What are the park's operating hours?

The park is open from 8 AM to 8 PM, April through October, and 8 AM to 5 PM, November through March.

Are pets allowed in the park?

Yes, pets are allowed in the park, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Where are you located?

We are located at 3155 Walnut Woods Dr.

Are there picnic areas and restrooms available?

Yes, there are picnic areas and restrooms available throughout the park for visitor convenience.

Can I rent equipment or bikes in the park?

Yes, we offer bike and equipment rentals at our visitor center.

Reviews (515) 285-4502 Call Website Photos About

Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines

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4.6 (681)

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Walnut Woods State Park is a tourist attraction in West Des Moines, IA.

Walnut Woods State Park Review Summary

The summary was generated by AI, based on reviews.

Walnut Woods State Park is a serene escape from the city, offering scenic hiking paths, picnic areas, and opportunities for bird-watching. Visitors praise the well-maintained trails and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Review Rating Chart

Google Reviews: 4.8/5

Yelp: 4.5/5

TripAdvisor: 4.7/5

Facebook Reviews: 4.9/5

Travelocity: 4.6/5

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Reviews & Ratings

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4.6

(681 Reviews)

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Will Handley -Google user

7 months ago

Awesome smaller family friendly state park property. Bird watching, hiking, biking, picnic areas and launch ramp and playground are a few of the park features. Nice campground with dump station, didn't see any showers however. A new pedestrian bridge over the river connecting Raccoon Park...Read More

Yes, one featureVault toilets at multiple locationsLeashed dogs are welcomeYes, multiple locations with grills and or fire pits

Michelle Preiss -Google user

a year ago

Booked for my wedding ceremony and reception for about 50 people. Perfect size. Two bathrooms inside, a kitchen equipped with microwave, fridge w/ freezer, oven, and sink! 70 wood chairs. Three 6ft buffet tables in the cleaning closet. Amplified sound is not allowed in...Read More

Amber Winn -Google user

3 months ago

Great veiws of water, trees, and trails. Great Bird spotting places.

Yes they have at least oneYes

Danny -Google user

2 years ago

Nice, small campground with electricity & water. Filled up quickly on a summer Sunday night. Great access to Raccoon River for canoeing, fishing or just playing. The Bird Blind is one of the best I have ever seen for attracting song birds.

Rho M. -Google user

3 years ago

Small, quiet, spacious sites, $20/night E only and $26 FHU. Over half the sites are shaded with large trees:) Bathroom and dump site, yes, but NO BATHHOUSE. Keep this in mind if you're staying up to their 2-week maximum. There is...Read More

Eric Doll -Google user

5 years ago

Really nice park with lots of cool trail options. We discovered a really huge sycamore tree!!!! Definately recommend bringing mosquito spray. Huge walnut trees and equestrian trails!!!! I hear it may soon get connected to raccoon River Park with an awesome bridge over the river.

Jane Curl -Google user

4 years ago

Spring Bluebells of Walnut Woods are most spectacular. Creating an enchanting forest walk for hikers going bye as Saturday sketch club Des Moines Iowa members create paint sketch and watercolor the splendor of it all! Oh what a joy, an awesome gift of nature revealed...Read More

Marty Hogan -Google user

4 years ago

Nice State Park along the Raccoon River. You can picnic or hangout. Big lodge if you have a big occasion tocelebrate. The bird blind was amazing. Closed because of COVID, but if you stay quiet and still the birds...Read More

Akshat Valse -Google user

5 years ago

It is a great place to escape from the city for it is just 15 mins away from the heart of Des Moines. It is well maintained and very beautiful, it has many public spaces, tables, and benches. There are deers, rabbits, and many squirrels....Read More

Helene T -Google user

2 years ago

Always enjoy my hikes and the bird blinds. This time of the year is gorgeous and so many Bald Eagles❤

Ildiko Scott -Google user

5 years ago

Very beautiful campgrounds, the beautiful trees. Very well kept grounds. Very peaceful. Bbq and picnic tables at every site.

Paige Powell -Google user

3 weeks ago

Walked from Racoon River Park on to the bridge that connects it to Walnut Woods. Beautiful.

Jolene Knighton -Google user

8 months ago

This campground has some beautiful trees. The camping spots are nice and level. It was quiet last night

Colin Erskine -Google user

2 years ago

We were looking for a place to stay and this campground was a little bit of a back track but was pretty quiet except for the few planes flying over at night. Really easy to check in. They only do camping reservations online. And it...Read More

Barbara Rees -Google user

11 months ago

Good 2 night visit. Concrete pads. Clear and well placed signage. Campground entrance quite muddy and in need of gravel.

Pauly Lama -Google user

3 weeks ago

Big place with camping, family weekend celebrations and peaceful moments.

Andrea Zitoli -Google user

a year ago

A nice cozy place to hold any family event. Attended a friend's wedding. There's room for about 100 people. If you are looking for a secluded woodsy atmosphere, this is it!

Brent Breaux -Google user

4 weeks ago

Kudos to the Iowa department of natural resources, as this park is beautiful and well maintained so close to Des Moines, right on the Racoon River. Gorgeous and peaceful with a great campground and hiking trails all around. 5 stars!

Danielle Fitch -Google user

a month ago

Always love going here. Beautiful and clean. Absolutely love the new pedestrian bridge connecting it to Raccoon River Park.

Eric Hyde -Google user

7 months ago

Beautiful campgrounds, especially in the fall. In about two weeks this Park will have a trail bridge over the river, so it will be connected to Des Moines Metro hike/walking trails!

Features

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Activities

Hiking

Amenities

Barbecue grill

Picnic tables

Public restroom

Slides

Swings

Children

Good for kids

Kid-friendly hikes

Playground

Pets

Dogs allowed

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Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines

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