Camp at Des Moines West KOA Holiday, where small-town charm meets outdoor adventure. Just minutes from Winterset, the birthplace of John Wayne and home to the Bridges of Madison County, this campground is your gateway to history and family fun. Whether you're casting a line in the fishing pond, testing your aim in Water Wars, or winding down with Hunt Brothers Pizza, there's something for everyone. Our RV sites accommodate rigs up to 70 feet and our pool is open seasonally. With your hosts, Recreational Adventures Co., you'll experience warm hospitality and plenty of ways to make memories.
Ways to Stay
Find the perfect spot to settle in. Pull-thru and back-in RV Sites offer full hookups and plenty of space, while Deluxe Cabins come with full baths and kitchens. Camping Cabins provide a cozy rustic stay and tent sites let you camp under wide Iowa skies. Or try one of our Glamping Tents complete with a king-size bed and more comforts of home.
Amenities
Enjoy Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities and a well-stocked KOA store. Stop by Hunt Brother's Pizza & Wings to make meal planning a little easier. Two dog parks make this campground a great spot for pets.
Recreation
Kids will love the jumping pillow, mini golf, trampoline basketball, and playground. The whole family can enjoy paddle boats, Water Wars, fishing the stocked pond, and gem mining. Check out our weekend games and activities for more adventure.
Local Attractions
Explore Winterset, where Hollywood meets history. Walk the streets where John Wayne grew up, visit his museum, then tour the covered bridges made famous by The Bridges of Madison County. Head into Des Moines for shopping, dining and cultural attractions or step back in time at Living History Farms. Click here to see more local area attractions!
We currently offer the following activities:
Starts: 12/05/2025 - Ends: 12/06/2025
Start your holiday celebrations with Adel's annual Hometown Holiday, featuring festive activities for all ages.
Friday, December 5
Visit Santa's reindeer in the City Hall parking lot from 2:00–4:00, where guests can view, pet, and take photos with them. The community tree lighting takes place at 5:00, followed by the Sip & Sample event throughout downtown Adel. Local businesses will offer creative holiday treats, drinks, and seasonal specials.
Saturday, December 6
Begin the morning with pancakes with Santa at the Public Safety Building, then explore Adel's retail shops for holiday shopping. Carriage rides through Adel's historic downtown will run from 10:00–1:00. Rides are $30 each with a limit of six people per carriage. Reservations are encouraged.
Guests staying at the Des Moines West KOA can enjoy this charming small-town celebration just a short drive away.
Starts: 12/14/2025 - Ends: 12/14/2025
If you're visiting the Des Moines West KOA this holiday season, don't miss Tour de Lights at Water Works Park, returning on Sunday, December 14 from 6–9 PM. This unique holiday experience transforms the park into a glowing interactive trail filled with light displays, festive music, and seasonal cheer.
Guests can walk, bike, run, or stroll through miles of illuminated installations. Holiday costumes, ugly sweaters, and decked-out bikes are encouraged, making the evening even more magical.
The event also features live entertainment, seasonal treats from food vendors, the Des Moines Biergarten, photo opportunities with St. Nicholas and his reindeer, and fun surprises for families. Prizes will be awarded for standout costumes and best-decorated bikes, and every participant receives a special Tour de Lights keepsake.
Whether you're visiting Des Moines for the weekend or looking for a festive outing during your stay, this family-friendly event is a wonderful way to celebrate winter in Iowa.
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your reservation, please call the campground before the deadlines below to receive a refund of your deposit, less a $20 administrative cancellation fee. Text and email notifications of cancellations will not be accepted. Cancellation Deadlines: RV & Tent Sites: You must give 7 days cancellation notice. Call the KOA you made your reservation with by 4 p.m., seven days before your scheduled arrival. Lodging & Accommodations: You must give 14 days cancellation notice. Call the KOA you made your reservation with by 4 p.m., fourteen days before your scheduled arrival. Cancellation Details: Reservations made after these deadlines require nonrefundable deposits. Cancellations made after the deadlines will result in forfeiture of the full deposit. No refunds are given due to the discomforts of nature, including no-shows and early checkouts. No refunds are given on or after the arrival date. Refunds will be processed using the original credit/debit card, with no exceptions.