Polk - Yellow Banks Park

Yellow Banks Park features several primitive camping sites on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Des Moines River and at various locations throughout the park as well as 48 electric sites at two nearby camping areas, two group sites (accommodate up to 20 people) and a youth camping area.

The park also offers five unique backpacking campsites located off a 3/4 mile trail complete with a firepit and picnic table at each site.

First-come first-served campsites as well as reservable campsites are available at this park. The reservable sites include the youth area (for qualified youth groups), the group campsites and a few in camp areas 1 and 2. 

Can’t find what camping site you’re looking for? New to camping with us?

Varieties of camping experiences await you. Each park has its unique camping experience but all campgrounds offer a picnic table and fire rings at each site with modern shower houses nearby.

Electric sites range from basic electric with water and dump station nearby to full hook ups.

Nonelectric sites range from primitive backpack sites nestled in the woods, to single tent sites, and to open grassy areas overlooking the Des Moines River where families and small groups can camp together.

Firewood is available for purchase at all parks.

How do I know if a campsite is available?

There are campsites that allow advance reservations and those that are first-come, first-served only.

Making reservations prior to arrival:

·        Go to www.mycountyparks.com website

·        Enter dates

·        Select campsite and follow booking process

·        Don’t find what you are looking for? Search without dates and click on campsite availability calendar

Making Reservations at a Reservable Campsite:

·        Scan QR code posted on the site marker. If no QR code present, this site does not accept online reservations and is a first-come, first-served site only.

·        Follow booking process.

What about sites that cannot be reserved online (first-come, first-served sites)?

·        To camp on a first-come, first-served site:

Drive through the area, find an empty site that is not reservable (sites are identified on the site post).

o   Set up camping unit then go self-register at the camping kiosk or fee booth near the shower house. You must have a camping unit on the site (tent, camper, RV) prior to payment. Payment must be within one hour of set up. Cash or checks only.

o   Campsite availability is not available online or by calling the park office.

Campgrounds are available at the following parks

·        Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

·        Jester Park

·        Thomas Mitchell Park

·        Yellow Banks Park

Reservable campsites:

·        Thomas Mitchell Park (all sites)

·        Jester Park Campgrounds 1 (all sites), 4 (select sites)

·        Yellow Banks Full Hook-up Sites (all sites),

·        Yellow Banks Campgrounds 1(select sites), 2 (select sites)

·        Youth Group and Family Group Sites (all sites)

Non-reservable Campsites (first-come, first-served)

·        Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt (all campsites except youth area)

·        Jester Park Campgrounds 2, 3,4 (select sites), Walk-in Primitive Sites

Yellow Banks Campgrounds 1 (select sites), 2 (select sites), all tent sites