Walnut Woods State Park
A 260-acre nature reserve offering trails, river access, camping, and a historic lodge, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer bugs
Walnut Woods State Park
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 260-acre nature reserve offering trails, river access, camping, and a historic lodge, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
"Awesome smaller family friendly state park property with great bird watching and hiking."
🦟 Beat the Bugs!
Mosquitoes can be intense. Bring strong repellent for a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
🛶 River Trip Prep
Plan your Raccoon River kayak trip; a 14-mile float can take around 5 hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Raccoon River Kayaking
Raccoon River
Paddle down the Raccoon River, enjoying scenic views and a peaceful escape. A 14-mile trip is a popular adventure.
Bird Watching Blind
Bird Watching Blind
Discover local avian life from a dedicated blind, a surprising gem for nature enthusiasts.
Black Walnut Tree Trails
Park Trails
Hike or bike through shaded paths lined with towering black walnut trees, a peaceful and dog-friendly experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors, Pack Accordingly
River Adventures & Trail Exploration
The park also boasts trails for hiking and biking, with a new pedestrian bridge connecting to Raccoon Park expanding options. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Beat the Bugs!
Mosquitoes can be intense. Bring strong repellent for a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
🛶 River Trip Prep
Plan your Raccoon River kayak trip; a 14-mile float can take around 5 hours.
👟 Trail Etiquette
Share trails respectfully with cyclists and other hikers.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and in many park areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Beat the Bugs!
Mosquitoes can be intense. Bring strong repellent for a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
🛶 River Trip Prep
Plan your Raccoon River kayak trip; a 14-mile float can take around 5 hours.
👟 Trail Etiquette
Share trails respectfully with cyclists and other hikers.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and in many park areas.
💧 Campsite Mud
Campsites can get muddy after rain; consider bringing extra mats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Walnut Woods State Park is praised as a nice, family-friendly spot with good trails and river access. However, visitors frequently mention significant mosquito issues and occasional lapses in campground host attentiveness and restroom cleanliness. +1
"Stayed in campsite 18 for the holiday weekend. Nice quiet campground overall. It rained quite a bit and the campsite was a muddy mess with several inches of water standing on the pad under my camper. Have a lot of cleanup to do at home today on the camper. The pedestrian bridge is very nice and a nice walk for the dogs."
Stephen Hamilton
"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 is almost finished which will expand the hiking and biking options. Day use access is fee free but donations are recommended. Good parking large enough for any size rig or RV. I had 3 bars of Verizon 4G LTE Roaming."
Will Handley
"This is a nice park plenty of picnic tables.A small area for children to play on playground type equipment.
The day I was, there happened to be a field day for a group of homeschoolers younger kids.But it was a good learning experience for them as they were going to do some exploring.
There's a good number of camp sites for campers trailers intense, I do not know the number of sites."
John Biggs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Walnut Woods State Park is located in West Des Moines, easily accessible by car. It's a short drive from downtown Des Moines, making it a convenient nature escape.
Public transportation options directly to Walnut Woods State Park are limited. It's best to plan for a personal vehicle or rideshare service for easy access.
The park has a launch ramp for boats, and you can also put in at the Booneville boat ramp for longer river trips.
Yes, there is ample parking available, large enough for RVs and trailers, making it convenient for day visitors and campers.
A new pedestrian bridge connects Walnut Woods State Park to Raccoon Park, expanding hiking and biking routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day use access to Walnut Woods State Park is free, though donations are recommended to support park maintenance.
State parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facility hours, like the lodge, may vary.
While not always required, booking campsites in advance is highly recommended, especially for holiday weekends or peak seasons, as they can fill up.
Generally, no special permits are needed for standard activities like hiking, picnicking, or fishing. Check with the Iowa DNR for any specific regulations.
Yes, the park features a 1930s lodge that is available for rentals, making it a unique venue for events.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers trails for hiking and biking, winding through black walnut trees and along the Raccoon River.
Yes, Walnut Woods State Park has numerous picnic tables, making it a great spot for a family outing or a relaxing lunch amidst nature.
The campground offers sites for tents and campers, with a dump station available. Showers are not consistently available, so plan accordingly. Campsites can become muddy after rain.
Absolutely! The park has a dedicated bird watching blind and is a habitat for various bird species, including robins.
Families can enjoy playgrounds, picnicking, hiking, and exploring the natural environment. The park is a great place for kids to learn and play outdoors.
🍽️ 🎣 Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Walnut Woods State Park itself. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or camping meals.
The nearest grocery options are typically found in West Des Moines, with stores like Hy-Vee being a few miles away.
Campfires are usually permitted in designated fire rings at campsites, but always check current park regulations and fire bans.
Typically, there are no regular food vendors within the park. It's best to pack your own food and drinks.
With many picnic tables scattered throughout the park, you can find a scenic spot near the river or under the shade of the walnut trees.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the park's natural beauty, especially along the river.
The Raccoon River, the black walnut trees, and the pedestrian bridge offer picturesque opportunities. Even rainy days can create dramatic shots.
Yes, with its bird watching blind and natural habitat, it's a great location for photographing local birds and other small wildlife.
Drone usage is subject to Iowa DNR regulations. It's advisable to check their official guidelines before flying a drone in the park.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive river views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great place for kids to explore, learn about nature, and burn off some energy in a safe and scenic environment. 🐶 Dog Owners
Many visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the shaded paths and the proximity to the Raccoon River. Remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times to ensure the safety and comfort of all park visitors and wildlife. 🏕️ Campers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Raccoon River
This journey can take around 5 hours, depending on water levels, which have been noted as low in recent times. The river provides a serene way to experience the park's natural beauty from a different perspective. Beyond kayaking, the river is also a draw for fishing and boating. The park's launch ramp facilitates easy access for those with their own watercraft.
Hiking and Biking Trails
These trails are generally considered dog-friendly, making it a great destination for those who want to explore with their canine companions. A significant enhancement to the trail system is the new pedestrian bridge that connects Walnut Woods State Park to the adjacent Raccoon Park.
Wildlife and Nature Observation
Visitors have reported seeing various birds, including robins, engaging in conversations with each other. The park's natural setting, with its mix of woodlands and riverine habitats, supports a variety of wildlife. Even a brief visit can yield sightings of birds and other small creatures.
The Merlin Bird App is recommended for identifying species, and downloading the Midwest bird pack beforehand can enhance the experience. The park's commitment to preserving its natural environment makes it a valuable spot for those seeking a peaceful connection with nature. 
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