RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Waukee, IA
29 campgrounds and RV Parks near Waukee, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
29 campgrounds
2180 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 Waukee, IA
Timberline RV Campground
Waukee, IA (2 miles away)
Timberline Campground
Waukee, IA (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(112 sites)
+7
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club
Grimes, IA (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(448 sites)
+8
Dallas County Fairgrounds Campground
Adel, IA (7 miles away)
Walnut Woods State Park
West Des Moines, IA (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+4
Des Moines West KOA Holiday
Adel, IA (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(67 sites)
+8
Shady Brook Camping and RV Adventures, LLC
Earlham, IA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(13 sites)
+8
Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground
Altoona, IA (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(142 sites)
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+4
Ledges State Park
Madrid, IA (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(94 sites)
+5
River Oaks RV Park
Hartford, IA (28 miles away)
Springbrook State Park
Guthrie Center, IA (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Toilets Playground Dump station Pet friendly Grills Hiking Trails Internet
RV camping near Waukee, Iowa
Waukee sits in Dallas County on the western edge of the Des Moines metro, giving RV travelers quick access to Interstate 80, the Raccoon River corridor, and the Raccoon River Valley and Great Western trail networks. The area mixes private RV parks, a county fairground campground, and one nearby Iowa state park campground.
The closest option to town is Timberline RV Campground on Ashworth Road, a large privately run park just off I-80. Timberline Campground is the same family-run operation, with a second location in Newton and the Waukee property offering a pool, camp store, cabins, and a mix of pull-through and shaded sites. Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club, in nearby Grimes, is a membership-only camping club rather than a standard public campground.
For state-park camping, Walnut Woods State Park lies southeast in West Des Moines along the Raccoon River. Dallas County Fairgrounds Campground in Adel offers a simpler, event-adjacent option during the summer fair season.
Things to do around Waukee
The Raccoon River Valley Trail passes through Waukee and links a chain of small Dallas County towns for cycling and walking, a good match for families with e-bikes or kids' bikes stowed in the RV. The paved Great Western Trail trailhead is about three miles from Walnut Woods State Park and runs 16.5 miles between Des Moines and Martensdale. Downtown Des Moines, the Iowa State Capitol, Adventureland theme park, and the Blank Park Zoo are all within a short drive.
At Walnut Woods State Park, visitors can fish or float the Raccoon River, launch from the boat ramp, and hike nearly three miles of trails through wooded bottomland. The park is a strong birding spot, with more than 90 species recorded, including migrating warblers and flycatchers in spring and fall.
Camping spots and RV parks near Waukee, IA
When to camp near Waukee
- spring
March - May
61° / 41°F 86 mmMild and wet; severe storm and tornado season begins
- summer
June - August
84° / 65°F 112 mmHot and humid; peak bookings around Iowa State Fair
- fall
September - November
62° / 43°F 66 mmCool and drier; strong shoulder season for RVs
- winter
December - February
34° / 17°F 30 mmCold and snowy; most public campgrounds closed
Central Iowa has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, often stormy summers. Summers are warm and fairly wet with significant precipitation, while winters are cold and snowy and are also the driest season. Late spring through early fall is the practical RV window for most travelers.
Peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with July and August the busiest and hottest months. The Iowa State Fair in August drives strong demand across the Des Moines metro, so book those dates well in advance. Iowa DNR applies a three-night minimum at state park campgrounds on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day weekends.
Shoulder seasons are quieter and cooler. Iowa DNR treats May 1 through October 15 as peak season, and park staff generally turn water on by May 1 and begin shutting facilities down in mid-October. Severe thunderstorms, hail, and tornado watches are common from April through July, so keep a weather radio or phone alerts on in the rig.
Top Hosts near Waukee, 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 campgrounds near Waukee
Iowa state park sites, including Walnut Woods State Park, are reserved through the Iowa DNR portal at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone. The reservation window opens three months in advance of the arrival date. Starting in the 2026 season, all Iowa state park campsites are reservable through the DNR system, replacing the previous mix of reservable and walk-in sites. Campers at Walnut Woods may not stay more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.
