Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey Blog
Only 30 min E of Des Moines, IA, Newton KOA is the perfect overnight stop after a long day's drive
KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
From I-80: Turn north at Exit 168 onto Iowa Speedway Dr. Travel about 3/4 mile and look for the "KOA" sign on left. Take a hard left in front of the lighted Newton KOA sign between Barney's towing and a church. Go 1/4 mile down our lane into our KOA.
Check in at the office and you will be assigned a site.
Relax and enjoy!
Do not rely on GPS. You may be routed needlessly through Newton. GPS: N41.684937, W93.013722
Get Google Directions
Reposted from the KOA blog:
Road trips are a classic American pastime. The windows are rolled down, music is playing and your car is filled with all your favorite people. The only thing on your mind is where your next stop is going to be and the beautiful landscapes outside your window. Whether you are making a long trek to an exciting destination or road tripping to see as many places as possible, here is everything you need to stay safe, be comfortable and have fun.
Before you head out, you need to verify that your car is functioning safely and correctly. A professional inspection can offer you peace of mind while you are driving down the highway, and it is a great way to save money and spare yourself the hassle and lost time of an unexpected breakdown.
A professional should check the following items:
A clean car is a comfortable car, and a comfortable car means happy passengers. Before you leave, consider gathering the group to work together to get the vehicle in tip-top shape. Take time to scrub both the inside and outside, and make regular stops at car washes along the way if necessary to remove any mud, salt or debris buildup that could impact your vision on the road.
Here are some tips for cleaning your car:
No matter how long your road trip is, safety should always be your primary concern. With a little preparation and pre-planning, you are doing your part to ensure a safer drive for you and other people on the road. Keep your safety items and a roadside emergency kit in the trunk or hatchback of your car so they are secure but out of the way. Consider investing in a car organizer to keep everything sorted and easy to find.
Make sure you have the following emergency and non-emergency safety items:
Every car should have a roadside emergency kit on board in case of minor accidents, flat tires or other hazardous circumstances. You can usually find roadside emergency kits pre-assembled at auto stores or travel centers, but you can also collect your own items and keep them in a durable, water-resistant bag.
At the minimum, your roadside emergency kit should include:
Keep certain items, like the seatbelt cutter and window breaking device, easy to reach from the driver’s seat.
It is a good idea to have a portable first-aid kit on hand in case of minor injuries while on the road. You can adapt this first-aid kit to suit your specific needs and those of your passengers. Unlike your other safety items, keep your first-aid kit somewhere in the front or backseat of your car, so it is easily accessible if someone needs it while in transit.
Some items to consider are:
The best way to keep the car clean and enjoyable for all is to be prepared for anything, including messes. As you are planning your travel route, consider where all rest areas, toll booths, gas stations and pull-off points are so you have enough supplies to last between stops. Always fill your water bottle every time you have the opportunity to do so. If your route includes a lot of back roads or rural areas, fill your gas tank as often as you can. Keep an eye on the weather forecast as you travel and set up emergency weather alerts on your cell phone, so you can be prepared to pull over if necessary.
These travel items are essential for a successful trip:
Road trips are a lot of fun, but they require a little bit of pre-planning if you want things to stay comfortable for each passenger. This includes regularly emptying trash at rest stops, creating a comfortable temperature inside and staying dry. While packing your road trip bag, be sure to check the weather forecast and factor in the climate of each destination you plan to visit.
To make the ride as smooth as possible, bring along the following:
Just because you are on the road does not mean there are not ways to keep yourself entertained. As long as you do so safely, there are many memories to be made from both the inside of your car and at the places you stop overnight, like a campground.
For example, you could bring:
In addition to physical recreational items, research different games you can play while on the road, like the alphabet game, I Spy, the license plate game or 20 questions.
Although there is no substitute for stopping at a restaurant or drive-thru for a complete meal, every road trip needs snacks. Have a snack bag or individual snack containers, so everyone has easy access to food whenever they are hungry. You could also use food storage containers and include cooked foods and cutlery. Bring along a travel cooler filled with ice or ice packs to keep drinks and perishables cold.
These are some easy-to-prepare, mess-free road snacks:
Road trips are an excellent way to show your child different perspectives and expose them to new places, foods and activities. To keep them entertained on the road, bring along plenty of activities and make an effort to include older children in your plans by asking questions about the places you visit and letting them help you choose the next stop.
In addition to frequent rest stops, stock your car with the following items to keep your child safe and happy:
Traveling with your pet can be a rewarding experience. Before the trip, schedule an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian to make sure they are healthy and in good traveling condition. While you are there, consider having your pet microchipped if they are not already. If they have never traveled in a car before or road trips make them anxious, try working your way up to the big day by starting with small drives around the neighborhood. Remember that pets need restroom breaks and exercise just as often — if not more — than people do, so be sure to stop regularly.
Here is what you need for a pet-friendly road trip:
Take your road trip to the next level by staying at KOA Campgrounds along the way. What better way to experience what each area has to offer than by immersing yourself in your surroundings? Every KOA has clean, level and spacious campsites for every type of camper. Choose from Tent Sites, RV Sites, cabins or opt for a unique lodging experience, such as a Glamping Tent, Airstream or caboose. On-site amenities are a great way to stretch your legs and get some exercise before hitting the road again.
Visit KOA online to learn more and reserve your stay today!
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.
