Walnut Woods State Park — RV Camping in West Des Moines, IA

Walnut Woods State Park is a serene natural retreat nestled along the Raccoon River in West Des Moines, Iowa, just minutes from the Des Moines metro area. The park is home to Iowa's largest stand of black walnut trees, offering a rare wooded bottomland experience within an urban setting. Campers enjoy electric hookups at all sites, with eight full hook-up sites offering water, sewer, and 50-amp or 30-amp electrical connections, plus a sanitary dump station — making it an excellent destination for RVs and big rigs. Modern restrooms are available on-site. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate over two miles of forested hiking and walking trails, riverbank fishing, canoeing with boat launch access, and outstanding bird watching opportunities including dedicated observation blinds. The park is pet-friendly and features picnic areas with fire grills and a historic 1930s CCC-era lodge available for events. Cross-country skiing is popular in winter. Just three miles away, the 16.5-mile Great Western multi-use paved trail connects cyclists and walkers to surrounding communities. All campsites are reservable through Iowa State Parks. Walnut Woods State Park blends natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities into one accessible Iowa camping destination.