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2026 RAGBRAI LIII Route: Stay Near Guthrie Center & Boone
Starts: 07/18/2026 - Ends: 07/25/2026
The 2026 RAGBRAI LIII route has officially been announced, and the Des Moines West KOA is perfectly positioned for riders, support crews, and spectators seeking a comfortable place to stay along the route.
RAGBRAI LIII runs July 18–25, 2026, covering 391.4 miles with 16,027 feet of climb across Iowa. We're located just 37 minutes from Guthrie Center (Day 2) and 54 minutes from Boone (Day 3), making our campground an ideal stop for rest, recovery, and a quieter night before the next ride.
Many riders stay with the main group, but not everyone wants to push to exhaustion. Whether you're riding part of the route, supporting a team, or simply want full hook-ups, showers, and a peaceful night's sleep, the Des Moines West KOA offers a refreshing alternative.
Why stay with us during RAGBRAI:
- Easy access to Guthrie Center and Boone
- Full hook-up RV sites, cabins, and tent sites
- Clean showers and restrooms
- A quieter atmosphere on Monday, July 20
- A relaxed, refreshed start for Tuesday's ride into Boone
Route highlights:
- Day 0: Onawa – July 18 (RAGBRAI Expo)
- Day 1: Harlan – July 19 (58.5 miles)
- Day 2: Guthrie Center – July 20 (53.9 miles)
- Day 3: Boone – July 21 (59.5 miles)
- Day 4: Marshalltown – July 22
- Day 5: Independence – July 23
- Day 6: Dyersville – July 24
- Day 7: Dubuque – July 25
Updated route information: Add the Des Moines West KOA to your RAGBRAI plans and enjoy a comfortable, well-earned break along the journey.
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Where to Stay for the Dallas County Fair | July 7–11
Starts: 07/07/2026 - Ends: 07/11/2026
The Dallas County Fair, held July 7 through July 11, is one of the most anticipated summer events in the area. From livestock shows and 4H exhibits to live entertainment, fair food, and family activities, it is a true community tradition.
If you are planning to attend the Dallas County Fair and are looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay, the Des Moines West KOA Holiday in Adel, IA is an ideal choice.
Des Moines West KOA Holiday is located just minutes from the fairgrounds, making it easy to enjoy the fair during the day and return to a quiet, relaxing campsite in the evening. Instead of navigating traffic or staying in a crowded hotel, you can unwind in a spacious outdoor setting. Our location provides quick access to Adel and the greater Des Moines area, while still offering a peaceful camping atmosphere.
Whether you are traveling with a large RV, setting up a tent, or looking for a cabin rental near the Dallas County Fair, we offer a variety of accommodations to fit your needs, including full hookup RV sites, pull through and back in RV sites, tent camping sites, one room camping cabins, deluxe cabins, glamping tent options, and an RV rental unit. Booking early is recommended for fair week, as availability fills quickly during local events.
After enjoying fair food, rides, and entertainment, return to a refreshing pool, clean bathhouses, campfire evenings, mini golf and family activities, and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Camping near the Dallas County Fair allows you to turn a day at the fair into a full summer getaway.
Plan ahead and reserve your campsite or cabin for July 7 through July 11. Fair week is a popular time, and sites fill quickly.
We look forward to welcoming you.
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Iowa State Fair 2026
Starts: 08/13/2026 - Ends: 08/23/2026
The Iowa State Fair is one of the largest and most iconic summer events in the Midwest. Held each August in Des Moines, the fair brings together Grandstand concerts, nationally recognized entertainers, livestock shows, 4H exhibits, food vendors, carnival rides, and agricultural showcases that draw visitors from across Iowa and surrounding states.
Each year, the Iowa State Fair Grandstand features big name artists spanning country, rock, pop, and comedy, making it one of the premier live entertainment venues of the summer. In addition to headline concerts, fairgoers enjoy daily live music, competitions, exhibits, and some of the most famous fair food in the country.
