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Reviews

Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey


User Reviews

Marilyn Anderson

October 13, 2025

I highly recommend Newton/Des Moines East KOA Journey!! It is a very nice campground with lots of large sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Tent sites are available also with picnic tables and fire rings. There is a camp store for essential needs, souvenirs, etc. There is a children’s play area & Recreation center. There is also a K-9 park which is a fenced area for your Furry Friends to run free. Pool, Basketball Court, Community fire pit with chairs around it, Kids train cars rides, Laundry facilities, Clean Restrooms & Showers. Surrounded by lots of mature trees. There are three levels of campsites, the higher level ones are more windy but, closer to the K-9 park. It is close to the highway but, the noise didn’t bother me. Rental cabins are also available. The staff were very kind, courteous and attentive to my requests.

Dick Terpstra

September 26, 2025

A mixed bag of a campground, but a decent experience. As with other KOAs, the focus seems to be on amenities versus the basic blocking and tackling of a spacious well-maintained site for parking a rig. A note about arriving—pay attention to turn into the campground versus turning onto S 13th Ave E. There is a proper sign, but it can be easy to miss. The original part of the campground is about 60 years old, and that's where we were placed. For modern rigs, the sites are narrow and a bit short, so we found it tight. Sites and interior roads are gravel, and can be muddy if there is wet weather. Utilities were well-placed for us. Water pressure is very high, so use a regulator. The staff is friendly and attentive. The grounds are clean, but needed to have the grass mowed. The dog park was appreciated by our pooch. A significant drawback is the proximity to the highway. The noise is a constant presence and can be quite loud, so be prepared with earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Overall, while not perfect, the excellent staff and clean facilities make this a solid choice . We'd consider staying here again.

Lindsay Walker

August 13, 2025

Moses came by and spoke to us about everything. He answered questions and gave us so much info we didn’t know about. This place is pretty much immaculate in every single way. The showers, restrooms, the laundry room. They also have a free breakfast (which is amazing) on the weekends! We are so thankful we found this place. We got stuck in this town due to our windmill blades not being ready. We love it and hope to be back!!!

Ann Smock

July 23, 2025

The grounds are beautifully maintained; very clean and nice. Pool was wonderful, clean showers and laundry room. Tara and Joey in the office were super helpful and accommodating, and open until 9:00 PM! My tent site is under shade trees, level, nice cut grass and 100% no trash. It’s close to the highway, which is good for me, but you can hear I-80, if that is something you avoid. The whole camp is lush and green. A+ all the way.

C. Devin Hoey

June 19, 2025

We recently stayed at the Newton, Iowa KOA in early June, and what started as a stressful situation turned into an incredibly positive experience — all thanks to the amazing staff and the well-kept, family-friendly campground. We had unexpected car trouble during our stay, but the KOA team went above and beyond to help us in so many exceptional ways. From offering support and local resources to showing us kindness and patience, they turned a tough moment into something truly heartwarming. A huge thank-you to Cheryl, who was a steady, reassuring presence — her compassion and helpful attitude made a world of difference. And Moses was equally incredible, offering practical help and genuine care that we won’t forget. While we were stuck, we were amazed by how many fun activities and amenities the campground offered. From the playground and game areas to the dog park and walking trails, there was always something to enjoy. It honestly felt like an unexpected mini-vacation. The campground itself was clean, quiet, and perfect for both RV travelers and tent campers. The bathrooms and showers were spotless, and the grounds were beautifully maintained. It’s a pet-friendly, family-oriented RV park that makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. We also loved being close to I-80 and a short drive from downtown Newton and the Iowa Speedway, which makes this KOA a convenient stop whether you’re passing through or staying a while. This KOA didn’t just give us a place to stay — they gave us a sense of community and support when we needed it most. We’re deeply grateful and give them nothing less than a 5-star-plus rating. Highly recommend to anyone camping in central Iowa!

Ellen Reinwald00I

April 26, 2022

So far so good 👍 Some high way noise, but once you close up your camper it's fine.

Bernie Crump

April 04, 2022

Tonya (Site Manager) is pleasant, friendly, and helpful. She even gave us a dozen eggs from her chicken coop. The location provides easy-on, easy-off access from I-80. It’s so close that you fall asleep at night to the sound of expressway traffic 😉. To be clear, this is less of a camping experience that a place to hook-up to services, spend the evening in your RV/Camper/Tent, then be on your way.

Carrie Raterman

September 13, 2021

The facility was sparkling clean the employees were friendly and helpful.

Susan Hekstra

September 05, 2021

WE stayed one night and met such a helpful crew. They changed lots for us so we could stay hooked up to our truck without us even asking. When we noticed we needed something from their store after we were set up they drove their golf cart back and picked it up for us. Easy in, easy out off of I80

jared bruce

October 29, 2020

Great service! Clean/big park. Has all camping amenities