RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Indianola, IA
25 campgrounds and RV Parks near Indianola, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
25 campgrounds
1950 campsites
12 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 Indianola, IA
River Oaks RV Park
Hartford, IA (13 miles away)
Walnut Woods State Park
West Des Moines, IA (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+4
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+4
Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground
Altoona, IA (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(142 sites)
Timberline Campground
Waukee, IA (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(112 sites)
+7
Timberline RV Campground
Waukee, IA (22 miles away)
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club
Grimes, IA (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(448 sites)
+8
Main - Elk Rock State Park
Knoxville, IA (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+7
Lakeside Casino Resort RV Park
Osceola, IA (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
+7
Whitebreast Equestrian - Stephens Forest
Iowa (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
Shady Brook Camping and RV Adventures, LLC
Earlham, IA (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(13 sites)
+8
Des Moines West KOA Holiday
Adel, IA (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(67 sites)
+8
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Showers Tables Dump station Playground Grills Internet Hiking Trails
Camping near Indianola, Iowa
Indianola sits in Warren County, about 15 miles south of downtown Des Moines, and functions as a practical base for RV travelers exploring central Iowa. The town is best known as home of the National Balloon Classic and Simpson College, and it puts campers within easy reach of Lake Ahquabi State Park, Summerset State Recreation Area, and the Des Moines metro attractions to the north.
RV options in the area range from state park campgrounds to full-service private resorts. Walnut Woods State Park offers electric and full-hookup sites along the Raccoon River, while private parks such as River Oaks RV Park, Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground, and Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club provide longer-stay amenities. Adventureland Campground sits adjacent to the Adventureland theme park in Altoona, useful for families combining camping with a park visit.
Most campgrounds within a short drive of Indianola are reachable via Interstate 35 or U.S. 65, making arrivals from Kansas City, Omaha, and Minneapolis straightforward.
Things to do near Indianola
The Raccoon River corridor at Walnut Woods State Park supports fishing, paddling, and more than two miles of shaded hiking trails through wooded bottomland. The park protects the largest surviving natural stand of black walnut trees in North America, and the nearby Great Western Trail runs 16.5 paved miles between the Des Moines metro and Martensdale.
Families staying at Adventureland Campground can walk to the theme park and adjacent water park. Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club adds pools, mini-golf, and organized activities during summer weekends. Day trips from Indianola reach the Iowa State Fairgrounds, the covered bridges of Madison County near Winterset, and the trails and beach at Lake Ahquabi State Park.
Camping spots and RV parks near Indianola, IA
Indianola seasonal information
- spring
March - May
63° / 41°F 93 mmWettest season; severe thunderstorms possible
- summer
June - August
84° / 64°F 113 mmPeak season; book early for balloon and fair weeks
- fall
September - November
61° / 41°F 65 mmCool and drier; state parks stay open into November
- winter
December - February
34° / 16°F 32 mmCold and snowy; most private parks closed
The main RV season in central Iowa runs from late April through mid-October. Iowa DNR staff generally turn on water and open shower buildings and dump stations by May 1 and start closing them around mid-October, which sets the practical window for full-service state park camping. Private parks such as Adventureland Campground and Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club follow a similar seasonal window, generally opening in spring and closing after the Iowa State Fair and early-fall events.
Summer brings warm, humid days, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and the highest demand for reservations. The National Balloon Classic in Indianola, held in late July and early August, and the Iowa State Fair in August draw large crowds and can fill nearby campgrounds weeks in advance.
Winter camping is limited. Walnut Woods State Park accepts reservations year-round and keeps modern restrooms open, but showers are not available on site and many private parks close from November until spring. Snow and hard freezes are common from December through February.
Top Hosts near Indianola, 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
Iowa state park campgrounds, including Walnut Woods State Park, are booked through the Iowa State Parks reservation system on ReserveAmerica. Reservations open up to three months in advance of arrival. All sites at Walnut Woods are reservable, and same-day bookings are accepted until 10:00 pm Central. Stays are capped at 14 consecutive nights, and at Walnut Woods campers cannot exceed 14 nights within any 30-day period.
Private campgrounds handle bookings directly. River Oaks RV Park, Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground, Adventureland Campground, and Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club each take reservations by phone or through their own websites. For summer weekends and event dates, booking two to three months ahead is advisable.
What to expect
Campgrounds near Indianola generally offer level sites suited to travel trailers, fifth wheels, and Class A or C motorhomes. Walnut Woods State Park has shaded sites with concrete pads and electric service, eight sites with full water, sewer, and electric hookups, modern restrooms, and a sanitary dump station, but no showers.