If you are searching for places to stay near the Iowa State Fair, consider camping just outside the city at the Des Moines West KOA Holiday in Adel. Located approximately 30 minutes from the Iowa State Fairgrounds, our campground offers convenient access to the excitement while allowing you to return each evening to a peaceful and quiet setting away from city traffic and congestion.
After a full day of concerts, crowds, rides, and stimulation, you can unwind at your campsite, relax by the pool, enjoy a campfire, and experience open skies and calm surroundings. Many guests prefer staying outside Des Moines to avoid hotel crowding while still being close enough to attend daily fair events with ease.
We offer full hookup RV sites, pull through and back in RV sites, tent camping, glamping tents, one room camping cabins, deluxe cabins, and an RV rental unit. Whether you are traveling with a motorhome, trailer, or looking for a cabin rental near the Iowa State Fair, we provide accommodations for families, couples, and groups.
Camping near the Iowa State Fair allows you to turn your fair visit into a full summer getaway. Spend your day enjoying headline entertainment and fair attractions, then return to quiet evenings just 30 minutes away.
Stay close to the action while enjoying peace and quiet at the end of the day.
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Halloween Weekends 2026 (weather permitting)
Starts: 09/25/2026 - Ends: 10/18/2026
Halloween Weekends 2026 at the Des Moines West KOA Holiday are officially on the calendar, and they are some of the most anticipated camping weekends of the year.
Each fall, families return to Adel to celebrate Halloween in a fun, festive, and family friendly campground setting. If you are looking for Halloween camping near Des Moines, RV sites for fall weekends, or a cabin rental for a spooky getaway, our campground offers the perfect balance of seasonal fun and peaceful evenings.
Halloween Weekends 2026 will include themed activities such as site decorating contests, costume contests for all ages, pumpkin decorating while supplies last, and interactive attractions designed to bring out the spirit of the season. Guests are encouraged to decorate their campsites and join in the fun, as participation is part of what makes these weekends so memorable.
Camping during Halloween allows families to enjoy fall weather, colorful scenery, and community atmosphere while creating traditions that many guests return for year after year. After a full day of activities, relax around your campfire and enjoy crisp autumn evenings in a quieter setting just outside Des Moines.
Des Moines West KOA Holiday offers full hookup RV sites, pull through and back in RV sites, tent camping, glamping tents, one room camping cabins, deluxe cabins, and RV rental units. Whether you are traveling with a large motorhome or booking a cabin for the weekend, we provide accommodations for families, couples, and groups looking for Halloween camping in central Iowa.
Halloween Weekends are among the most popular dates of the fall season, and availability fills quickly. If you are searching for RV parks near Des Moines for Halloween, cabin rentals in Adel Iowa for fall, or family friendly Halloween camping experiences, we encourage booking early to secure your preferred dates.
We are keeping a few tricks up our sleeves for 2026, with additional details to be announced as the season approaches.
Reserve your site now and start planning your costumes.
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Go With the Flow Weekend
Starts: 05/29/2026 - Ends: 05/31/2026
Enjoy a relaxing Go With The Flow Weekend at the Des Moines West KOA from May 29–31, featuring the return of Pancake Breakfast Sundays.
Spend your weekend unwinding around the campfire, enjoying the peaceful campground setting, and starting your Sunday with a fresh pancake breakfast.
Located just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa, this is the perfect weekend to relax and enjoy simple camping experiences.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and enjoy a laid-back camping getaway.
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Memorial Day Weekend
Starts: 05/22/2026 - Ends: 05/25/2026
Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to kick off the summer camping season at the Des Moines West KOA, located just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa, while also taking time to honor those who gave all.
Join us May 22–25 for this holiday weekend featuring live music from Taylor King, a Root Beer Float fundraiser supporting Care Camps, and Monday morning crafts.
