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Yellow Banks Site 1-Paddle-in Only-no longer avail

6801 SE 32nd Ave.
Ph: 515-266-1563
Pleasant Hill, IA, 50327
Water trail campsites are non-electric, tent-only sites and available for use by Paddlers Only.  Water trail campsites are reservable or on a first come first serve basis. Several large trees provide shade for this grassy, level area adjacent to the South Des Moines River.  The campground has five sites; each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring. There is also a small shelter that is equipped with a concrete pad and a grill, this shelter is a “common” area for all campground users to utilize. A pit latrine is located just north of the campground.

Registered youth groups may also use the sites after obtaining a Special Use Permit. Contact park personnel at 515/266-1563 to obtain a Special Use Permit. 

Reservations must be made at 5 days in advance of the date of reservation. For example to make a Friday reservation, you must reserve the facility no later than midnight Monday of that week. 

We have a Limited Refund policy; however, if you need to cancel your reservation you have one opportunity to reschedule. Be sure to read the Facility Contract for details.

Yellow Banks offers additional campsites, both electric and non-electric, that are available first come, first serve.

Location

The water trail campground is located on the Des Moines River in Yellow Banks Park. The park is located southeast of Pleasant Hill off SE Vandalia Road. 

6801 SE 32nd Avenue 
Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 
(515) 266-1563 .  

Maps of the area can be found on our website at http://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/things-to-do/camping/.

Amenities

A low-impact river access is provided to facilitate conveyance of watercraft over the levee and down the river bank.  A large parking lot is available for vehicles and trailers.  ALL trash must be carried out. 

This site provides: 
Fire-ring: Yes 
Picnic Table: Yes 
Trash Receptacle: No

Firewood is available for purchase during posted times. Iowans are encouraged not to transport firewood (or other infested materials) across county or state lines. For more information, click on the following link:  INFORMATION
Carry in/carry out refuse
Fire ring
Pet Friendly
Picnic Table

Fees

Camping Rate: $18.00/per night

PAYABLE ON SITE TO PARK STAFF: Additional Fee for tent with 2nd tent: $5.00/per night

Reservations may be made up to ONE YEAR to date in advance. Campgrounds are closed: December 1 through March 31.

Minimum:  1 night minimum

Hours of Operation & Seasons

Water trail campsites are available April 1 through November 30.
Reservations are accepted April 15 through October 15.

Closures

October 16 through April 14

·        Reservations are not available. All sites are first come first served until campgrounds close on November 30 (weather dependent).

December 1 through March 31

·       Gravel roads in camp areas are closed to vehicular traffic.

·       Only hike-in tent camping is available at this time. Campers must self-register at the campground kiosk within one hour of setting up camp.

April 1 (weather dependent)

·        All campsites open for first come first served use only.

 

Permits

·         We require that you post your camping receipt on site marker provided.
·         Registered youth groups may also use the sites after obtaining a Special Use Permit. Contact park personnel at 515/266-1563 to obtain a Special Use Permit.