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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Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or staying with us for the Iowa State Fair, there's far more to discover than downtown Des Moines. Just minutes from Des Moines West KOA Holiday, you'll find charming small towns, scenic trails, historic landmarks, local wineries, unique restaurants, and peaceful places that many travelers drive right past.
If you love exploring beyond the usual tourist attractions, add these hidden gems to your Iowa adventure.
Just 5 minutes from the campground
The town of Adel perfectly captures small-town Iowa charm. Stroll around the historic courthouse square, browse locally owned boutiques, stop for coffee, or enjoy one of the area's favorite restaurants.
Don't miss:
Insider Tip: Visit in the evening when the courthouse lights begin to glow and the downtown streets become especially picturesque.
No trip to Adel is complete without lunch or dinner at The Brickyard.
Known for creative burgers, craft beer, and a welcoming atmosphere, it's one of the area's favorite local restaurants and a place many campers return to every year.
Whether you're craving a classic cheeseburger or something more adventurous, it's an easy stop before heading back to your campsite.
About 25 minutes away
Made famous by The Bridges of Madison County, these historic covered bridges are one of Iowa's most photographed attractions.
Take a leisurely drive through the countryside and visit several beautifully preserved bridges surrounded by rolling farmland.
Favorites include:
Bring your camera—every stop is postcard worthy.
Located in nearby Winterset, the John Wayne Birthplace Museum celebrates one of Hollywood's greatest Western stars.
Visitors can tour:
Even if you're not a movie buff, Winterset makes for a wonderful afternoon exploring local shops and cafés.
A peaceful hidden treasure only minutes away
If you're looking for a quiet escape, Brenton Arboretum offers more than 140 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, walking paths, prairie landscapes, and colorful seasonal blooms.
It's one of central Iowa's best places to slow down, enjoy nature, and take incredible photographs.
Perfect for:
One of Iowa's premier recreational trails, the Raccoon River Valley Trail stretches nearly 90 miles through charming communities, woodlands, rivers, and open countryside.
Visitors enjoy:
Several access points are located just minutes from the campground, making it easy to spend a few hours outdoors before relaxing back at your campsite.
Central Iowa's growing food and beverage scene offers plenty to discover.
Within a short drive you'll find local wineries, craft breweries, tasting rooms, and welcoming patios that are perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
While you're exploring, don't forget to stop for homemade ice cream or pie at one of the area's locally owned cafés. Some of the best treats are found in the small towns surrounding Adel and Winterset.
About 20 minutes from Des Moines West KOA
Looking for a peaceful place that even many locals haven't explored? Head to Hanging Rock Park in nearby Redfield.
This scenic conservation area is home to a massive sandstone outcrop that has overlooked the Raccoon River for centuries. In the mid-1800s, wagon trains traveling west used the nearby river crossing, giving Hanging Rock an interesting place in Iowa's pioneer history.
Today, it's the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can:
Insider Tip: Bring your camera. The sandstone bluff, river views, and quiet setting make Hanging Rock one of the most photogenic spots in Dallas County, especially in the morning or as the sun begins to set.
One of the best parts of staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday is that you're close enough to enjoy all of these destinations while still returning to a peaceful campground at the end of the day.
After exploring hidden trails, historic towns, local restaurants, or the excitement of the Iowa State Fair, you can unwind around your campfire, enjoy your spacious campsite, play a round of mini golf, or simply relax beneath Iowa's evening skies.
Sometimes the best vacation memories aren't made at the biggest attractions—they're found in the places you never expected to discover.
Whether you're visiting for the Iowa State Fair, a weekend getaway, or a summer road trip, Des Moines West KOA Holiday is the perfect home base for exploring some of central Iowa's best hidden gems.
Book your stay today and discover why some of Iowa's favorite destinations are just a short drive from your campsite.
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.