Spend your weekend enjoying campfires, live music, and time outdoors with family and friends.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site early, as Memorial Day Weekend is one of the most popular camping weekends of the season.
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Father's Day Weekend
Starts: 06/19/2026 - Ends: 06/21/2026
Celebrate Father's Day Weekend at the Des Moines West KOA from June 19–21 with a fun and relaxing camping getaway just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Bring Dad out to enjoy time around the campfire, quality family time, and the outdoor camping experience.
During the weekend, dads will receive 50% off one activity and a free pancake breakfast on Sunday.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and enjoy a memorable Father's Day camping weekend.
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Vexillology (Flag Day) Weekend
Starts: 06/12/2026 - Ends: 06/14/2026
Celebrate Vexillology Weekend, also known as Flag Day Weekend, at the Des Moines West KOA from June 12–14.
Vexillology is the study of flags, making this a fun and meaningful time to recognize the history and significance of the American flag while enjoying a relaxing camping weekend near Des Moines.
Guests are encouraged to bring their patriotic spirit and enjoy time around the campfire, campground amenities, and the peaceful setting in Adel, Iowa.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and enjoy a memorable Flag Day Weekend camping experience.
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Independence Day Weekend
Starts: 07/03/2026 - Ends: 07/05/2026
Celebrate Independence Weekend at the Des Moines West KOA from July 3–5 with a fun and festive camping getaway just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Enjoy a Fourth of July weekend filled with live music from Taylor King, relaxing campfires, and a spectacular fireworks show nearby after dark.
Spend time with family and friends while enjoying everything the campground has to offer during one of the most popular summer weekends.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site early for this high-demand holiday weekend.
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Christmas in July
Starts: 07/24/2026 - Ends: 07/26/2026
Christmas in July at the Des Moines West KOA from July 24–26 with a fun and festive camping weekend just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Guests are encouraged to decorate their campsites, enjoy holiday-themed activities, and experience the spirit of Christmas during the summer camping season.
This unique themed weekend combines the fun of summer camping with a festive atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and enjoy a memorable Christmas in July camping experience.
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Pumpkin Palooza
Starts: 09/25/2026 - Ends: 09/27/2026
Halloween Weekends begin at the Des Moines West KOA from September 25–27, bringing a full weekend of festive fall camping just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities including a site decorating contest, costume contest, pumpkin decorating, and a haunted maze throughout the campground (weather permitting of course).
Halloween camping is one of the most popular times of the season, offering a fun and memorable experience for families and campers of all ages.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site early and enjoy a weekend of fall camping fun.
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Haunted Campground
Starts: 10/02/2026 - Ends: 10/04/2026
Haunted Campground Weekend takes place October 2–4 at the Des Moines West KOA, offering a fun and festive fall camping experience just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Guests can enjoy decorated campsites, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating while supplies last, and a haunted maze throughout the campground. Activities are available weather permitting.
Halloween weekends are some of the most popular of the season, providing a unique camping experience for families and guests of all ages.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and enjoy a memorable fall camping weekend.
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Spooky Campfire
Starts: 10/09/2026 - Ends: 10/11/2026
Spooky Campfire Weekend is coming up October 9–11 at the Des Moines West KOA, offering a fun and festive fall camping experience just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Guests can enjoy spooky decorations throughout the campground, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating while supplies last, and a variety of family-friendly Halloween activities. Activities are available weather permitting.
This popular fall weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy cooler weather, campfires, and time outdoors with family and friends.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and enjoy a memorable Halloween camping experience.
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Monster Bash
Starts: 10/16/2026 - Ends: 10/18/2026
Monster Bash Weekend takes place October 16–18 at the Des Moines West KOA, marking the final Halloween weekend of the season just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Guests can enjoy decorated campsites, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating while supplies last, and a haunted maze throughout the campground. Activities are available weather permitting.
This final fall weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy cooler weather, campfires, and one last themed camping experience before the season winds down.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and end the season with a memorable camping weekend.
