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Camp Like a Legend at Des Moines West KOA!

Camp at Des Moines West KOA Holiday, where small-town charm meets outdoor adventure. Just minutes from Winterset, the birthplace of John Wayne and home to the Bridges of Madison County, this campground is your gateway to history and family fun. Whether you're casting a line in the fishing pond, testing your aim in Water Wars, or winding down with Hunt Brothers Pizza, there's something for everyone. Our RV sites accommodate rigs up to 70 feet and our pool is open seasonally. With your hosts, Recreational Adventures Co., you'll experience warm hospitality and plenty of ways to make memories.

Ways to Stay
Find the perfect spot to settle in. Pull-thru and back-in RV Sites offer full hookups and plenty of space, while Deluxe Cabins come with full baths and kitchens. Camping Cabins provide a cozy rustic stay and tent sites let you camp under wide Iowa skies. Or try one of our Glamping Tents complete with a king-size bed and more comforts of home. 

Amenities
Enjoy Wi-Fi, cable TV, clean bathrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities and a well-stocked KOA store. Stop by Hunt Brother's Pizza & Wings to make meal planning a little easier. Two dog parks make this campground a great spot for pets. 

Recreation
Kids will love the jumping pillow, mini golf, trampoline basketball, and playground. The whole family can enjoy paddle boats, Water Wars, fishing the stocked pond, and gem mining. Check out our weekend games and activities for more adventure. 

Local Attractions
Explore Winterset, where Hollywood meets history. Walk the streets where John Wayne grew up, visit his museum, then tour the covered bridges made famous by The Bridges of Madison County. Head into Des Moines for shopping, dining and cultural attractions or step back in time at Living History Farms. Click here to see more local area attractions!

Campground Amenities

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

KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend

KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend Photo

WHEN: September 5-6, 2025

WHAT: KOA Rewards holders stay as a paying guest on Friday, September 5th at any participating KOA campground and get Saturday, September 6th for FREE*.

WHY: KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend is designed exclusively for KOA Rewards holders to say thanks for your loyalty and for trusting your camping memories to us. On this late-summer weekend, we gather to celebrate friends, family and fun in the great outdoors we all adore.

* Only at participating KOA locations. Applies to one site per a KOA Rewards account, for two consecutive nights at the same KOA. Sites may be limited. KOA Rewards discount does apply but 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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