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Halloween Weekends 2026 (weather permitting)
Starts: 09/25/2026 - Ends: 10/18/2026
Halloween Weekends 2026 at the Des Moines West KOA Holiday are officially on the calendar, and they are some of the most anticipated camping weekends of the year.
Each fall, families return to Adel to celebrate Halloween in a fun, festive, and family friendly campground setting. If you are looking for Halloween camping near Des Moines, RV sites for fall weekends, or a cabin rental for a spooky getaway, our campground offers the perfect balance of seasonal fun and peaceful evenings.
Halloween Weekends 2026 will include themed activities such as site decorating contests, costume contests for all ages, pumpkin decorating while supplies last, and interactive attractions designed to bring out the spirit of the season. Guests are encouraged to decorate their campsites and join in the fun, as participation is part of what makes these weekends so memorable.
Camping during Halloween allows families to enjoy fall weather, colorful scenery, and community atmosphere while creating traditions that many guests return for year after year. After a full day of activities, relax around your campfire and enjoy crisp autumn evenings in a quieter setting just outside Des Moines.
Des Moines West KOA Holiday offers full hookup RV sites, pull through and back in RV sites, tent camping, glamping tents, one room camping cabins, deluxe cabins, and RV rental units. Whether you are traveling with a large motorhome or booking a cabin for the weekend, we provide accommodations for families, couples, and groups looking for Halloween camping in central Iowa.
Halloween Weekends are among the most popular dates of the fall season, and availability fills quickly. If you are searching for RV parks near Des Moines for Halloween, cabin rentals in Adel Iowa for fall, or family friendly Halloween camping experiences, we encourage booking early to secure your preferred dates.
We are keeping a few tricks up our sleeves for 2026, with additional details to be announced as the season approaches.
Reserve your site now and start planning your costumes.
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Pumpkin Palooza
Starts: 09/25/2026 - Ends: 09/27/2026
Halloween Weekends begin at the Des Moines West KOA from September 25–27, bringing a full weekend of festive fall camping just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities including a site decorating contest, costume contest, pumpkin decorating, and a haunted maze throughout the campground (weather permitting of course).
Halloween camping is one of the most popular times of the season, offering a fun and memorable experience for families and campers of all ages.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site early and enjoy a weekend of fall camping fun.
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Haunted Campground
Starts: 10/02/2026 - Ends: 10/04/2026
Haunted Campground Weekend takes place October 2–4 at the Des Moines West KOA, offering a fun and festive fall camping experience just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Guests can enjoy decorated campsites, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating while supplies last, and a haunted maze throughout the campground. Activities are available weather permitting.
Halloween weekends are some of the most popular of the season, providing a unique camping experience for families and guests of all ages.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and enjoy a memorable fall camping weekend.
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Spooky Campfire
Starts: 10/09/2026 - Ends: 10/11/2026
Spooky Campfire Weekend is coming up October 9–11 at the Des Moines West KOA, offering a fun and festive fall camping experience just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Guests can enjoy spooky decorations throughout the campground, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating while supplies last, and a variety of family-friendly Halloween activities. Activities are available weather permitting.
This popular fall weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy cooler weather, campfires, and time outdoors with family and friends.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and enjoy a memorable Halloween camping experience.
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Monster Bash
Starts: 10/16/2026 - Ends: 10/18/2026
Monster Bash Weekend takes place October 16–18 at the Des Moines West KOA, marking the final Halloween weekend of the season just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Guests can enjoy decorated campsites, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating while supplies last, and a haunted maze throughout the campground. Activities are available weather permitting.
This final fall weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy cooler weather, campfires, and one last themed camping experience before the season winds down.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and end the season with a memorable camping weekend.
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Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market
Starts: 05/02/2026 - Ends: 10/31/2026
Experience one of Iowa's most popular community events at the Downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines. Held every Saturday morning from May through October in the Historic Court District, this vibrant market brings together local farmers, artisans, food vendors, and entertainers from across the region.
Stroll through rows of vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, locally raised meats, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, flowers, and unique gifts. The market is also a great place to meet up with family and friends, enjoy live entertainment, and experience the energy of downtown Des Moines.
Whether you're looking for fresh ingredients for your next campground meal, unique Iowa-made products, or simply a fun morning exploring the city, the Downtown Farmers' Market offers something for everyone.
Located just a short drive from Des Moines West KOA Holiday, the market makes for a perfect day trip during your camping getaway. Spend the morning shopping and exploring downtown, then return to the campground to relax and enjoy the rest of your day.
The Downtown Farmers' Market is a must-visit attraction for campers looking to experience local flavor, support small businesses, and discover the best of central Iowa.
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Iowa Cubs Home Games
Starts: 03/28/2026 - Ends: 09/13/2026
Looking for a fun family outing during your stay? Catch an Iowa Cubs baseball game in nearby Des Moines.
As the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs, the Iowa Cubs offer an exciting baseball experience featuring future Major League stars, family friendly entertainment, and affordable fun for all ages.
Home games are played at Principal Park, one of the top minor league baseball stadiums in the country. Fans can enjoy great views of the Des Moines skyline, themed game nights, special promotions, fireworks shows on select evenings, and plenty of ballpark favorites.
Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan or simply looking for a fun night out, an Iowa Cubs game is a great addition to your camping getaway.
Located just a short drive from Des Moines West KOA Holiday, Principal Park makes it easy to enjoy a game and return to the campground afterward for a relaxing evening around the campfire.
Check the Iowa Cubs schedule for upcoming home games and special events during your stay.
