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Enjoy the small-town charm of Winterset, home of the "Bridges of Madison County" and John Wayne's birthplace

We are very excited to provide you and your family a memorable Iowa camping experience at the best rated Des Moines RV Park & Campground. If it's been years since you've camped at Des Moines West KOA, make it a point to stop back in to see all the new and exciting improvements, including 2 Dog Parks, Huge Jumping Pillow, Jump Shot (Trampoline Basketball), Water Wars, Paddle Boats, Organized Weekend Activities, Ladder Ball, Horseshoes, & Hunt Brother's Pizza & Wings. We promise you'll be pleasantly surprised. The park is nestled 1.5 miles north of I-80, off exit 106, amongst beautiful Iowa farm fields, in a peaceful rural setting, where the only thing you'll hear are the songbirds singing!

Des Moines West KOA welcomes you with a country charm that's certain to make you feel right at home! We offer all pull-thru / full hook-up RV sites, camping cabins, glamping tents, deluxe cabins (lodges) and endless tent camping sites. Relax in your lawn chair, fish at the private stocked pond, splash in the heated pool or visit with your neighbor. Enjoy the small-town charm of Winterset - home of the Bridges of Madison County and John Wayne's birthplace. Experience all West Des Moines has to offer, with shopping malls, specialty/antique shops and restaurants galore!

Spend the day at Living History Farms in Urbandale to learn how Iowans lived and farmed in the 1800's. In Des Moines, tee off at one of the many golf courses, visit the new Pappajohn Sculpture Park, tour the gold-domed capital, visit the Science Center/IMAX Theater, Art Center, Blank Park Zoo and much more! Click here to see more local area attractions!  Your Host: Recreational Adventures Co.

Campground Amenities

  • 50 Max Amp
  • 75' Max Length
  • Wi-Fi
  • Cable TV
  • Pool (5/28 - 9/6)
  • Snack Bar ($)
  • Propane ($)
  • Kamping Kitchen
  • Fishing
  • Firewood ($)
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KOA Holiday

KOA Holiday Campgrounds

Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.

KOA Holidays Feature:

  • RV Sites with a KOA Patio®
  • Deluxe Cabins with full baths
  • Premium Tent Sites
  • Group meeting facilities

Latest Hot Deal

Big Weekend

Big Weekend Photo

WHEN: May 12-13, 2023

WHAT: Stay Friday night, May 12th at a participating campground, and get Saturday night, May 13th for just $20*.

WHY: The Big Weekend helps raise funds to send kids with cancer to medically-supervised camps all across North America. Kids fighting cancer deserve a chance to attend a summer camp and to just be a kid again. Funds raised from May 13 support the KOA Care Camps Trust which distributes more than $1 million dollars annually to support 125+ Care Camps each year. Learn more at koacarecamps.org.

* Only at participating KOA locations. Applies to one-site, for two consecutive nights at the same KOA. Sites may be limited. Not valid with other discounts.

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Local Area

Living History Farms

Discover American's agricultural heritage as you walk through three working farms - each with authentic crops and livestock. Learn how Native Americans began growing crops in Iowa at the 1700 Farm. See how early farmers opened the prairie with oxen at the 1850 Farm. Find out how the horse-power and cast-iron machines revolutionized agriculture at the 1900 Farm. In the 1875 town of Walnut Hill, join in the excitement of a bustling Iowa frontier town with 14 homes, shops and businesses. Visit Living History Farms online for more information.

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Bridges of Madison County

Visit the historic covered bridges, popularized by Robert James Waller's novel, "The Bridges of Madison County" and the feature film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. Roseman Covered Bridge was built in 1883 across the Middle River, southwest of Winterset, Iowa. Visit The Bridges of Madison County online for more information.

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John Wayne Birthplace

While in Des Moines, you should check out the birthplace of an American Icon, John Wayne. See where life began for this world famous star. The four-roomed home built in 1880 has been brought back to its appearance of 1907. Here you can reminisce on the 'Duke's' life by viewing the memorabilia and photographs. Visit the gift shop and welcome center, too. The house is open for public tours.

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Iowa State Capitol

The Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines signifies the prodigious spirit of Iowa. Built between 1871 and 1886, this magnificent building represents, both inside and out one of the nation's finest examples of 19th century architecture. One of the most commanding features of the building is the towering dome constructed of steel and brick and is externally gilded with 23-karat gold leaf. Visit The State Capitol online for more information.

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