Walnut Woods State Park - United States
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About Walnut Woods State Park
RV quick facts for Walnut Woods State Park
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Overnight camping | Not available; park is day-use only |
| Dump station | None on site; use nearby private or county campgrounds |
| Full hookups | None on site |
| Max RV length | No designated RV sites; day-use parking suits mid-size rigs |
| Road restrictions | No tunnels or steep grades on approach routes |
| Cell service | Reliable across major carriers in the Des Moines metro |
| Nearest airport | Des Moines International Airport (DSM), under 15 minutes away |
Featured RV rentals for Walnut Woods State Park
Best time to visit Walnut Woods State Park
Late April through October is the most comfortable window, with wildflowers and leafing walnut canopies in spring and warm river access in summer. September and October bring cooler days, fall color, and lighter weekday crowds that are ideal for RV travelers wanting easy parking. Midsummer weekends can fill picnic areas quickly, so arriving early is recommended. Winter visits are possible for day use, but trails may be icy and some facilities closed.
Open for day use; trails may be snow or ice covered.
Cold, variable conditions; check road status after storms.
Thaw can bring muddy trails and localized flooding along the river.
Spring wildflowers begin; river levels can run high.
Pleasant hiking weather and leaf-out in the walnut canopy.
Peak picnic season; expect busy weekends.
Hot and humid; shaded trails help but bring water.
Warm with occasional storms; mosquitoes common near the river.
Comfortable temperatures and thinner weekday crowds.
Prime fall color in the walnut and floodplain forest.
Cool and quiet; some shelters close for the season.
Open for day use; snow and ice possible on trails.
Things to do at Walnut Woods State Park
- Hike the Walnut Woods Trails EasyRV parking available
The park offers a network of multi-use trails that wind through one of the largest native black walnut stands in the country. Routes are mostly flat and shaded, ideal for a short walk after parking the RV at a trailhead lot.
- Paddle the Raccoon River Easy
The park provides riverside access to the Raccoon River for kayaks and canoes. Paddlers can float downstream toward Des Moines through floodplain forest and open farmland.
- Picnic at the Lodge AreaRV parking available
The central picnic grounds include open lawns, shelters, and a rentable lodge near the river. Large paved lots make it straightforward to pull in with a mid-size RV for the day.
- Cycle the Great Western Trail Connection EasyRV parking available
The park connects to the regional Great Western Trail, a paved rail-trail running south toward Martensdale. Riders can pedal flat, traffic-free miles straight from the park.
- Wildlife and Bird Watching Easy
The floodplain woodland hosts deer, turkey, and a variety of songbirds and woodpeckers. Quiet weekday mornings along the river offer the best viewing.
- Fishing the Raccoon River EasyRV parking available
Bank access points along the river allow fishing for channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and panfish. An Iowa fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older.
- Visit Nearby Jester Park and Raccoon River ParkRV parking available
Jester Park and Raccoon River Park are both within a short drive and offer additional trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing. They pair well with a Walnut Woods day visit for RV travelers exploring the Des Moines metro.
Top Hosts near IA, United States
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
Very cool experience 😀 we had a blast!
Lauretta M. - Jul 2025
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
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RV Rentals Walnut Woods State Park
Walnut Woods State Park, IA, United States
How to get to Walnut Woods State Park
The park sits in West Des Moines, about 10 to 15 minutes (roughly 8 miles) from downtown Des Moines via Interstate 35 and Army Post Road. From Ames it is about a 45-minute drive south, and from Kansas City it is roughly 3 hours via I-35. Access roads are flat paved Iowa highways with no tunnels, steep grades, or length restrictions that typically affect RVs, though the park's internal lanes and picnic-area loops are narrow and better suited to shorter rigs. Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the nearest major airport for fly-and-rent travelers and is less than 15 minutes away.
RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental
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- Book directly from local RV owners
- Choose the exact RV you want
- Delivery to your campsite, home, or destination
- More variety: trailers, motorhomes, and campers
Traditional RV rental
- Limited fleet from a rental company
- Exact RV not guaranteed
- Pickup only at retail locations
- Fewer RV types and less availability