Cabins near Des Moines
Camp outside the capital city of Iowa to explore the bounty of state parks and unique urban attractions.
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- Des Moines
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Cabins near Des Moines guide
Overview
In central Iowa, Des Moines is a welcoming city situated in the heart of farm country. The city and surrounding area is filled with state parks offering access to open space and trail systems. Visitors should check local events calendars when in the city, as live music and large farmers markets create a mellow and fun atmosphere. A surprising number of trails are convenient to town for both hikers and mountain bikers, making it easy to stay active on your visit before heading out of town to see more natural beauty.
Where to go
Botanical Gardens
Des Moines hosts one of the more active botanical gardens you will ever encounter. The grounds are fantastic with open green spaces and gardens on display. They have plenty of public space and even have live music, yoga sessions and educational events for gardening. Located downtown, the 12-acre property is the perfect stop while visiting the city. It’s open all year and has a cafe to enjoy between stops at the various gardens.
Racoon River Trails
The city has numerous parks, trails and wildlife areas to enjoy. Many are situated around the Racoon River where wooded bottomlands and open space prevail. Walnut Woods State Park is a perfect stop with 260 acres to explore. It has campsites available and is on the edge of the city for easy access. The Great Western Trailhead, Denman’s Woods Trail, Bill Riley Trail and plenty more are located on or near the river for hiking and biking.
Saylorville Lake
The large reservoir of the Des Moines River is a recreational paradise with around a dozen campgrounds for both RV and tent campers. The lake has big beaches like Oak Grove Beach, numerous bays and a ton of water to enjoy. Take a summer swim, play volleyball on the beach, go fishing or bring a boat and go water skiing. With 26,000 acres and ample public access, Saylorville Lake offers something for every type of camper.
When to go
As with most of Iowa, the winters are long and cold. The parks in and around Des Moines are perfect for ice fishing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Most campgrounds will close during the winter however and campers should have a heat system and winter gear. Summer is the prime visiting season with June, July and August being ideal for water based activities. Temperatures are often comfortable but can become hot and humid at times. September is a quieter month and is an excellent time to enjoy cooling weather and changing colors. The city itself has great dining and indoor experiences to enjoy year-round.