Private parks such as Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground and Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club typically provide full hookups, showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi, with pull-through sites for larger rigs. Cell coverage across the metro corridor is strong.
Expect mosquitoes near the Raccoon River in summer, occasional severe weather warnings, and higher road traffic during the Iowa State Fair and balloon-festival weeks.
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 Indianola, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Indianola, IA?
RV rental in Indianola is one of the best values in central Iowa, with nightly rates typically ranging from about $90 to $175 for travel trailers, $140 to $225 for Class C motorhomes, and $200 to $350+ for Class A coaches. Because hosts on RVezy set their own pricing, you can compare side-by-side and find a cheap RV rental Indianola travelers love. To save more, book midweek, target shoulder months like late April or September, and look for hosts offering unlimited mileage. Pro tip: avoid the National Balloon Classic week (July 31 to August 8, 2026) if you want the lowest prices, since demand spikes hard around the Memorial Balloon Field.
experienceindianola.com/attractions/national-balloon-classic/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Indianola, Iowa?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Indianola, Iowa. Under Iowa Code, a standard Class C operator's license covers personal-use motorhomes, campervans, and travel trailers, so no Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and no special endorsement are required for the rigs you'll find on RVezy. You must be at least 25 years old to book, and your ID is confirmed quickly through the RVezy platform during checkout. Visiting from abroad? Bring your home country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). That's it, you're cleared to pick up your motorhome rental Indianola adventure starts with.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsWhat kind of protection comes with my Indianola RV rental?
Every RV rental in Indianola booked through RVezy automatically includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head out toward Lake Ahquabi on Highway 65/69 with confidence. At checkout you choose your coverage tier (not the host), picking the level of peace of mind that fits your trip. The plan provides meaningful financial protection against most damage to the vehicle during your trip, which is especially reassuring for first-time renters exploring Warren County's back roads or parking near the Memorial Balloon Field. Pro tip: review the coverage tiers carefully at booking, then drive off knowing you're backed by RVezy support.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Indianola RV trip?
Booking an RV rental in Indianola is low-risk: RVezy (not the host) sets a standard cancellation policy for every reservation, with a money-back grace period right after booking so you can lock in your dates with confidence. Refund eligibility after that depends on how far in advance you cancel, and is handled centrally by the RVezy team rather than individual owners. That means whether you're planning a quick weekend at Lake Ahquabi or a full week around the National Balloon Classic, you have a clear, consistent safety net. Pro tip: book early to secure peak July dates, then relax knowing the cancellation terms are spelled out up front.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an Indianola RV rental?
Absolutely, plenty of hosts offer pet-friendly RV rental in Indianola, and you can find them in seconds using the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy. Iowa's state parks, including Lake Ahquabi State Park just six miles south of town, welcome leashed pets at campsites and on the 7+ miles of multi-use trails (pets aren't allowed on the swimming beach). Summerset State Park's paved trail is another tail-wagger favorite minutes from downtown. Message your host ahead to confirm any pet fees or cleaning expectations. Pro tip: pack a long lead, collapsible water bowl, and a towel because Lake Ahquabi's sandy shoreline loves to hitchhike home.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-ahquabi-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Indianola?
Yes, RV delivery Indianola hosts offer is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, especially if you're new to RVing. Many owners on RVezy will drive the rig straight to Lake Ahquabi State Park, Crows Nest RV Park, or the Warren County Fairgrounds, level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. Use the Delivery filter when searching to see hosts who offer this and their per-mile rates. Pro tip: if you're heading to the National Balloon Classic at the Memorial Balloon Field on Highway 92, delivery saves you from driving an unfamiliar rig through festival traffic.
experienceindianola.com/attractions/national-balloon-classic/How does mileage work and how far can I drive from Indianola?
Mileage on your Indianola RV trip is flexible: each RVezy host sets their own daily mileage allowance, and many list rentals with unlimited mileage, which is ideal if you're plotting a longer Iowa loop. From Indianola you're about 20 miles from downtown Des Moines, 110 miles to the Amana Colonies, 35 miles to the Bridges of Madison County corridor and Winterset, 115 miles to Iowa City, and roughly 200 miles to the Mississippi River bluffs near Dubuque. Filter listings by mileage policy before booking to match your route. Pro tip: map your stops in advance and message hosts about add-on mileage packages if you'd rather prepay than pay overage at return.
traveliowa.com/Where are the best campgrounds near Indianola, IA?
