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Iowa State Fair Campgrounds
Overview
The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds offer a massive and scenic retreat located right on the doorstep of one of the nation’s most iconic event venues. Spanning over 160 acres of scenic rolling hills, this facility provides a unique blend of convenience and natural beauty. While it is famously the heart of activity during the annual state fair, it serves as a year-round destination for travelers looking to explore the state’s capital while enjoying a traditional camping atmosphere in a pastoral setting.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the eastern part of Des Moines, the campgrounds provide a serene escape from the urban hustle while maintaining excellent proximity to downtown. The landscape is characterized by its signature lush Iowa greenery, featuring mature trees and open grassy fields that offer a sense of seclusion despite the site's size. Visitors can enjoy a sense of space that is often hard to find near a major metropolitan area, making it a refreshing and accessible stop for those traversing the Midwest.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is designed to accommodate a wide variety of rigs, from small trailers to large motorhomes with spacious gravel pads. Key features include full-hookup sites alongside electric and water-only options, ensuring flexibility for different camping styles. On-site facilities are robust, offering multiple modern restroom and shower buildings that are regularly maintained for cleanliness. During peak event times, the park provides shuttle services, making it easy to navigate the expansive grounds and reach the fair activities without moving your vehicle.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the gates, the Des Moines area is rich with culture and entertainment. Travelers are just a short drive from the Iowa State Capitol, known for its stunning gold-domed roof and historic architecture. For family fun, Adventureland Park is nearby, while nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. The trendy East Village neighborhood is another must-visit, offering a curated mix of local boutiques, galleries, and high-end dining experiences for a pleasant afternoon out on the town.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for large groups and families who want to stay at the center of Iowa's biggest events. It is also a fantastic choice for RVers seeking a convenient city stopover with more rustic character than a standard parking-lot-style park. Whether you are attending a livestock show or simply exploring the historic charm of Des Moines, this facility provides the utility and welcoming community atmosphere needed for a comfortable and memorable stay.
Amenities
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User Reviews
Raquelli Ganel
A good stop over spot. A lot of full hookup sites, friendly service, easy to make a reservation, inexpensive. A series of large grassy fields, not very leveled. The hookup locasion a bit confusing. Good drainage, so not too muddy even on rainy days. A large code protected bathhouse with the basic necessities. Clean, and well stocked.
Ed Smith
We came during a car show and had a very hard time finding a suitable campsite. Rain had turned many campsites into muddy disasters. All the sites that could be used were occupied. After about a hour of driving around, we found a site that was dry and that we could fit and get into.
Sandra Gideon-Burdess
Haven't been to the Iowa State in decades. It was awesome. Was able to see a family member quilts she made. I ate some weird foods and got a honker big souvenir cup.
Marjie Carson Zach
Always fun and educational. Lovwd the horse pull. It was a new to me experience. Those horses are amazing! The horticultural exhibits were fun to see with common and exotic entries. Having been a 4 H member in my youth we had to go through those exhibits and were impressed with the broad selection of entries. One disappointment is that it seems they prefer to rent scooters rather than providing trolleys. The trolley available seems to loop through the campground only. I am not so infirm as to need a wheel chair or power scooter, but could use an assist now and then. We had no need for the rides or junk food, finding enough to do without them. We did love the shrimp bowl and shrimp tacos! And of course, we stopped by the Pork Producers for a reasonably priced and nutritional meal. It was a great day!
Ray Brown
We camped the past few days and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The campground hosts were friendly and there were plenty of sites from which to choose. The campground is very convenient...it takes just 10-12 minutes to reach downtown. You also have nice views and easy access to the State Fair property. We love walking and walked the periphery for a nice 2.75 miles.