Polk County
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Camping
Campground Rules
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAMPING:
On first come first served campsites, the camping unit must be on site prior to registering. Register within 1/2 hour of set up.
No holding a campsite. A screen tent is not a designated camping unit.
An extra tent must be registered prior to set up. An extra fee is required for the extra tent.
Camping under the stars is not allowed. A camping unit (tent, rv, pop up, etc.) is required.
Must be 18 years old to register a site.
SHELTER:
Vehicles must be parked in parking lot; no vehicles allowed in or near shelter buildings.
Keg beer allowed only with deposit and advance notification to park ranger.
Reserved shelters are for entire day reserved.
PARK HOURS:
Summer hours: 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Fort Des Moines closes at sunset.
Winter hours: sunrise to sunset
GATE CLOSURES:
Registered campers may reenter the park after hours. Site number and name of registered party is required after hours.
PETS:
Pets must be on leash and not left alone at site.
A leash no longer than 6 foot long is required.
Polk County Conservation website
Do my visitors need to leave the park at 10:30 p.m. even if they are visiting us at our campsite?
Section 12 of our Park Rules and Regulations states: all visitors are required to leave the park prior to closing time, which is 10:30 p.m. during the summer hours and by sunset during off season.
We don't have a tent, can we sleep under the stars, if we register a campsite?
No. Under our Park Rules and Regulations, you need to have a designated "Camping unit" in order to camp in a county park, a "camping unit" is a tent, trailer or motor vehicle specifically designated for such use as a temporary residence at a camp area. Section 13 (E).
What is the latest I can set up a camping spot?
Section 14 (K) of our Park Rules and Regulations stipulates: There will be no taking down or putting up of camping units after 10:00 p.m.
Do you lock the park gates at 10:30 pm?
At parks with campgrounds we do not lock the gates. Areas without campgrounds are locked after hours. If you return to the park after hours you may be stopped by the ranger, in which case let them know you are returning to your camp site. You will be asked to provide the name on the reservation and campsite number.
Summer park hours are 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. Winter hours are sunrise to sunset. Fort Des Moines closes at sunset throughout the year.
How do we contact a ranger?
In an emergency, dial 911. The emergency services will notify the ranger on duty.
Many questions can be answered by our Administration office staff. During normal business hours, contact our office at (515) 323-5300 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fax (515) 323-5354; E-Mail pccb_info@polkcountyiowa.gov. If you need a park ranger during off hours, please contact the area's Park Ranger.
Fort Des Moines Park or Easter Lake Park (515) 249-1543
Jester Park (515) 249-3229
Thomas Mitchell Park or Mally's Weh Weh Neh Kee Park (515) 249-1753
Yellow Banks Park (515) 250-1031
Where can I ride my ATV in Polk County?
Section 20. The use of ATV's or similar vehicles is prohibited in county parks, this includes trails as well; you will find this website helpful: http://www.iowadnr.gov/law/atv/index.html
Can both a trailer and fold down occupy one site?
No, as stated in our regulations, Section 13 E. “Camping unit or camp”: a tent, trailer or motor vehicle specifically designed for such use as a temporary residence at a camp area. You are able to have two tents on the same site, however, two trailers, are not permitted. A camper (trailer, RV, etc.) with an additional tent or a tent with a second tent will be charged an additional tent fee.
General Questions
When does the beach at Easter Lake open?
Beach is open beginning Memorial Day Weekend
How do we contact a ranger?
In an emergency, dial 911. The emergency services will notify the ranger on duty.
For general questions during normal business hours, contact our main office at (515) 323-5300 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fax (515) 323-5354; E-Mail pccb_info@polkcountyiowa.gov. If you need a park ranger during off hours, please contact the area's Park Ranger.
After hours please contact the park ranger's cell number:
Fort Des Moines Park or Easter Lake Park (515) 249-1543
Jester Park (515) 249-3229
Thomas Mitchell Park or Mally's Weh Weh Neh Kee Park (515) 249-1753
Yellow Banks Park (515) 250-1031
How do I learn more about being a park ranger; working for the conservation?
Please contact our main office at 515.323.5300 and our staff will provide you with information related to your interests.
Rules
Can I ride my ATV in Polk County Parks? Where can I find the park rules and regulations?
Section 20. The use of ATV's or similar vehicles is prohibited in county parks, this includes trails as well. Click here for further information: Rules and Regulations
Need More Answers?
Polk County Conservation - Family of parks and trails. Learn more at the link below!
Contact Polk