV rental in Ankeny is very budget-friendly compared to the coasts, with most rigs landing between $95 and $225 per night depending on size and season. Travel trailers and small campervans tend to start around $95 to $140, Class C motorhomes usually run $150 to $225, and larger Class A options sit at the top of the range. To find a cheap RV rental Ankeny travelers love, search mid-week dates, book in April or late September, and filter by Instant Book for the best deals. Pro tip: many Ankeny hosts include weekly discounts of 10 to 20 percent, so a Saylorville Lake or Iowa State Fair trip is often cheaper than you'd expect.
traveliowa.com/things-to-do/camping/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Ankeny, Iowa?
Good news: a regular Class C driver's license, which is what most Iowans already carry, is all you need to rent an RV in Ankeny. The Iowa Department of Transportation only requires a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for vehicles over 26,000 pounds, and virtually every motorhome, campervan, or travel trailer on RVezy comes in well under that limit. You'll need to be 25 or older and have a valid driver's license from any U.S. state, Canadian province, or eligible country. Visiting from overseas? Pair your home license with an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you arrive. ID verification happens right inside the RVezy platform, so you're set up to roll in minutes.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsWhat protection and roadside assistance are included with my Ankeny RV rental?
Every RV rental in Ankeny booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you are covered from the moment you pick up the keys. The protection plan helps cover accidental damage to the RV, giving you peace of mind on Iowa's interstates and county backroads. During checkout you can choose from multiple protection tiers depending on how much coverage you want, and you can upgrade for a small additional nightly cost. If you get a flat near Saylorville Lake or need a jump-start at Big Creek State Park, one call to RVezy roadside assistance gets help dispatched quickly.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my Ankeny RV trip plans change?
Plans change, and RVezy makes it low-risk to lock in your Ankeny RV trip. RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and every booking includes a grace period right after you book during which you can cancel for a full refund. After the grace period, your refund depends on how far out from your trip start date you cancel. If a host cancels on you, RVezy will refund you or help you rebook. You can review the full policy in the RVezy Help Center before you confirm your booking, so it is safe to plan your Iowa adventure with confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Ankeny?
Absolutely, plenty of Ankeny hosts welcome four-legged co-pilots. Just use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see every pet-friendly RV rental Ankeny owners offer, and you'll find everything from compact campervans to family-sized Class C motorhomes. Once you're on the road, your pup has tons of options: Saylorville Lake's Prairie Flower and Cherry Glen campgrounds allow leashed dogs, and Ankeny's own Hawkeye Park has a fenced off-leash dog area right in town. The High Trestle Trail that connects Ankeny to Madrid is also dog-friendly and an unforgettable sunset walk. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet fees (usually $25 to $75 per stay) and any size limits.
exploreankeny.com/Can the RV be delivered to my campground or home in Ankeny?
Yes, RV delivery in Ankeny is one of the most popular options, especially for first-time renters. Many local hosts will drive the RV to your driveway, your campground, or directly to Saylorville Lake's Prairie Flower Recreation Area, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy to see who offers it and how far they will travel; typical delivery zones cover Ankeny, Polk City, Johnston, Altoona, and Des Moines. Delivery fees are set by each host and are shown on the listing before you book. It is a great option if you would rather skip driving a big motorhome through traffic on I-35.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ankeny%2C%20IowaHow does mileage work, and how far can I drive on an Ankeny RV trip?
You have plenty of range for a great Ankeny RV trip. Most hosts include a set number of free miles per night, and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is the best pick for longer routes. Additional miles are charged at the per-mile rate shown on each listing, so you will see the exact policy before you book. From Ankeny you can easily reach Saylorville Lake (about 10 miles), Ledges State Park (about 35 miles), Ames (about 25 miles), the Amana Colonies (about 110 miles), and Dubuque on the Mississippi River (about 180 miles). Pro tip: if you are planning a multi-state loop, filter for unlimited-mileage RVs first, then map your stops.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ankeny%2C%20IowaWhere are the best campgrounds near Ankeny for RV camping?
