Des Moines West KOA Holiday Blog
Enjoy crisp autumn days and a relaxing camping getaway at Des Moines West KOA!
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.
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.
18 miles west of I-35/I-80 interchange on I-80 Exit 106. North 1.5 miles on paved CR P-58 (L Avenue).
GPS: N41.541910, W94.079558
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September is when camping in Iowa starts to change.
The heat of summer begins to fade, evenings become more comfortable around the campfire, and the pace of the campground starts to feel a little more relaxed. While you may not see peak fall colors just yet, September offers a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors before the cooler temperatures of late fall arrive.
If you are planning a September camping trip near Des Moines, here is what you can expect.
September is a true transition month in the Des Moines area. Early September can still feel very much like summer, while temperatures generally become more comfortable as the month progresses.
That makes September especially nice for camping because you can still enjoy plenty of outdoor time during the day without necessarily dealing with the heat of July and August. Evenings are often ideal for sitting outside, enjoying dinner at your campsite or gathering around a campfire.
Of course, Iowa weather can change quickly, so it is always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack layers. A sweatshirt or light jacket can make those cooler evenings much more enjoyable.
If you are hoping to see colorful leaves, September may give you a preview, but don't expect the campground to be covered in fall foliage quite yet.
The timing of fall color varies from year to year and from one location to another. In Iowa, the most impressive fall color generally arrives later in the season, with many areas reaching peak color during October.
That doesn't mean September isn't beautiful.
You may notice a few leaves beginning to change, cooler mornings, shorter days and that unmistakable feeling that summer is winding down. It is a great time to enjoy Iowa's green spaces before the landscape completely changes for fall.
One of the best things about September camping is the opportunity to slow down.
Summer vacations can be busy. Between activities, events, travel and hot afternoons, it can sometimes feel like you need another vacation after your vacation.
September offers something different.
You can spend the day exploring the Des Moines area, biking a nearby trail, visiting a local attraction or simply enjoying the campground. Then come back to your campsite, fire up the grill and settle in for a comfortable evening outside.
At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, you can enjoy the space to make your campsite part of the experience rather than simply having a place to sleep.
September is made for campfires.
Bring your favorite sweatshirt, grab a comfortable chair and enjoy one of the simplest pleasures of camping: sitting outside after dark with nowhere you need to be.
It is also a great time for classic camping food. Make dinner over the fire, roast marshmallows with the kids or simply sit outside and enjoy the evening.
And because sunset comes a little earlier than it did during the height of summer, you don't have to stay up until midnight to enjoy a beautiful evening under the stars.
A September camping trip doesn't have to mean staying at your campsite all weekend.
Des Moines West KOA Holiday is located in Adel, making it easy to use the campground as a home base while exploring central Iowa.
Spend some time exploring Adel, head into Des Moines for shopping, dining or entertainment, or plan a day trip to nearby communities and attractions.
September is also a great time to get outside and enjoy Iowa's trails and scenic areas before colder weather arrives.
The key to a comfortable September camping trip is being prepared for changing temperatures.
Consider bringing:
You may still want summer clothing during the day, but having a few warmer layers means you can comfortably enjoy the evening even when temperatures drop.
If you love camping but don't love the hottest days of summer, September may be your sweet spot.
You can still enjoy outdoor activities, explore the Des Moines area and spend time around the campground, while cooler evenings make sitting around the campfire even better.
And if you are waiting for the full fall experience, September is a great way to get a head start. The leaves will continue changing as the season progresses, bringing even more color to Iowa later in the fall.
So pack the camping chairs, bring a sweatshirt and plan a September getaway to central Iowa.
Des Moines West KOA Holiday makes a great home base for enjoying the final days of summer and welcoming the beginning of fall.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