You have great choices for RV camping Indianola travelers rave about, all within 20 minutes of town. Lake Ahquabi State Park (16510 118th Ave) offers 110 lakeside sites with electric and full-hookup options, modern showers, and a dump station on 770 acres. Crows Nest RV Park has 50 full-hookup sites, a new pool, and easy access to the National Balloon Museum. Warren County Fairgrounds in downtown Indianola provides 20 big-rig friendly sites with electric and water. Just up the road, Walnut Woods State Park near West Des Moines adds full hookups under a black walnut canopy. Pro tip: book Lake Ahquabi months ahead for summer weekends, it fills fast.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-ahquabi-state-parkWhen is the best time to rent an RV in Indianola?
Late May through early October is prime time for an Indianola RV trip, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F and warm evenings perfect for campfires at Lake Ahquabi. Summer (June through August) brings humidity and the can't-miss National Balloon Classic (July 31 to August 8, 2026), when more than 100 hot air balloons launch from the Memorial Balloon Field. September and early October deliver crisp days, golden hillsides, and thinner crowds, a true insider's secret. Winters dip into the teens and 20s°F and Iowa state park campgrounds close from December through February. Pro tip: book a shoulder-season week if you want quiet trails and lower nightly rates.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never rented an RV before. Is Indianola a good place to start?
Indianola is one of the friendliest spots in the Midwest for first time renting an RV. Roads are flat to gently rolling, Highway 65/69 to Lake Ahquabi is a paved, easy drive, and Warren County's grid layout makes navigation straightforward. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup, covering the generator, slide-outs, water hookups, and dump procedure, and you can message them anytime during your trip. Many also offer delivery so you don't have to drive at all on your first time out. Pro tip: pick a Class C motorhome or a campervan rental Indianola hosts list for your first trip, they handle like an oversized van.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Indianola%2C+IowaWhat happens if something goes wrong on the road?
You're never stranded: every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, covering services like tire changes, jump starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing throughout Iowa. If you hit trouble on Interstate 35 heading south or out near Stephens State Forest, one phone call gets help dispatched. Your host is also a direct lifeline through the in-app messenger for questions about quirks of their specific rig, like how the awning retracts or where the water pump switch lives. The RVezy support team is available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: save the roadside number and your host's contact in your phone before leaving Indianola.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best RV road trips from Indianola?
An RV road trip from Indianola opens up the heart of the Midwest. Head about 20 miles north to Des Moines for the Blank Park Zoo and Iowa State Fairgrounds, drive roughly 35 miles west to Winterset to see the historic Bridges of Madison County and John Wayne's birthplace, or roll about 75 miles south to Rathbun Lake for fishing and miles of shoreline camping. Iowa City and the Amana Colonies sit about 2 hours east, and the Mississippi River towns of Dubuque and the Driftless Area are a scenic 3-hour cruise. Cross-border trips into other U.S. states are typically allowed, just confirm with your host. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals.
traveliowa.com/How much should I budget for fuel on an Indianola RV trip?
Fuel is one of the biggest line items, but Iowa keeps it manageable. Class B campervans average 18-22 MPG, Class C motorhomes get about 8-12 MPG, and Class A coaches typically return 6-9 MPG. With Iowa gas prices generally tracking near or below the national average (often around $3.00-$3.50/gallon at Casey's and Kum & Go stations across Warren County), a 300-mile weekend loop in a Class C usually runs $90-$130 in fuel. Travel trailer renters add their tow vehicle's mileage. Pro tip: fill up in Indianola or Norwalk before heading to Lake Ahquabi, rural stations south of town can run 10-15 cents higher per gallon.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Indianola?
Book early and you'll have your pick: Lake Ahquabi State Park accepts reservations up to 12 months in advance through the Iowa DNR reservation system, and 100% of its sites are reservable (no first-come, first-served). Summer weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day often fill 2-3 months out, and the week of the National Balloon Classic (late July to early August) can sell out 6+ months ahead. Private parks like Crows Nest RV Park and the Warren County Fairgrounds also take advance bookings. Pro tip: aim for the 4-day advance reservation minimum at Lake Ahquabi, and check the Iowa DNR site every Monday morning when cancellations are released.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-ahquabi-state-parkWhat are driving conditions like around Indianola?