Private parks book directly. Timberline RV Campground and Timberline Campground take reservations through the operator's website and Campspot. Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club is members-only, so contact the club before planning a stay. For fair-week visits, check with the Dallas County Fair office in Adel about Dallas County Fairgrounds Campground availability.
What to expect on the ground
Sites near Waukee range from full-hookup gravel pads at private parks to electric and full-hookup state-park loops. Timberline RV Campground in Waukee accommodates larger rigs with 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer, and its layout ranges from level gravel pull-throughs near the entrance to forested and hilly sections deeper in the property. Amenities include a pool, playground, laundry, camp store, and dump station.
Walnut Woods is more rustic on purpose. All campsites sit on concrete pads with electric service, and eight sites add water and sewer for full hookups. The campground has modern restrooms and a sanitary dump station but no showers. Cell service across the metro is strong, and grocery, fuel, and RV supply stops are close by in Waukee, Clive, and West Des Moines.
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 Waukee, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Waukee, IA?
Good news: RV rental in Waukee, IA is one of the more affordable ways to explore the Midwest. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $80 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes run about $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A coaches can range from $250 to $400 per night. Prices peak during Iowa State Fair season (mid-August) and RAGBRAI week in July, so booking 2 to 3 months ahead locks in better rates. Want a cheap RV rental in Waukee? Filter by travel trailers, travel midweek (Sunday through Thursday nights), and look for hosts offering weekly discounts. You will be surprised how much trip you can get for the budget.
waukee.org/visitorsDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Waukee, IA?
Great news: your regular Class C driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Waukee, IA, including big Class A motorhomes. Iowa's standard Class D (noncommercial) license covers vehicles with a gross vehicle weight under 26,000 pounds, which includes essentially every motorhome on RVezy. Visiting from another state or Canada? Your home license is fully valid in Iowa. International guests should pick up an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their local auto club before flying in. You must be 25 or older to book on RVezy, and the platform verifies your ID digitally during checkout, so there is no paperwork hassle at pickup.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsWhat protection is included when I rent an RV in Waukee?
Every RV rental in Waukee booked through RVezy comes with a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance built in, so you are covered from the moment you pull off I-80. RVezy offers multiple protection plan tiers at checkout, each with different deductibles and coverage levels, so you can pick what fits your comfort. The plan helps cover physical damage to the RV during your trip, reducing your out-of-pocket risk. Hosts cannot change the plan you select, and pricing is transparent before you confirm. Choose your tier, then focus on planning stops at Adventureland and the Iowa State Capitol.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my RV rental in Waukee?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy applies a standard cancellation policy to every reservation, including a grace period right after booking during which you can cancel for a full refund. Refund amounts after that depend on how far out from your trip you cancel. Hosts do not set this policy, so you get consistent rules no matter which Waukee listing you choose. The full policy and any applicable refund amounts appear on your booking screen before you confirm, and RVezy support is available if your plans change. If a host cancels on you, RVezy helps with a refund or rebooking credit. Book with confidence, you have a safety net.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV trip from Waukee?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental in Waukee is easy to find on RVezy. Toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you will see many hosts who welcome dogs. Some hosts charge a small pet fee, which appears upfront in the listing before you book. Once you have wheels, Waukee is a great launchpad for dog owners: the Raccoon River Valley Trail is leash-friendly and stretches across central Iowa, and Walnut Woods State Park in nearby West Des Moines has shaded loop trails perfect for an on-leash stroll. Bring a tie-out, water bowl, and current vaccination records, and your pup is ready to roll.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parks/iowa-state-parks/walnut-woods-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to me in Waukee?
Yes, RV delivery in Waukee is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it is a great choice for first-timers. Many local hosts will deliver the RV directly to your campsite or to your driveway in Waukee, West Des Moines, Clive, or Urbandale. They will level it, hook up water and electric, prime the propane, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. Delivery fees usually scale by distance, so a short drop within the Waukee area is typically much cheaper than driving to a campground an hour away. Message the host through the listing to confirm delivery range and pricing.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Waukee%2C%20IowaHow does mileage work, and how far can I drive on a Waukee RV trip?
