Campgrounds Available This Weekend Near Van Meter, IA
Nestled just west of Des Moines, Van Meter, IA offers an array of camping options that cater to RV enthusiasts, tent campers, and those seeking a more rugged dispersed experience. The picturesque landscapes surrounding Van Meter are characterized by rolling hills, lush greenery, and vibrant wildlife, making it a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. For RV travelers, parks like Carter Lake Recreation Area feature convenient amenities such as electric hookups, picnic areas, and easy access to walking trails along the picturesque lake. Tent campers can enjoy the serene environment at Red Rock Lake State Park, where wooded sites and scenic views provide an ideal escape for stargazing and nature walks. For the more adventurous, dispersed camping is available in the nearby Hawkeye Wildlife Area, where nature lovers can set up camp amidst sprawling fields and woodlands, promoting solitude and a true wilderness experience. With its close proximity to both urban conveniences and natural beauty, Van Meter, IA is an ideal destination for campers of all kinds looking to connect with the great outdoors.

















Whitebreast Camp in Marion County is located 55 min east of Des Moines, IA with an elevation of 815 feet. There are a total of 107 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to the beginning of October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 28 and 68 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. All sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $240.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, boat ramp, swimming, amphitheater. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Wallashuck Campground in Marion County is located 55 min east of Des Moines, IA with an elevation of 822 feet. There are a total of 79 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 33 and 82 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. All sites have electric hookups. Prices start at $20.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
North Overlook Camp in Marion County is located 53 min east of Des Moines, IA with an elevation of 818 feet. There are a total of 49 campsites including 6 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to the beginning of October. 43 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 46 and 84 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 43 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $14.00 to $20.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, swimming, amphitheater. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Howell Station Campground in Marion County is located 1 hr east of Des Moines, IA with an elevation of 702 feet. There are a total of 135 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 49 and 93 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. All sites have electric hookups. Prices start at $22.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, boat ramp, amphitheater. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Battle of Athens Campground is part of Battle of Athens State Historic Site in Missouri (1 hr 12 min northwest of Quincy, IL) with an elevation of 634 feet. There are a total of 29 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. Max equipment length is 40 feet. All sites are currently first-come first-served. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 15 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $27.00. Some amenities include drinking water, restroom, firewood. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails.
Union Grove Campground is part of Union Grove State Park in South Dakota (42 min northwest of Sioux City, IA) with an elevation of 1,346 feet. There are a total of 23 campsites including 3 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 20 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 85 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 19 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $26.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, playground, restroom, ramada, flush toilets. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Old Town Campground in Jefferson County is located 32 min northeast of Topeka, KS with an elevation of 907 feet. There are a total of 62 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of March to the end of November. 61 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 37 and 96 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 32 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $12.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include playground. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Arrow Rock Campground is part of Arrow Rock State Park in Missouri (46 min west of Columbia, MO) with an elevation of 691 feet. There are a total of 47 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 31 and 67 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 35 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $33.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, dump station, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Newton Hills Campground is part of Newton Hills State Park in South Dakota (44 min southeast of Sioux Falls, SD) with an elevation of 1,477 feet. There are a total of 136 campsites including 9 cabins. The campground is open all year. 118 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 41 and 75 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. 118 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, dump station, playground, restroom, amphitheater, ramada, flush toilets. Activities include horseback riding.