Camping
Four Conservation Board campgrounds within a half-hour of downtown Des Moines offer
plenty of overnight camping choices. Campers should set up camp on their site before
registering. Campground showerhouses are open mid-April through mid-October during
which time the camping rates are $19 for electric sites and $13 for non-electric.
Campgrounds are closed from November 30 - March 31 (except to walk-in tent camping,
which is allowed year-round).
On-line reservations can be made for some campsites in each of these parks. The
on-line reservation rate for electric is $24, non-electric is $18, and youth group
sites is $12. Reservations for campsites can be made at
www.mycountyparks.com.
*Special discounts are available to senior adults (62 and older) Sunday - Thursday
(non-holidays).
*Discount 7-day rate camping booklets are available to the general public by calling
515-323-5300.
Jester Park features 257 campsites spread across wooded hills and
along the shore of Saylorville Lake. These include 52 electric sites and 205 primitive
sites. There are 18 equestrian campsites within the park, and layovers can be arranged
with Jester Park Stables.
Yellow Banks Park features 12 primitive camping sites on a beautiful
bluff overlooking the Des Moines River, as well as 48 electric sites at two nearby
camping areas. The park also offers six unique backpacking campsites located off
a 3/4 mile trail.
Thomas Mitchell Park's campground rests in a scenic bend of Camp
Creek at the foot of a tall, wooded ridge. This popular area offers 24 electric
sites and 25 primitive sites. Children's playground, hiking trails, fishing pond,
and reconstructed prairie are nearby.
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt's campground offers 8 electric sites
and 28 primitive sites overlooking the scenic oxbows of the old Skunk River. Nearby
canoe and hiking trails offer plenty of opportunities to explore this special place.
Canoe rentals are available by advance reservation with the ranger (515-967-2596).
Park Packs are nature-themed backpacks designed to help families,
scout groups, home schoolers, and other groups explore the wonders of nature around
them. Each pack comes with a field guide and a variety of activities and fun facts
to assist in the discovery of the specific nature topic.
Download a Park Packs
brochure here.
Rules and Regulations Summary
Out of State Firewood is
Prohibited
