🌤 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. It protects Raccoon River bottomland that the Iowa DNR calls the state’s largest stand of native black walnut.
Quick Facts
| State | Iowa |
| Nearest City | West Des Moines |
| County | Polk County |
| Park Size | 260 acres |
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
Walnut Woods is 260 acres of Raccoon River bottomland on the southern edge of West Des Moines, and the trees are the reason it exists: the Iowa DNR calls it the state’s largest stand of black walnut (the reservation system goes further and claims the largest surviving natural stand in North America). One rule follows from that — no harvesting or even picking up walnuts in the park. More than two miles of wide, flat, natural-surface trails wind through the grove and along the river, with a bird observation and feeding station west of the park office; more than 90 bird species have been recorded here.
The river is the second draw. Fish from the bank or launch from the ramp at the park’s west end — but note the DNR’s own caution that the park sits barely above normal river level, so the water is “constantly changing,” and canoe trips need a pre-planned vehicle shuttle. For pavement, the Athene pedestrian bridge links the park’s southeast corner to West Des Moines’ Raccoon River Park by a half-mile paved trail, and the 16.5-mile Great Western Trail to Martensdale starts about 3 miles away. The park’s centerpiece building is a 1930s limestone-and-timber day-use lodge that the DNR ranks among the finest CCC-era lodges in its system — with indoor and outdoor fireplaces and room for 125.
Best Time to Visit
The campground stays open year-round, which is rare this close to a capital city, and from October 16 to April 30 every site drops to $23. Spring and early summer are the floodplain’s wet months — the trails “flood periodically and may remain wet and muddy following rains,” in the DNR’s words — so check the park alerts after heavy rain. Fall is the walnut grove at its best; winter turns the flat trails into a cross-country ski loop.
Visitor Tips
There is no entrance fee (Iowa charges non-resident vehicle permits only at Lake Manawa and Waubonsie). The 23-site campground is all-electric — 8 full-hookup sites at $40 a night in peak season (May 1–October 15), 11 electric sites at $28 — with modern restrooms and a dump station but no showers, and no cabins. Every site is reservable and reservations are required, up to 3 months ahead at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com, with a 14-night limit in any 30 days — as of September 2026. The lodge rents for $250 on weekdays and $500 on weekend days and books up to 12 months out.
The DNR’s own pitch answers the question most visitors arrive with: Walnut Woods is “one of the only parks close to Des Moines with a designated campground,” minutes from I-35 and the Highway 5 bypass — take Highway 5 to exit 102 and follow the signs (from I-35, exit 68). Address: 3155 Walnut Woods Drive, West Des Moines; park office 515-285-4502.
Fees, seasons and facility details verified against iowadnr.gov on September 2, 2026. Fees change — confirm before you travel.
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:
