The grass is green and leaves have emerged from their buds. Yes, the longest winter ever has finally ended. Now it’s time to enjoy creation in this small expanse of time where temperatures hover above 50 degrees. This spring, get out early to enjoy our state parks.You can reserve a campsite through the online reservation system, but half of the sites are available on a first-come, first serve basis. Whether you want to stay close to home or are willing to drive an hour or two, there is plenty of beauty to experience in our wonderful state.

Walnut Woods
15 minutes from Des Moines
Enjoy one of 23 shady campsites, river access for canoeing, plenty of picnic tables, and a couple of miles to hike. With no shower facilities, it’s a good thing that this state park is in the city’s backyard for a quick shower at home if you’re not used to roughing it.

Ledges State Park
1 hour from Des Moines
Hike through trails around limestone walls, creeks, and through the woods. Twelve of the 95 campsites are hike-in sites, perfect for a secluded outdoorsy experience.

Honey Creek State Park
2 hours, 8 minutes from Des Moines
Enjoy Rathbun Lake, Iowa’s largest lake, at Honey Creek State park. You can rough it in a tent at one of the 148 campsites, hook up your parents’ RV, or live like Lincoln for a weekend in one of their rustic log cabins.

Shimek State Forest
3 hours, 25 minutes from Des Moines
This state forest is composed of 9,148 acres that was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1950 on exhausted farmland. There is camping at White Oak Lake, stocked fishing on four other lakes, picnic areas, and more than 25 miles of hiking.

Yellow River State Park
4 hours, 26 minutes from Des Moines
Yellow River’s hiking trails were once listed as the top Iowa hike in an issue of Outside magazine. Sure that issue was published 13 years ago, but anytime an Iowa trail makes it into a real outdoor magazine, it is something to boast about. And with 25 miles of easy-to-moderate trails and multiple campgrounds, this state forest will give you a real wilderness experience.