Most Waukee hosts include a generous daily mileage allowance (commonly 100 to 150 miles per day), and a growing number of listings offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is ideal for longer loops. Extra miles run about $0.30 to $0.50 each if you go over. From Waukee you are perfectly positioned: the Lake of the Ozarks is about 5 hours south, the Black Hills of South Dakota are 9 hours west, Chicago is 5 hours east, and the Mississippi River bluffs of Iowa's Driftless Region sit about 3.5 hours northeast. Check the mileage policy in the listing's pricing section before booking so there are no surprises.
iowadot.gov/mapsWhere are the best campgrounds near Waukee, IA?
You are spoiled for choice. The best campgrounds near Waukee start with Timberline Campground in Waukee, a family-favorite with shaded sites, a pool, and full hookups just minutes from town. Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club in Grimes offers resort-style amenities including waterslides. Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines has full-hookup sites tucked under one of Iowa's largest black walnut groves. For lake life, Big Creek State Park in Polk City sits about 30 minutes northeast with swimming and boat ramps. All are bookable online and fill quickly on summer weekends, so reserve early.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parksWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip from Waukee?
Late April through mid-October is prime RV camping Waukee season, with the sweet spots being May, June, September, and early October. Summer highs average 83 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit with humid evenings, while spring and fall hover in the comfortable 60s and 70s with cooler nights perfect for campfires. July and August bring the Iowa State Fair (Des Moines) and RAGBRAI bike ride, so book well ahead if those are on your list. Winters get cold (often in the teens and 20s) and many campgrounds close November through March, but a few year-round parks stay open if you want a quiet snow-covered escape in a four-season-equipped RV.
weather.gov/dmx/I am a first time renter. Will I actually know how to use the RV?
Yes, and you will be amazed how quickly it clicks. First time renting an RV is RVezy's specialty: every host provides a hands-on walkthrough at pickup (or at delivery) covering the generator, propane, slide-outs, water tanks, dump procedure, awning, and dashboard quirks. Most walkthroughs run 30 to 60 minutes and hosts encourage you to record video on your phone for reference. You can message your host before and during the trip with questions, and RVezy's 24/7 support team has your back if anything stumps you. For your Waukee debut, consider a flat, easy first night at Timberline Campground (just 8 minutes from town) to practice hookups before hitting bigger roads.
nps.gov/subjects/camping/rv-camping.htmWhat if something goes wrong on the road?
Take a deep breath, you are covered. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance with the renter protection plan, so a flat tire on I-80, a dead battery at a rest stop, or a stubborn slide-out at the campground gets resolved with one phone call. The roadside team coordinates tire changes, jump starts, lockout service, fuel delivery, and towing to the nearest qualified shop. Your host is also a message away for quick tips, since they know their rig inside and out. Save the RVezy support number in your phone before pulling out of Waukee, and you can drive with confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Waukee RV rental on a cross-country or cross-border trip?
You bet, and central Iowa is a perfect launchpad for an RV road trip from Waukee. Travel anywhere in the continental United States is generally allowed; popular routes from Waukee head west to the Badlands and Mount Rushmore (9 hours), south to Branson and the Ozarks (6 hours), east to Chicago (5 hours), and north to Minnesota's Boundary Waters (7 hours). Trips into Canada may be allowed with host approval and proper documentation, so message the host before booking. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance and protection coverage do not extend across that border. Plan your route, share it with the host, and roll.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goWhat kind of fuel mileage should I expect, and how much will gas cost?
Plan smart and fuel will not bust your budget. Class B campervans get roughly 18 to 22 MPG, Class C motorhomes average 8 to 12 MPG, and big Class A coaches run 6 to 10 MPG. Travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle, but expect a 25 to 40 percent hit on its normal MPG. Iowa gas prices have been running near the national average (often a few cents cheaper), with cheap fill-ups at Casey's, Kum & Go, and Costco in West Des Moines. Local tip: gas up in Waukee or Adel before heading west on Highway 6, where stations get sparse between towns. Most RVs use regular unleaded, but confirm with your host.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground around Waukee?