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Madison County Covered Bridge Festival
Starts: 10/10/2026 - Ends: 10/11/2026
Experience one of Iowa's most beloved fall traditions at the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival in nearby Winterset. Held every second full weekend in October, this annual event attracts visitors from across the Midwest to celebrate the history, beauty, and charm of Madison County's famous covered bridges.
Visitors can browse handcrafted goods, sample local food favorites, enjoy live performances, and experience the welcoming atmosphere that has made this festival a fall favorite since 1970.
One of the highlights of the weekend is the opportunity to visit Madison County's iconic covered bridges. For those looking to avoid festival traffic and gravel roads, the Winterset Rotary Club offers guided bus tours of several historic bridges, including the Roseman Bridge, Hogback Bridge, and Cutler-Donahoe Bridge, along with the historic North River Schoolhouse. Knowledgeable guides share the history, stories, and local lore that have made these landmarks famous throughout Iowa.
History enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting the Madison County Historical Complex during its special "History on the Hill" celebration. Guests can explore historic buildings, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, visit a Civil War encampment, watch reenactments, and participate in family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
Sunday brings even more excitement with one of central Iowa's largest car shows, organized by the Central Iowa Auto Club. Hundreds of classic and custom vehicles gather near Winterset Elementary School, creating a must-see attraction for automobile enthusiasts. The weekend concludes with the Covered Bridge Festival Parade on Sunday afternoon.
Located just a short drive from Des Moines West KOA Holiday, the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival makes an excellent day trip during your camping getaway. Spend the day exploring Winterset, discovering historic covered bridges, shopping local vendors, and enjoying seasonal festivities before returning to your campsite, cabin, or RV site for a relaxing evening.
If you are searching for fall festivals in Iowa, things to do in Winterset, covered bridge tours, or family-friendly autumn events near Des Moines, the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival is a must-see destination.
Make plans to experience Madison County's signature annual event and discover why visitors return year after year.
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Wills Family Orchard Fall Festival | Adel
Starts: 09/12/2026 - Ends: 10/25/2026
Fall in Adel, Iowa is one of the best times to visit Des Moines West KOA Holiday, and Wills Family Orchard is a big part of the seasonal fun. The 2026 Apple & Pumpkin Festival weekends run September 12 through October 25 on select Saturdays and Sundays.
Families can enjoy apple and pumpkin picking when available, a corn maze, hayrides, Fields of Fun activities, farm animals, seasonal food and the colorful sights of an Iowa autumn. It is the kind of easygoing fall outing that works beautifully for families camping near Des Moines.
Wills Family Orchard is located right in Adel, making it especially convenient for guests staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday. Plan a fall camping weekend, explore the orchard during the day and come back to the campground to enjoy your own campfire and outdoor time.
For current 2026 festival dates, hours and activity availability, check Wills Family Orchard before visiting.
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Des Moines Concours d'Elegance | Des Moines
Starts: 09/13/2026 - Ends: 09/13/2026
Car enthusiasts have another reason to visit the Des Moines area this September. The Des Moines Concours d'Elegance brings exceptional classic and vintage automobiles together for a weekend celebrating automotive history, design and craftsmanship.
For guests staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday in Adel, a Des Moines car event can make an excellent addition to a fall camping getaway. Spend the day exploring the vehicles and downtown Des Moines, then head back west to enjoy a quieter evening at the campground.
Whether you travel in an RV, enjoy classic cars or simply appreciate beautifully restored vehicles, automotive events can turn an ordinary weekend into a memorable Central Iowa getaway. Des Moines West KOA Holiday offers a convenient campground base for exploring attractions and events throughout the Des Moines metro.
Event schedules and activities can change, so check the official event information before making your plans.
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KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend at Des Moines West KOA
Starts: 09/11/2026 - Ends: 09/13/2026
Calling all KOA Rewards members! KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend is coming to Des Moines West KOA, and we are excited to celebrate the campers who continue to choose KOA for their camping adventures.
As a special thank you to KOA Rewards holders, stay with us on Friday, September 11 and enjoy Saturday, September 12 FREE when booking two consecutive nights at the same participating KOA campground.
A Weekend Made for KOA Rewards Members
KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend is all about celebrating loyalty, camping, family, friends, and time spent enjoying the great outdoors. Enjoy a relaxing weekend at Des Moines West KOA with our regular campground amenities and weekend activities. Whether you're traveling in your RV, bringing the family, or looking for a camping getaway near Des Moines, it's a great time to enjoy the final weeks of summer.
Your KOA Rewards Benefit
Stay as a paying guest on Friday, September 11, and receive Saturday, September 12 FREE when staying two consecutive nights at the same participating KOA. The KOA Rewards discount does apply, but this offer cannot be combined with other discounts. Sites may be limited, and the offer applies to one site per KOA Rewards account.
Ready to make a weekend of it? Come celebrate with us at Des Moines West KOA in Adel, Iowa.
For more information or to make your reservation, call 515-750-2181 and reference hot deal code V. Book the Deal.
Not a KOA Rewards Member Yet?
There's still time to join! KOA Rewards is just $39 per year and includes benefits such as 10% off daily registration rates at more than 500 KOA locations, rewards points toward future stays, exclusive offers, and access to special events like KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend.
You can purchase your KOA Rewards membership right through your reservation with Des Moines West KOA. Ask us about joining when you make your reservation.
Learn more about KOA Rewards.
Offer is valid September 11–12, 2026, at participating KOA locations. Applies to one site per KOA Rewards account for two consecutive nights at the same KOA. Sites may be limited. KOA Rewards discount does apply but is not valid with other discounts. Terms and availability may apply.
