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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Camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, but let’s face it, the comforts of home can be hard to leave behind. Whether you're roughing it in a tent, staying cozy in a cabin, or cruising in an RV, there are always ways to improve your camping experience. We've compiled a list of unique and clever camping hacks that will make your trip easier, more comfortable, and just a bit more fun.
If you're looking for a quick, low-cost way to light up your campsite, grab a glow stick and a plastic bottle. Simply insert the glow stick into the bottle and hang it near your tent or picnic table. The glow creates a lantern-like effect that's perfect for reading, cooking, or just finding your way around in the dark. Plus, glow sticks are lightweight and last for hours!
Forgot your lighter or matches? No worries. You can make your own campfire starter using cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly. Pack a few in a waterproof container, and when you're ready to start a fire, just pull one apart and light it. It’ll catch fire quickly and burn for several minutes, giving your campfire plenty of time to catch.
If you’re in a tent, cabin, or RV, tinfoil cooking is an easy way to make a delicious, mess-free meal over the fire or on a grill. Create tinfoil packets with your favorite ingredients like chicken, veggies, and spices. Throw them on the grill or in the coals and let them cook to perfection. No pots, no cleanup!
Camping often comes with unwanted guests: bugs. Instead of relying on chemical sprays, try essential oils like lemongrass, citronella, or eucalyptus. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply it to your skin or around your campsite. Not only will it keep bugs away, but it’ll leave you smelling great too!
When you're camping in a tent or cabin, it can be hard to keep everything organized. A hanging shoe organizer is a great hack to save space and keep your belongings neat. Hang it on the back of a door, on a tree, or even from your RV’s ceiling. It’s perfect for storing toiletries, snacks, or small items that are easy to misplace.
If you're staying in an RV, the door can often be difficult to secure and might bang around in the wind. A simple solution is to cut a pool noodle and place it along the edge of the door. It acts as a cushion to prevent the door from slamming and protects the doorframe from damage.
If you're camping in a tent or cabin, your chairs can get dirty quickly. Use an old towel or T-shirt to cover your camp chairs. Not only will this keep your chair clean, but it can double as a comfy cushion for those long evenings by the fire.
Keep your food and drinks cooler longer by freezing water bottles before you leave. They’ll act as ice packs during the first few days of your trip, and as they melt, you’ll have cold drinking water to hydrate. It’s a simple but effective hack for keeping your cooler at the right temperature without the mess of ice!
In a cabin or RV, space can be tight in the bathroom. Use a shower caddy to store all of your toiletries and keep everything in one place. It’s easy to grab and take with you to the shower or use as an organizer for the whole family.
If you're cooking in an RV or cabin, the spices can quickly get lost in the shuffle. A magnetic spice rack on the back of a cabinet door is a great way to keep everything organized and easily accessible. You can find small magnetic containers that stick to the metal inside your RV or use a magnetic strip to hold spice jars in place.
Camping in the summer can get hot, especially inside a tent. For a cool breeze without electricity, invest in a solar-powered fan. These mini fans are lightweight, portable, and powered by the sun, making them perfect for warm-weather camping. Set it outside your tent during the day to charge and then enjoy a cool breeze at night.
Want to add a little extra excitement to your campfire? Recycled crayons work great to create colorful flames. Just break up the crayons and toss them into the fire. You'll be amazed at the rainbow of colors that will fill the air.
Keep the dirt and grime out of your tent or RV by using a shoe organizer to store dirty boots and gear. Hang it outside or on the back of your door to keep muddy shoes away from your sleeping area.
A collapsible laundry basket is not just for clothes! Use it as a catch-all for everything from wet towels and dirty laundry to firewood or extra gear. Plus, it can double as extra seating when you need it!
For kids or families looking to explore, create a nature scavenger hunt using items found around the campground. From pinecones to bird feathers, challenge everyone to find the items on your list. It’s a great way to keep the little ones engaged while enjoying the outdoors.
Camping is a chance to disconnect and reconnect with nature, but with these unique camping hacks, you can take your outdoor adventure to the next level. Whether you’re in a tent, cabin, or RV, there’s no shortage of clever tricks to make your camping experience easier, more comfortable, and more fun. Happy camping!
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