For Iowa state parks like Big Creek, Walnut Woods, and Ledges, book 3 to 4 months ahead for summer weekends through the official Iowa DNR reservation system at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Private parks like Timberline Campground and Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club take direct bookings and tend to fill 2 to 3 months out for July and August (especially RAGBRAI and Iowa State Fair weeks). Midweek and shoulder-season trips are much easier; you can often grab a site a week or two ahead. Pro tip: if your dates are flexible, set a calendar alert for the first Friday of the month, when cancellation spots frequently free up at popular state parks.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/CampingWhat are driving conditions like around Waukee?
Driving an RV around Waukee is refreshingly easy. The terrain is gently rolling, roads are wide and well maintained, and the main routes (I-80, I-35, Hickman Road, and Highway 6) are RV-friendly with plenty of pull-off space. Avoid downtown Des Moines surface streets where low railroad bridges and tight one-ways can surprise tall rigs; stick to the interstates and the Highway 5/65 bypass. Spring and early summer bring thunderstorms and the occasional tornado watch, so check the National Weather Service Des Moines forecast each morning. Winter travel (December to February) can include ice and blowing snow on rural roads; many renters simply choose May to October to keep things smooth.
511ia.org/What amenities do campgrounds near Waukee offer, and where can I dump tanks or fill water?
You will find solid infrastructure across the Waukee area. Timberline Campground, Cutty's, Dallas County Fairgrounds, and Walnut Woods State Park all offer full hookups (water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer) on most sites, plus dump stations, potable water fills, hot showers, and Wi-Fi at many private parks. Big Creek State Park has electric sites and a centralized dump station. For dump-and-go without staying overnight, the Iowa Welcome Center off I-80 at Adair and several Flying J/Pilot locations along I-80 offer dump and freshwater services for a small fee. Always sanitize your freshwater hose at the spigot first; campground bibs see heavy use.
iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Big-Creek-State-ParkWhat features and amenities come with a typical Waukee RV rental?
Expect more comfort than you might think. A motorhome rental Waukee booking usually includes a queen bed, convertible dinette and sofa sleepers (so a Class C often sleeps 5 to 7), a kitchen with three-burner stove, microwave, fridge, and sink, a full bathroom with shower and toilet, roof AC, furnace, and dashboard seatbelts for travel-day passengers. Most rigs include a TV, and many hosts offer Wi-Fi hotspots, generators, and solar setups for off-grid camping. Linens, kitchenware, and outdoor chairs are often included or available as add-ons. Each listing has an amenities checklist, so you can match the RV to exactly what your family RV trip Waukee needs.
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/recreational-vehiclesWhat add-ons and pickup options are available for an RV rental in Waukee?
Hosts in Waukee make customization easy. Popular add-ons include linen and towel packs, kitchen kits, camp chairs and outdoor rugs, bike racks, generators, Wi-Fi hotspots, propane fills, and grill rentals, with pricing shown in each listing. Pickup is usually at the host's home in Waukee, West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, or Adel, with a 30 to 60 minute walkthrough included; many hosts also offer paid delivery to your campground. Mileage policies vary by listing, with some offering RV rental with unlimited mileage as an upgrade. Check-in is typically afternoon and checkout late morning. Review the add-ons tab on each listing and bundle what you need at booking.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Waukee%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and secure through the RVezy platform: you pay your trip total (rental, protection plan, and fees) by credit or debit card at booking, with no cash exchanged at pickup. A separate refundable security deposit is pre-authorized on your card before the trip (typical Waukee deposits run a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on the RV class). As long as you return the RV in the same condition with the agreed fuel and tank levels, the hold is released after checkout. To avoid issues, do a quick walk-around video at pickup and drop-off and follow the host's dump and refuel instructions.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksAre there cold-weather and winter RV options in Waukee?
Yes, winter RV rental Iowa adventures are absolutely possible from Waukee, you just want the right rig. Filter for RVs labeled four-season, with heated and enclosed underbelly tanks, dual-pane windows, and a strong furnace; many local hosts winterize these features. Plan to stay at year-round parks like Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club or use shore power at private RV lots, since most state park campgrounds close water service from late October through April. Winter trips shine for Iowa State Capitol holiday lights, snowshoeing at Brown's Woods, and quiet ice-fishing at Big Creek Lake. Bring a heated water hose, RV antifreeze for the gray tank, and warm bedding, and you have a cozy cold-weather basecamp.
weather.gov/dmx/climate