State Parks Near Des Moines, Iowa
10 state park units lie within 50 miles of Des Moines. The closest is Walnut Woods State Park, about 7 mi west of town. 4 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Walnut Woods State Park7 mi west
- Within 25 miles
- 4of 10 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 83 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 0pets allowed
State parks near Des Moines, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Des Moines; driving distance is usually longer.
Walnut Woods State Park
Popular activities here are boating, wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Water access includes a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and group camping. Roofed lodging includes lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Walnut Woods State Park →Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park
Visitors come for boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a boat ramp and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park →Big Creek State Park
The park supports golf, disc golf, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, and boating. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Big Creek State Park →Lake Ahquabi State Park
Visitors come for canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Ahquabi State Park →Elk Rock State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding and boating. On the water side, there is a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups, group camping, equestrian camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Elk Rock State Park →Ledges State Park
Things to do include hiking. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Ledges State Park →Stephens State Forest
The official site lists about 20 miles of trails.
Hours, fees and rules for Stephens State Forest →Rock Creek State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, and fishing. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Rock Creek State Park →Red Haw State Park
Things to do include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with electric hookups and showers).
Hours, fees and rules for Red Haw State Park →Springbrook State Park
Popular activities here are swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 12 miles, according to the park. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Springbrook State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Des Moines
- Walnut Woods State Park 7 mi west · Campground listed
- Lake Ahquabi State Park 20 mi south · Campground listed
- Elk Rock State Park 30 mi southeast · Campground listed
- Ledges State Park 32 mi northwest · Campground listed
- Stephens State Forest 39 mi south · Campground listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Des Moines
- Walnut Woods State Park 7 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Lake Ahquabi State Park 20 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Springbrook State Park 46 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
Swimming near Des Moines
- Big Creek State Park 16 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Ahquabi State Park 20 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
- Rock Creek State Park 42 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
- Red Haw State Park 44 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Springbrook State Park 46 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Des Moines
- Walnut Woods State Park 7 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park 9 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Big Creek State Park 16 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Ahquabi State Park 20 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Ledges State Park 32 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Fishing near Des Moines
- Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park 9 mi south · Fishing listed
- Big Creek State Park 16 mi northwest · Fishing listed
- Lake Ahquabi State Park 20 mi south · Fishing listed
- Rock Creek State Park 42 mi east · Fishing listed
- Red Haw State Park 44 mi southeast · Fishing listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Des Moines
What is the closest state park to Des Moines?
Walnut Woods State Park is the closest, about 7 miles west of Des Moines in a straight line. Next are Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park and Big Creek State Park.
How many state parks are near Des Moines?
10 state park units are within 50 miles, and 4 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Des Moines have camping?
8 parks list camping, the nearest being Walnut Woods State Park, Lake Ahquabi State Park and Elk Rock State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Des Moines?
None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.
Are there free state parks near Des Moines?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Newton, IA31 mi east
- Near Ames, IA31 mi north
- Near Oskaloosa, IA54 mi east
- Near Fort Dodge, IA71 mi northwest
- Near Ottumwa, IA72 mi southeast
- Near Carroll, IA73 mi northwest
Or see all Iowa state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.