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
Get Google Directions
November brings a quieter rhythm to the Des Moines West KOA, but it also brings some of the most rewarding moments for campers who enjoy crisp air, peaceful mornings, and the slower pace of fall. Even though the campground transitions into its off-season mode, guests who stay this time of year often say they discover new ways to enjoy their RV, cabin, or late-season campsite.
Whether you're planning a final getaway before winter or looking ahead to next year, here’s what you can expect—and some tips to help you make the most of November camping in Iowa.
This time of year is calm, scenic, and full of small seasonal details you don’t get in the busy months. Mornings often start with steam rising from the pond and wind rustling the last of the autumn leaves. Cool weather means quieter campground loops, easier wildlife spotting, and some of the best sunsets of the entire year thanks to clear skies and low humidity.
Even with the cooler temperatures, many of our guests love November because it transforms the campground into a place for peaceful walks, hot drinks by the fire, and slow mornings in cozy cabins or warm RVs.
Many campers want to try November camping but aren’t sure how to prepare. Here are some practical tips:
1. Insulate Your Water Gear
Temperatures can dip below freezing at night. Use heated hoses or disconnect water lines overnight to prevent freezing. RVers often switch to using their fresh tank for overnight water.
2. Use Your RV Furnace Correctly
Your furnace heats both the living space and the underbelly, helping keep your pipes safe. Space heaters are useful supplements but should not replace furnace use when temperatures drop sharply.
3. Keep Condensation Under Control
Cooler nights + warm RV interiors = moisture buildup. Crack a window or run a vent fan for airflow, and use moisture absorbers in closets or corners.
4. Layer Up for Outdoor Time
Late fall camping is all about being comfortable outside. Warm socks, insulated boots, and a good windproof jacket go a long way during those breezy Iowa afternoons.
5. Bring Fire-Friendly Meals
Chili, foil-packet dinners, and cast-iron breakfasts are perfect for cold-weather camping. Combine the warmth of the fire with the aroma of fall comfort foods.
Even in the off-season, there’s still plenty to explore:
November is also a great month to plan next year’s adventures while enjoying an uncrowded campground.
This is the time many guests choose their favorite cabin or RV site for a spring or summer return. Whether you discovered us for the first time this year or you’re already part of our camping family, November gives you a chance to reflect on what made your stay special—and what you want to experience next year.
Our team is already preparing for the 2026 season, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back when spring arrives.
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.
