Thomas Mitchell Campground

Welcome to Thomas Mitchell Campground, a serene and inviting camping destination nestled within Thomas Mitchell Park in Mitchellville, Iowa. For Iowa locals seeking a quiet escape that still offers plenty of outdoor activities, this Polk County Conservation gem provides an ideal setting. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen angler, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to unwind with your family (and your leashed canine companions!), Thomas Mitchell Campground offers a refreshing outdoor experience.

Thomas Mitchell Park is known for its cozy and quiet atmosphere, even with ongoing improvements, and the campground embodies this tranquil spirit. We understand that a truly great camping trip is about connecting with nature, enjoying clean facilities, and having ample space to relax. Our commitment is to provide a well-maintained environment where visitors can enjoy the beauty of central Iowa's landscapes. The positive feedback from campers, highlighting the quiet nature and wonderful hiking trails, underscores our dedication to offering a quality outdoor experience.

While there may be occasional construction as the park undergoes enhancements to further improve facilities, visitors consistently note that it doesn't detract from the peaceful ambiance. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Thomas Mitchell Campground continues to evolve, providing even better amenities and opportunities for future generations of campers. Come discover why Thomas Mitchell Campground is a cherished spot for many Iowa residents, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and a welcoming environment just a short drive from the Des Moines metro.

Thomas Mitchell Campground is conveniently located at 10509 NE 46 Avenue, Mitchellville, IA 50169, USA, as part of the beautiful Thomas Mitchell Park. This prime location places the campground in eastern Polk County, offering excellent accessibility for Iowa locals. Situated approximately 18 minutes from Des Moines and about 37 minutes from Ames, it provides a perfect balance of natural seclusion and convenient proximity to major urban centers.

For Iowa residents, this means a straightforward drive from various parts of the state, making it an ideal choice for weekend getaways or even a quick overnight stay. The park is easily reachable from Interstate 80 (I-80), making it a hassle-free journey for campers. Despite its closeness to city amenities, once you're within the park, you'll feel completely immersed in nature, surrounded by woods and the peaceful sounds of the outdoors.

The park encompasses 197 acres, offering ample space for exploration and recreation right from your campsite. Well-maintained roads lead directly to the campground, accommodating both RVs (up to 35 ft in length and 20 ft in width) and passenger vehicles. This combination of accessibility to major highways and its serene, natural setting makes Thomas Mitchell Campground a highly desirable destination for Iowa locals seeking a convenient yet authentic outdoor experience without having to travel too far from home.

Thomas Mitchell Campground provides a range of essential services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, catering to various preferences:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers 25 RV sites with electric hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp available) and 20 non-hookup (primitive) sites for a more traditional tent camping experience. There are also 45 general tent sites and 2 group sites.
• Modern Bathhouse and Restrooms: A clean and well-maintained bathhouse features hot showers and flushing toilets, providing a significant comfort for campers after a day of outdoor activities. Handicap accessible restrooms are also available.
• Water Spigots: Potable water spigots are available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to fresh water (not available at individual sites, but centrally located).
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is on-site for RV campers to dispose of waste.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring/firepit, perfect for outdoor dining and cozy campfires.
• Firewood Availability: Firewood is typically available for purchase, often brought directly to your site by the camp host on specific days (e.g., Wednesday-Sunday).
• Camp Hosts: Excellent camp hosts are on-site, providing friendly assistance, answering questions, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome in the campground, provided they are kept on a leash not exceeding six feet and are not left unattended outside the camping unit.
• Self-Registration and Online Reservations: Sites are available for walk-up/same-day reservations via a convenient QR code system at each site, and many sites can be reserved online up to one year in advance through the Polk County Conservation website.
• Accessible Walkways: The park features accessible walkways connecting key facilities like the playground, restrooms, and shelters.

Thomas Mitchell Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that contribute to its strong appeal and positive reviews among campers, particularly for Iowa locals:

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: A consistent highlight from visitors is the campground's "nice quiet" ambiance. This tranquility provides a true escape from city noise, allowing for deep relaxation and a strong connection with nature.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: The park is described as a "really pretty park" with "wonderful hiking trails through the woods." It's nestled in a wooded area, offering a "very green and shady" environment, with some sites being creekside, allowing kids to play and cool off in Camp Creek.
• Excellent Hiking Opportunities: With "wonderful hiking trails through the woods," including wide main trails and smaller offshoots, the park is ideal for walkers and hikers of all skill levels. There's even a trail to a group site.
• Fishing Pond: The park features a newly renovated and re-stocked 6-acre pond with fish habitat structures and an aeration system, offering "excellent" fishing opportunities for bluegill and crappie. Future plans include a trail and fishing jetties around the pond.
• Clean and Modern Facilities: The "clean bathhouse" with "hot water" and flushing toilets is a frequently praised amenity, providing a comfortable and convenient experience for campers.
• Friendly and Helpful Camp Hosts: The presence of "very nice camp host" who are "friendly and helpful" (even offering to bring firewood to your site) significantly enhances the camping experience, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With a playground, areas for kids to play in the creek, a fishing pond, and accessible pathways, the campground is well-suited for families. There are also youth group camping areas.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: Being a "popular place for dogs" (with leash requirements) is a significant highlight for pet owners who wish to bring their furry companions along.
• Proximity to Des Moines and Amenities: Despite its natural setting, the campground is conveniently close to the Des Moines metro area, offering easy access to city attractions like Adventureland and Prairie Meadows, and major highways for convenient travel.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Thomas Mitchell Campground, please use the contact details for Polk County Conservation, which manages Thomas Mitchell Park. Online reservations are available and recommended, especially for electric sites or during peak seasons, though walk-up registration is also an option.

Address: 10509 NE 46 Avenue, Mitchellville, IA 50169, USA

Phone: (515) 967-4889 (Polk County Conservation office for Thomas Mitchell Park)

You can also find detailed information, check availability, and make reservations directly through the Polk County Conservation website at

polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation

Thomas Mitchell Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Iowa locals, offering a compelling blend of tranquility, accessible recreation, and essential amenities. Its convenient location in Mitchellville, just a short drive from Des Moines, makes it a hassle-free escape for residents across central Iowa, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or well-planned family vacations without extensive travel. This accessibility is a major plus for Iowans looking to maximize their outdoor time.

The campground's reputation as a "nice quiet" place, even with ongoing construction, speaks to its ability to provide a peaceful retreat. For Iowans who appreciate a serene environment where they can truly unwind, this is a significant draw. The abundance of "wonderful hiking trails through the woods" and the renovated fishing pond directly cater to popular outdoor pursuits in the state, offering engaging activities for all ages. The ability to bring leashed dogs also adds to its appeal for pet-owning families.

Furthermore, the presence of clean modern bathhouses with hot showers and flushing toilets provides a level of comfort that enhances the camping experience, bridging the gap between rustic and amenity-rich. The helpfulness of the camp hosts ensures a welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the genuine hospitality often found in Iowa's community parks. Thomas Mitchell Campground, with its balanced offering of natural beauty, convenient facilities, and family-friendly activities, truly provides an ideal and highly recommended camping experience for any Iowa local seeking an authentic and enjoyable outdoor getaway in their home state.

Thomas Mitchell Campground

Mitchellville, IA 50169, USA