Des Moines West KOA Holiday Blog
Spring BOGO Getaway April 1 – May 21, 2026 Book one night. Get one free.
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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Winter in Iowa can be long, cold, and snowy, and when temperatures drop and daylight feels short, cabin fever can set in fast. At the Des Moines West KOA, we know many of our campers spend the off-season counting down the days until they can get back outside, reconnect with nature, and enjoy campground life again.
The good news is that you do not have to wait until spring to bring a little camping spirit into your winter routine. Here are some camping-inspired ideas to help you beat cabin fever, stay positive, and keep the outdoor mindset alive—even when it is freezing outside.
One of the best parts of camping is slowing down and enjoying simple moments. You can recreate that feeling at home by setting aside one evening each week for an indoor camp night.
Dim the lights, light a few battery-powered lanterns or candles, and gather blankets and pillows in the living room. Watch a favorite outdoor or camping-themed movie, play cards or board games, or tell stories just like you would around a campfire. This is a great way to unplug from screens and reconnect with family.
Tip: Campfire-style snacks like popcorn, trail mix, or s’mores made in the oven can make the experience even more authentic.
Winter is the perfect time to plan future trips. Pull out a calendar, start researching destinations, and map out weekends or vacations for the upcoming camping season.
If you enjoy staying at the Des Moines West KOA, consider planning visits around holiday weekends, local events, or special campground activities. Making plans gives you something positive to look forward to and helps beat the winter blues.
Bonus idea: Create a camping checklist or packing list now so you are ready to go once the weather warms up.
Even when it is too cold to spend much time outside, you can still surround yourself with elements of nature.
Houseplants, nature photography, or even a small tabletop water feature can help bring a calming outdoor feel into your home. If the weather allows, short walks around your neighborhood or a local park can also help reset your mood and get some fresh air.
For bird lovers, setting up a bird feeder outside a window provides daily entertainment and a connection to wildlife during the winter months.
Camping often sparks creativity, and winter is a great time to explore that indoors. Consider simple projects like:
These activities keep your hands busy and help you relive favorite campground moments.
Food plays a big role in camping memories, and winter is the perfect time to revisit those favorites. Try adapting campfire meals for the kitchen, such as skillet breakfasts, chili, foil-packet dinners made in the oven, or classic campground desserts.
Cooking together can be a fun family activity and helps bring back the familiar comfort of campground meals without the cold.
Cabin fever often comes from feeling disconnected. Follow campgrounds you love on social media, join camping or RV groups online, and stay up to date on upcoming events and seasonal openings.
At the Des Moines West KOA, we share updates, local attractions, and planning tips year-round to help campers stay connected, even during the off-season.
While winter may feel endless sometimes, spring always returns. Beating cabin fever is about keeping your mindset active, creative, and forward-looking. By bringing camping-inspired activities into your home, you can stay energized and ready for the adventures ahead.
When the weather warms, Des Moines West KOA will be ready to welcome you back with open spaces, fresh air, and plenty of ways to relax and reconnect outdoors.
Until then, stay warm, stay inspired, and keep dreaming of your next camping trip.
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.
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