Ankeny is surrounded by some of central Iowa's best campgrounds, most within a 20-minute drive. Prairie Flower Recreation Area on Saylorville Lake offers 153 sites with electric hookups, lake views, and direct access to the Neal Smith Trail. Cherry Glen Campground, also on Saylorville, has spacious pull-throughs and a swim beach close by. Jester Park Campground on the lake's west side has full hookups and is open year-round. Just north, Big Creek State Park offers electric sites near a popular swim beach, and Adventureland Campground in Altoona is the move if you want amusement park access. For RV camping Ankeny families love, reserve Prairie Flower or Cherry Glen first, they go fastest.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/263When is the best time of year for an Ankeny RV trip?
Late April through mid-October is prime time to rent an RV in Ankeny, with May, June, and September being the sweet spots. Spring brings highs in the 60s and 70s with blooming prairies; summer (June to August) runs in the 80s to low 90s and is perfect for Saylorville Lake swimming and the Iowa State Fair in August. September cools to the 70s with stunning fall colors at Ledges State Park by early October. Winters in Ankeny are cold with highs in the 20s to low 30s and snow, so many campgrounds close from November through March. Insider tip: book early for Iowa State Fair weekends, the entire Des Moines metro fills up fast.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never rented an RV before, will I actually know what I'm doing?
First time renting an RV? You're going to be fine, this is exactly what RVezy hosts do best. Every Ankeny host gives a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through the generator, slide-outs, water system, propane, and dump procedure step by step, and most will text or call any time during your trip if you have a question. Many also send a personalized video walkthrough ahead of time. If you'd rather skip driving entirely, book a host who offers delivery and setup at Saylorville Lake or your driveway. Pro tip: start with a 2- or 3-night trip to Cherry Glen Campground (only 15 minutes from Ankeny) to build confidence before a bigger adventure.
nps.gov/subjects/camping/index.htmWhat happens 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, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and fuel delivery anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. If you have a mechanical issue near Ankeny, help can usually reach you quickly because you are close to Des Moines metro service providers along I-35 and I-80. For anything related to your booking, RVezy's customer support team is reachable before, during, and after your trip, and your host is just a message away inside the RVezy platform. Pro tip: snap photos of the RV at pickup and save the roadside number to your phone before you hit the road.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Ankeny RV rental to other states or into Canada?
Yes, an RV road trip from Ankeny across state lines is one of the most popular ways to travel, you are right in the middle of the country. Most hosts allow travel throughout the lower 48, opening up the Black Hills, the Ozarks, Chicago, and the Mississippi River Great River Road. Travel to Canada may be allowed with host approval and proper documentation, so message the host before booking if that is your plan. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend across that border. Pro tip: confirm your planned route with the host through RVezy's messaging before you book.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on an Iowa RV trip?
Iowa is one of the cheaper states in the country to fuel up, which makes a motorhome rental Ankeny travelers book genuinely affordable to run. Gas prices around Ankeny typically sit a bit below the national average, and most campervans get 16 to 20 miles per gallon (mpg), Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 mpg, and Class A rigs land around 7 to 10 mpg. A weekend round-trip from Ankeny to Ledges State Park (70 miles) might cost $25 to $40 in fuel; a longer loop to the Amana Colonies and back is closer to $60 to $90. Pro tip: fill up at Casey's or Kum & Go along Highway 69 before heading north, prices are often a few cents cheaper than in the metro.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Ankeny?
For peak summer weekends, aim to book your campsite 4 to 6 months ahead, especially for the Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Saylorville Lake (Prairie Flower, Cherry Glen, Bob Shelter, Acorn Valley). Those are reserved through Recreation.gov and a 6-month rolling window opens daily at 9 a.m. Central. Iowa State Parks like Big Creek and Ledges use the Iowa DNR reservation system and open bookings 3 months out. For weekday camping or the shoulder seasons (May, late September, October), you can often grab a site 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Pro tip: if Iowa State Fair weekend is your goal, start checking Recreation.gov at the 6-month mark, those sites are gone within minutes.
recreation.gov/What are the driving conditions like around Ankeny?
