Campgrounds and RV parks near Clive, IA

The Raccoon River Valley Trail is the standout regional draw. It is the longest paved loop trail in the nation, running 89 miles through 14 central Iowa communities, and its Waukee trailhead sits just west of Clive with a connection east into the Clive Greenbelt Trail and the wider metro network. Cyclists staying at Walnut Woods can also pick up the Great Western Trail, a paved 16.5 mile route linking Des Moines and Martensdale. For families, Cutty's runs pools, mini golf, disc golf, paddle boats, and weekend live entertainment during its open season. Timberline in Waukee adds a swimming pool, playground, arcade, and dog park. Downtown Des Moines, the State Capitol, Adventureland, and Jester Park are all within a short drive, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds sits on the east side of the metro. More than two miles of trails at Walnut Woods meander through wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River, and cross-country skiing is popular in the winter.

Central Iowa has a humid continental climate with sharp seasonal swings. Summer is the peak camping window: warm days, active programming at private parks, and reliable full-hookup availability at most sites. It is also the wettest stretch, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms rolling through the metro. July weekends around the Iowa State Fair and the Dallas County Fair fill campgrounds quickly, so reservations well in advance are important. Spring and fall are the shoulder seasons. Timberline typically operates April through November, and Dallas County Fairgrounds runs a similar April through October window. Walnut Woods stays open year-round for camping, though the Iowa DNR treats May 1 through October 15 as peak season and shifts to off-peak rates and reduced services outside that window. At full-hookup sites, sewer and water service is turned off from November 1 through April 14. Winter camping is limited across the state. From November 1 through March 31 nearly all Iowa state park campsites are walk-in only, with Walnut Woods a notable exception that accepts reservations year-round.

Most nearby parks are set up for standard RV rentals, with 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer at full-hookup sites. Timberline can accommodate larger rigs on level pads, and Cutty's visitor sites are largely pull-through. Sites at private parks tend to sit closer together than at the state park. Walnut Woods has shaded campsites with concrete pads, electric at all sites, and 8 sites with full water, sewer, and electric hookups. The campground does not have showers, but it does contain modern restrooms and a sanitary dump station. Plan to shower in your rental. Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in all 99 counties in Iowa, so do not transport firewood across state lines and buy firewood locally near the park you are visiting.