🌤 Weather at Walnut Woods State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–72 °F | 62–86 °F | 30–77 °F | 14–36 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Des Moines Intl Airport, 5 mi away, elevation 957 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Walnut Woods State Park is a public state park in Iowa near West Des Moines in Polk County County. Spanning 250 acres, the park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Iowa |
| Nearest City | West Des Moines |
| County | Polk County |
| Park Size | 250 acres |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (600 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Walnut Woods State Park is located near West Des Moines, Iowa. The park’s coordinates are 41.5419, -93.7428.
Things to Do
Iowa state parks offer a surprising diversity of landscapes beyond the classic rolling farm fields, featuring deep river valleys, natural lakes, loess hills, and ancient limestone bluffs. Activities revolve around the water, with excellent fishing for crappie, bluegill, and bass, boating on natural and man-made lakes, and pleasant beach swimming. Land activities include camping in shaded hardwood forests, hiking expanding trail networks, exploring unique geological formations like the Maquoketa Caves, and cycling on extensive paved rail-trails that frequently connect park units across the state.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is peak season, ideal for lake activities and family camping, though July and August can bring high heat and humidity. Fall (September–October) is arguably the best time to visit, offering cooler, comfortable temperatures, beautiful hardwood foliage, and excellent conditions for hiking and fishing without the summer crowds. Spring (April–May) provides great mushroom hunting (morels) and spring wildflower blooms. Winter is quiet, but several parks offer cross-country skiing and ice fishing when conditions allow.
Visitor Tips
Iowa stands out by offering free admission to all state parks for day use — no vehicle permits or entrance fees are required. Camping fees apply, and reservations can be made through the Iowa State Parks reservation system. Half of all campsites are reservable, while the other half remain first-come, first-served. When visiting cave parks like Maquoketa Caves, check for any temporary closures related to bat protection (White-Nose Syndrome) and wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy.
Explore More Iowa State Parks
Walnut Woods State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Iowa. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Iowa guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Walnut Woods SP — 260 acres on the Raccoon River in the Des Moines metro. The park’s river, bottomland forest, and walnut groves support bald eagles, great blue herons, and white-tailed deer. Channel catfish and smallmouth bass inhabit the river.
Nearby Attractions
West Des Moines — adjacent. Des Moines — 5 miles east. Jordan Creek Mall — 3 miles north.
More parks nearby: Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park is a short drive away, while Margo Frankel Woods State Park lies a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Walnut Woods State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 22 sites — 11 Standard Electric sites, 20/30 or 20/30/50 amp, $28/night peak (May 1-Oct 15). 8 Standard Full Hook-Up sites, $40/night peak. 2 RV Only sites, $28/night peak. 1 Youth Group Only site, $25/night peak. Back-in sites only, 31-71 feet. No showers; modern restrooms and a sanitary dump station on site. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed on all campground sites; not allowed at the day-use lodge. |
| Reservations | 100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (515) 285-4502. |
| Special sites | Campers at Walnut Woods and Lake Manawa State Parks may not camp more than 14 nights in any 30-day period. Day-use lodge available for rent. |
| Season notes | Campground accepts reservations year-round. |
Camping questions about Walnut Woods State Park
Can you camp at Walnut Woods State Park?
Yes. Walnut Woods State Park has 22 campsites. 11 Standard Electric sites, 20/30 or 20/30/50 amp, $28/night peak (May 1-Oct 15). 8 Standard Full Hook-Up sites, $40/night peak. 2 RV Only sites, $28/night peak. 1 Youth Group Only site, $25/night peak. Back-in sites only, 31-71 feet. No showers; modern restrooms and a sanitary dump station on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Walnut Woods State Park?
100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (515) 285-4502.
Are pets allowed at the Walnut Woods State Park campground?
Pets allowed on all campground sites; not allowed at the day-use lodge.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Walnut Woods State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Walnut Woods State Park?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Walnut Woods State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
