Nomadic Van Life Travel Guide in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

1. Des Moines East Campground

A city-run campground offering RV sites with electric hookups, located near downtown Des Moines for easy access to attractions.

City-Run: Provides a sense of safety and reliability.
Downtown Location: Allows for convenient exploration of the city.
Electric Hookups: Ensures a comfortable power supply for your van life needs.

A tranquil campground situated on the shores of Twin Lakes, offering scenic views and fishing opportunities.

Scenic Views: Offers a peaceful and picturesque setting.
Fishing Opportunities: Provides an enjoyable recreational activity for nature lovers.
Lakefront Location: Ensures easy access to water activities and a serene environment.

An urban oasis featuring diverse plant collections, including an indoor tropical paradise and a stunning outdoor garden.

A renowned annual festival showcasing local and international artists, music, and cultural performances.

Local and International Artists: Provides a unique blend of global and local artistic expressions.
Music and Cultural Performances: Adds vibrancy and diversity to the event.
Annual Event: Ensures a consistent and memorable experience.

A riverside park offering a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and picnicking.

Riverside Location: Ensures access to water activities and scenic views.
Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for physical recreation and enjoyment of nature.
Picnicking Area: Allows for a relaxed and convenient meal option.

A vibrant market offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music on Saturdays.

An urban park displaying over 30 contemporary sculptures by renowned artists.

Contemporary Sculptures: Offers a modern and thought-provoking art experience.
Urban Park Setting: Provides an opportunity to enjoy art amidst the city landscape.
Renowned Artists: Ensures a high-quality and diverse collection.

A community center featuring a theater, gallery, bar, and event spaces for cultural experiences.

Community Center: Promotes local engagement and interaction.
Theater and Gallery: Offers a variety of artistic performances and exhibitions.
Event Spaces: Ensures a consistent flow of diverse events.

A scenic park along the Des Moines River, offering picnic areas, walking trails, and a water treatment center tour.

Scenic River Views: Offers tranquil surroundings and a connection to nature.
Walking Trails: Allows for exercise and exploration of the park.
Water Treatment Center Tour: Provides an educational experience about water treatment processes.

A campground nestled in a wooded area, offering peaceful and secluded RV sites.

A park along the Raccoon River featuring sports fields, a skatepark, and picnic areas.

A campground located on the grounds of the Iowa State Fair, offering RV sites for fairgoers.

Iowa State Fair Location: Allows for easy access to one of the country's largest state fairs.
RV Sites: Accommodates nomadic van life travelers during the fair.
Year-Round Campground: Ensures availability outside of the annual fair season.

A popular park offering sports facilities, picnic areas, and a dog park.

A unique outdoor rink and performance space, offering ice skating and events during the winter months.

Outdoor Rink: Provides a rare opportunity for outdoor skating in Des Moines.
Performance Space: Offers cultural events and performances during the winter season.
Winter-Only Attraction: Ensures a unique experience for winter travelers.

A campground offering RV and tent sites, along with access to nearby attractions such as Adventureland amusement park.

RV and Tent Sites: Accommodates various types of camping preferences.
Nearby Attractions: Provides easy access to other points of interest in Des Moines.
Adventureland Access: Ensures a fun and entertaining experience for families.