Driving an RV around Indianola is refreshingly low-stress. Highways 65, 69, and 92 are wide, paved, and lightly trafficked compared to coastal metros, and the terrain is gently rolling rather than mountainous. The main thing to watch: summer thunderstorms can bring high crosswinds across open farmland, so check the National Weather Service Des Moines forecast before long drives. Winter brings ice and snow from December to March, and gravel county roads south and west of Lake Ahquabi can get soft after heavy rain. During the National Balloon Classic, expect Highway 92 east of town to back up around launches. Pro tip: avoid driving large rigs through downtown Indianola's square during weekday rush hour, take 18th Street instead.
weather.gov/dmx/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Indianola?
Local campgrounds are well-equipped for a comfortable stay. Lake Ahquabi State Park offers electric and full-hookup sites, modern restrooms with showers, a dump station, potable water fill, a sandy swim beach, and a boat ramp with kayak and canoe rentals at the concessionaire (open Memorial Day through Labor Day). Crows Nest RV Park has 50 full hookups, private showers, WiFi, and a pool. The Warren County Fairgrounds provides electric/water hookups with 20/30/50-amp service and accepts big rigs. Most parks within 20 minutes of Indianola have free dump stations for registered guests. Pro tip: top off fresh water before leaving Lake Ahquabi, the next reliable fill on Highway 65 isn't for 25 miles.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-ahquabi-state-parkWhat should I expect inside an Indianola RV rental?
Today's rentals are essentially small apartments on wheels. Expect a queen or king bed, convertible dinettes that sleep 2-4 more, a full kitchen with stove, microwave, fridge/freezer, and sink, plus a wet or dry bath with shower and toilet. Most listings include roof-mounted air conditioning (essential for Iowa's humid July), forced-air furnace, fresh/grey/black water tanks, and a propane system. Many have a generator, smart TV, Bluetooth stereo, awning, and outdoor speakers. WiFi varies, so check the listing or plan to use your phone hotspot. Federal law requires seatbelts at every designated travel seat. Pro tip: confirm sleeping capacity matches your group before booking, sleeps-6 listings vary widely in real comfort.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/recreational-vehicle-safetyWhat add-ons and pickup options should I look for?
Hosts offer a menu of helpful extras that make your Indianola trip turnkey. Common add-ons include linen and kitchen kits ($25-$75), camping chairs and outdoor rugs, generator hours (often $3-$5/hr beyond included use), portable grills, bike racks, and pet cleaning packages. Pickup and drop-off times are set by each host, usually mid-afternoon, and many in the Indianola/Des Moines area offer delivery to Lake Ahquabi, Crows Nest RV Park, or the Memorial Balloon Field. Mileage allowances range from 100 miles/day to unlimited mileage, with overages typically $0.35-$0.50/mile. Pro tip: bundle linens and a camp kit at booking, it's almost always cheaper than buying gear last-minute at the Indianola Walmart.
experienceindianola.com/How does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and secure: RVezy charges your card at booking and holds funds until the trip begins, so your host is paid on time and you have a clear receipt. A separate refundable security deposit (typically a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on the rig) is pre-authorized on your card before pickup and released after a clean return with no damage or excess mileage charges. To avoid issues, do a thorough walkaround video at pickup with your host, note fuel and propane levels, and return the RV in the same condition. Pro tip: keep gas and dump-station receipts during your Indianola RV trip, they're proof if any return charges come up.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat's the insider tip for visiting Indianola during the National Balloon Classic?
Here's the local secret: the 2026 National Balloon Classic runs July 31 to August 8 at the Memorial Balloon Field on Highway 92, and morning competition flights starting at 6:30 a.m. have FREE admission and parking (evening sessions are $12). Book your RV and campsite at Lake Ahquabi or Crows Nest 4-6 months ahead because the whole town fills up, then plan a family RV trip Indianola style: balloons at sunrise, swim at Lake Ahquabi's beach midday, dinner at West Hill Brewing Company downtown, and Nite Glow back at the field after dark. Pro tip: arrive on Highway 92 from the east to skip the worst traffic into the balloon field.
experienceindianola.com/attractions/national-balloon-classic/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Des Moines, IACedar Rapids, IAOmaha, NEAlbia, IAKearney, MOSigourney, IAHiawatha, IAHarlan, IAJohnston, IALeavenworth, KSVan Meter, IAPleasant Hill, IASmithville, MOAvoca, IAFairfax, IANewton, IAWaterloo, IAGladstone, MOColfax, IAWest Des Moines, IASt. George, KSWilliamsburg, IAState Center, IAEpworth, IA