Camping?

**bos** · 03-18-2008, 08:51 AM

Some friends from Wisconsin and I are looking to do some camping this summer. We are looking around the Des Moines area. Its been years since Ive been to Saylorville lake. Are there some decent camp sites around there? or do you have any better locales?

**throwittoblythe** · 03-18-2008, 09:01 AM

Depends on what you're looking for really. I've never camped at Saylorville, but when I visited campers there it seemed like it was very commercialized. I prefer a very secluded campsite. We have been to Ledges in Boone; they have more "commercialized" sites where you are very close to the next person over, lots of familys/kids running around, but they also have hike-in sites that are pretty secluded. Ledges also has nice hiking trails with good scenery.

**bos** · 03-18-2008, 09:06 AM

We are looking for something with a lake, younger campers (20's-30's), etc

**clones_jer** · 03-18-2008, 09:08 AM

rent some canoes from ISU, drive up just north of Boone (for a short float) or Webster City (for an all day adventure) and drop in to the Boone river down to Ledges park.

then camp at the Ledges that night

**clones_jer** · 03-18-2008, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

We are looking for something with a lake, younger campers (20's-30's), etc

Big Creek is a good time too

**bos** · 03-18-2008, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by clones_jer

Big Creek is a good time too

Ah so its non-camping. More of a day thing.

**BryceC** · 03-18-2008, 09:16 AM

Lake Aquabi (sp?) in Indianola is really nice, nice facilities, and there is a lake obviously.

**bos** · 03-18-2008, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by BryceC

Lake Aquabi (sp?) in Indianola is really nice, nice facilities, and there is a lake obviously.

Hmm, I looked it up, looks nice. Been there alot? Is there somewhat of a social scene there? We are looking for things to do.

**clones_jer** · 03-18-2008, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

Ah so its non-camping. More of a day thing.

Never tried to camp at Big Creek ... we always had to get back to a house party in Ames ... and, that there kids is the history of my poor gpa

**clones_jer** · 03-18-2008, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

Hmm, I looked it up, looks nice. Been there alot? Is there somewhat of a social scene there? We are looking for things to do.

If you're looking for social scene, pack your bags and get to Apple River ... well in a couple months anyway

**bos** · 03-18-2008, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by clones_jer

If you're looking for social scene, pack your bags and get to Apple River ... well in a couple months anyway

Doesnt Apple River usually lead to divorce?

**jumbopackage** · 03-18-2008, 09:52 AM

Eldora can be fun too, if you're into tubing. It's a helluva lot closer than Apple River, but it's nowhere near as crazy.

Still fun.

**clones_jer** · 03-18-2008, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

Doesnt Apple River usually lead to divorce?

you're over-thinking the situation ... live life and worry about who gets the house later

**zumbro clones** · 03-18-2008, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by clones_jer

rent some canoes from ISU, drive up just north of Boone (for a short float) or Webster City (for an all day adventure) and drop in to the Boone river down to Ledges park.

then camp at the Ledges that night

I second this! It's a lot of fun.

**dosry5** · 03-18-2008, 10:08 AM

Accommodations

best place in IA to camp. Check out the 805 River cabin. You are deep in a valley--very private. River right next to the cabin, private stocked fishing pond next to you, a gravity fed shower, fire ring. Don't tell any hawkeyes about this place.