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Walnut Woods State Park
State Park

Walnut Woods State Park

West Des Moines, Iowa
4.4 (80 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Walnut Woods State Park

Walnut Woods State Park is a popular state park near West Des Moines, Iowa offering 30 sites for campers and RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities this destination provides.

Walnut Woods State Park offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Iowa's capital region, providing RV campers with an excellent base for exploring West Des Moines and beyond. Located at 3276 Campground Road, this welcoming state park combines natural beauty with practical camping conveniences that make extended stays comfortable and enjoyable.

The park features thirty spacious sites equipped with full hookups, ensuring your RV has reliable water, electric, and sewer connections throughout your visit. This thoughtful infrastructure means you can settle in and relax without worrying about essential utilities, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a hassle-free camping experience. The dump station on-site provides additional convenience for waste management, and the camp store stocks supplies you might need during your stay.

Walnut Woods derives its character from the natural wooded landscape that surrounds the campground, creating a serene environment perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The park's fishing opportunities attract anglers of all skill levels, whether you're hoping to land a trophy catch or simply enjoy peaceful time by the water. For families, the playground provides entertainment for children while adults relax at the picnic tables scattered throughout the property. Evening gatherings around the fire rings offer classic camping experiences where memories are made under Iowa's starlit skies.

West Des Moines serves as a vibrant hub with shopping, dining, and cultural attractions just minutes away. The nearby Des Moines area offers world-class museums, botanical gardens, and riverfront activities. Whether you're visiting for outdoor recreation, a family vacation, or a convenient stop while traveling through Iowa, Walnut Woods provides both the tranquility of nature and easy access to regional amenities.

The park operates year-round, welcoming campers through all seasons. With a solid 4.4 out of 5-star rating from eighty reviews, visitors consistently praise the park's cleanliness, friendly management, and well-maintained facilities. This makes Walnut Woods an excellent choice for anyone seeking quality RV camping near Iowa's capital city.
30

Total Sites

4.4

Rating

80

Reviews

Amenities & Features

Amenities

Full Hookups
Dump Station
Playground
Fishing
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Camp Store
Restrooms

Park Details

Season Year-round
Total Sites 30

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

West Des Moines is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

Iowa weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for West Des Moines.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near West Des Moines. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Walnut Woods State Park Reviews

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Shannon Husted

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Shannon Husted

It's a beautiful place. I think the price is a little high for winter camping when services are shut off (except for electricity). Maybe they could remove the reservation/service fee of $4.50 as I did it online and it didn't require the help of a person. But it is a peaceful, wooded oasis in the heart of metro Des Moines.

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Maggie Attoe

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Maggie Attoe

Really enjoyed coming here for the night. It was super quiet and the hiking trail was nice! So so SOOOO many birds! It was beautiful!

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Jen Nielsen

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Jen Nielsen

It's nice. Some very nice spots, some smaller, lots of trees and soon access to racoon river. They're building a pedestrian bridge but for now you can drop kayaks and paddle boards in at walnut woods n go down the dm river.

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Deborah Hoover

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Deborah Hoover

I am giving this a 5 in part due to the very low price of $21.50 a night (with reservation fee) for FHU site. Although, I think the price is $25 now. Sites are not real deep, but spacious side to side. Asphalt roads and concrete pads and patio. Very nice. Outdated restrooms (with no showers), but fine for the price. If you are self contained (like us), it shouldn't matter. 12 to 15 minutes away fr... I am giving this a 5 in part due to the very low price of $21.50 a night (with reservation fee) for FHU site. Although, I think the price is $25 now. Sites are not real deep, but spacious side to side. Asphalt roads and concrete pads and patio. Very nice. Outdated restrooms (with no showers), but fine for the price. If you are self contained (like us), it shouldn't matter. 12 to 15 minutes away from everything. Beautiful park along the river.

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Heather Hyatt

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Heather Hyatt

Very small campground considering it's next to a big city. Some sites need maintenance badly where the water collects. Good price if you can get a spot which is very, very difficult. No shower. Ranger was very friendly and helpful. Prepare to be inundated with mosquitoes.

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