RV Parks In Johnston, Iowa
41.6730° N, 93.6977° W
Quick Overview
Johnston is a thriving Des Moines suburb in Polk County, sitting right along the I-80/I-35 corridor in central Iowa. The area has several RV parks available for travelers, with some offering free access. Johnston's suburban location gives you the best of both worlds -- easy access to Des Moines metro attractions, shopping, and dining while camping in a less congested area north of downtown. The city is home to Camp Dodge, one of Iowa's largest military installations, and borders the Saylorville Lake recreation area to the northwest. Local campgrounds serve both through-travelers on the interstate and folks making a longer visit to the Des Moines area. Full hookup sites are available at several locations, and the camping infrastructure benefits from the metro area's well-developed road network and services. Johnston's own Merle Hay Road corridor has every type of store and restaurant you could want within a few minutes' drive. The city's trail system connects to the greater Des Moines metro bike trail network, one of the most extensive urban trail systems in the country. For RVers who want metro convenience without the hassle of navigating downtown streets with a big rig, Johnston is an excellent base. Check the listings below for current options.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Johnston
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All Dump Stations Near Johnston
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Shetler Campground | 1.8 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club | 3.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Acorn Valley Campground | 4.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Prairie Flower Campground | 4.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sunview Trailer Park | 5.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Prairie Flower Campground | 5.2 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Nipplewort | 5.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Goldenrod Loop | 5.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Jester Park | 8.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| River View Camping | 8.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Bob Shetler Campground
1.8 miCutty's Des Moines Camping Club
3.7 miAcorn Valley Campground
4.7 miPrairie Flower Campground
4.9 miSunview Trailer Park
5.1 miPrairie Flower Campground
5.2 miNipplewort
5.4 miGoldenrod Loop
5.5 miJester Park
8.3 miRiver View Camping
8.5 miTraveling to Johnston by RV
I-35/I-80 passes directly through the Johnston area with multiple exits providing easy access. The Merle Hay Road exit and the NW 86th Street exit are the most convenient for reaching campgrounds and commercial services. From the interstate, most campgrounds are within 10 minutes. The Des Moines metro has extensive fuel options with truck stops along I-35 and I-80 offering diesel at competitive prices. The Merle Hay Road corridor has Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and every fast food and sit-down restaurant imaginable. For RV-specific needs, Camping World and several RV dealerships are located in the Des Moines metro area along the I-35 corridor. Propane is readily available at multiple locations. Hy-Vee and Fareway grocery stores are everywhere in the Des Moines suburbs for full grocery runs. Cell coverage is obviously excellent throughout the metro area. If you need rig service, Des Moines has multiple certified RV repair facilities.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Johnston, Iowa, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Johnston
Camping in the Johnston area reflects Des Moines metro pricing, which is moderate compared to major metros nationally. Of the parks available, a portion% offer free camping while a portion% charge nightly fees. Paid full hookup sites typically run $30 to $45 per night, with basic electric sites costing less. Weekly and monthly rates are available at parks catering to longer stays, and they represent good value compared to nightly pricing. The free options provide basic overnight parking without cost, which is especially valuable in a metro area where nightly rates can add up during an extended visit. Compared to RV parks in bigger midwestern metros like Minneapolis or Kansas City, Des Moines area rates are generally more affordable while offering comparable amenities and access to attractions.
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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Johnston
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Best Time to Visit Johnston by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
10-30°F
Crowds: Low
A few parks offer winter camping with hookups, but most close for the season as central Iowa sees regular snow and freezing temperatures.
Spring
Mar - May
35-70°F
Crowds: Medium
Parks open progressively through April and May, and the metro's extensive trail system becomes ideal for cycling as temperatures warm.
Summer
Jun - Aug
70-90°F
Crowds: High
Peak season with heavy demand during the Iowa State Fair in August -- book months in advance for that period or consider alternate dates.
Fall
Sep - Oct
40-70°F
Crowds: Medium
Fall is pleasant for camping with comfortable temperatures and reduced crowds after the summer rush and State Fair season.
Explore the Johnston Area
The Des Moines metro trail system is one of the nation's best, with over 800 miles of connected paved trails -- bring your bikes and explore from camp. Saylorville Lake is right next door to the northwest with fishing, hiking, and lake recreation. The Des Moines downtown area -- about 15 minutes south -- offers the Iowa State Capitol, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and a growing food and craft beer scene. The Iowa State Fair in August is one of the biggest in the country, so if you're camping in Johnston during fair week, expect campgrounds to be booked solid and plan months ahead. For groceries, the Hy-Vee on Merle Hay is large and well-stocked with a food court inside. Arrive early on weekday afternoons to beat commuter traffic on I-35 through the metro. Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines is the state's premier shopping mall if you need a retail therapy day. The Science Center of Iowa is a hit with families traveling with kids.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Johnston
Where can I find RV parks in Johnston, Iowa?
Johnston has several RV parks listed on RVingLife. Browse the listings on this page for hookup options, amenities, and locations in the Des Moines metro area of Polk County.
Are there free RV camping options in Johnston?
Yes, some of the parks in the Johnston area offer free camping. Check each listing for details on amenities available and any restrictions that apply to free overnight stays in the metro area.
How close is Johnston to Des Moines attractions?
Downtown Des Moines is about 15 minutes south of Johnston via I-35. The Iowa State Capitol, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Science Center, and the downtown dining and entertainment district are all within easy driving distance from your campsite.
What outdoor activities are near Johnston campgrounds?
The Des Moines metro trail system offers over 800 miles of paved trails for biking and walking. Saylorville Lake borders Johnston to the northwest with fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities throughout the summer season.
Where can I find RV parks in Johnston, Iowa?
Johnston has {{stationCount}} RV parks listed on RVingLife. Browse the listings on this page for hookup options, amenities, and locations in the Des Moines metro area of Polk County.
Are there free RV camping options in Johnston?
Yes, {{freeCount}} of the parks in the Johnston area offer free camping. Check each listing for details on amenities available and any restrictions that apply to free overnight stays in the metro area.
How close is Johnston to Des Moines attractions?
Downtown Des Moines is about 15 minutes south of Johnston via I-35. The Iowa State Capitol, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Science Center, and the downtown dining and entertainment district are all within easy driving distance from your campsite.
What outdoor activities are near Johnston campgrounds?
The Des Moines metro trail system offers over 800 miles of paved trails for biking and walking. Saylorville Lake borders Johnston to the northwest with fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities throughout the summer season.
Are there free dump stations in Johnston?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Johnston.
All Dump Stations Near Johnston (97)
RV ParkBob Shetler Campground
RV ParkAcorn Valley Campground
RV ParkCutty's Des Moines Camping Club
RV ParkPrairie Flower Campground
RV ParkPrairie Flower Campground
RV ParkNipplewort
RV ParkGoldenrod Loop
RV Park