Driving an RV around Ankeny is refreshingly easy, the terrain is gently rolling, roads are wide, and traffic is light compared to most metros. Interstates 35 and 80 meet just south of town and give you smooth, flat access in every direction. Watch for summer thunderstorms (June to August), which can bring heavy rain and occasional high winds, and check Iowa 511 before long drives. Winter brings snow and ice from December through February, so most renters stick to April through October. Inside Ankeny, the main commercial corridors like Delaware Avenue and SE 14th Street are RV-friendly with tall clearances. Pro tip: avoid downtown Des Moines parking ramps in a motorhome and use park-and-rides or simply have the host deliver.
511ia.org/What amenities should I expect at campgrounds near Ankeny?
Most campgrounds within 30 minutes of Ankeny offer solid amenities for a comfortable RV stay. Saylorville Lake's Prairie Flower and Cherry Glen sites include 30/50-amp electric hookups, potable water spigots, picnic tables, fire rings, modern restrooms, and hot showers. Dump stations are available at Prairie Flower, Cherry Glen, and the Visitor Center area, and potable water fill stations are at each campground entrance. Big Creek State Park adds a swim beach and boat ramps; Jester County Park offers full hookups (water, sewer, electric) at select sites. Cell service is strong on Verizon and AT&T throughout the area. Pro tip: top off your fresh water tank before leaving Ankeny city limits, it's faster than waiting at the campground spigot on a Friday afternoon.
mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Saylorville-Lake/What's inside the RVs available for rent in Ankeny?
Ankeny rentals come fully equipped for a comfortable trip right out of the gate. Expect a queen or king bed, plus convertible dinette and sofa sleepers, a kitchen with a 3-burner propane stove, microwave, fridge/freezer, and sink, and a wet or dry bathroom with a toilet and shower. Most Class C motorhomes and travel trailers sleep 4 to 7, have roof-mounted air conditioning, propane furnace heat, an awning, outdoor speakers, and a TV (some with antennas, some with Smart TVs). Many hosts include a generator, leveling blocks, sewer hose, drinking water hose, and basic kitchen kit. Pro tip: filter your search by sleeps count and look for listings that include linens and a starter kit, perfect for a stress-free first night at Saylorville.
nps.gov/articles/000/rv-camping-tips.htmWhat add-ons and pickup options do Ankeny hosts typically offer?
Ankeny hosts make customizing your trip simple. Common add-ons include kitchen kits ($25 to $50), bedding and towel packages ($15 to $40), camping chairs and tables, bikes, generators for boondocking ($25 to $50 per day), portable grills, and even fishing gear for Saylorville and Big Creek. Standard pickup is at the host's home in or near Ankeny, often near I-35 exits for easy on/off, and pickup windows are usually mid-afternoon with morning drop-off. Many hosts offer Festival-Friendly rentals tailored to the Iowa State Fair, complete with longer stays parked at the fairgrounds. Pro tip: bundling delivery, a generator, and a kitchen kit usually costs less than buying them separately, ask the host about a package rate.
iowastatefair.org/How does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment on RVezy is straightforward and secure: you pay through the platform with a credit or debit card when you book, never directly to the host. A refundable security deposit is pre-authorized on your card before pickup as a hold and is separate from your booking payment. It is only charged if there is an issue such as damage, missing equipment, or excess mileage. Once the host confirms the RV came back in good shape after your trip, the hold is released back to your card. Pro tip: do a quick walk-around video with your host at pickup and drop-off, it protects everyone and helps ensure your full deposit is released so you can start planning your next Iowa adventure.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-works