- What is a reservation window?
- How much are reservation fees?
- What is the last day to make a reservation?
- Can I make a camping reservation and pay with camping coupons?
- What information do I need to have when making a campsite reservation?
- How many campsites or camping trips can I make during one phone call or internet session?
- Are there any minimum stay requirements?
- Where do I mail my checks/camping coupons?
- When is the call center open?
- What time is check-in and check-out on reservable campsites?
- Can I change a reservation?
- Can I cancel a reservation?
- Can I reserve an ADA campsite?
- Who can reserve a youth group campsite?
- Can I camp in an equestrian campground even though I am not an equestrian camper?
- What is a confirmation letter and how do I get it?
A reservation window is a rolling period of time in which a person can make a reservation for a campsite, cabin, etc.
The reservation window for reserving campsites is 3 months in advance up to 2 days prior to the arrival date.
Important 2009 Dates
| Holiday Date |
Date 3-Month Window Begins |
3-day minimum |
| Memorial Day Weekend - May 22 (F) | February 22 (Su) | Fri-Sat-Sun |
| 4th of July Weekend - July 2 (Th) | April 2 (Th) | Thurs-Fri-Sat |
| Labor Day Weekend - Sept 4 (F) | June 4 (Th) | Fri-Sat-Sun |
Reservations can be made online. A reservation fee is charged for each campsite or rental facility which is
reserved per trip regardless of the length of stay.
Reservations made online are $4 plus processing fee per transaction.
Reservations made through the call center are $6 plus processing fee per transaction.
A cash discount is offered if paying by paper check or money order.
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The last day a person can make a reservation for a campsite is 2 days prior to the arrival date if paying by credit card.
The last day a person can make a reservation for a campsite is 21 days prior to the arrival date if paying by
check, money order or camping coupon.
Yes, campers will be able to make camping reservations and pay with camping coupons. Campers will have to pay the
reservation fee as the camping coupon will not cover this fee and any additional monies if staying on an campsite
with additional fees such as full hook-up, cable tv or equestrian sites. Campers must go
through the call center to make a reservation if paying by camping coupon.
The last day a person can make a reservation for a campsite is 21 days prior to the arrival date if paying by check,
money order or camping coupon.
When making a reservation for one or more campsites, you will need to have some information ready to complete the
reservation. Here's what you should have on hand before making the reservation:
- Name of primary occupant for each campsite
- Address of primary occupant
- Phone number of primary occupant
- Unit type to be used at the site (motorhome, 5th wheel, travel trailer, fold down, tent, pick-up, van)
- Number of people staying on the campsite
If paying with camping coupons, you will be required to give the coupon number and issuance date for each coupon
which will be used.
If paying by credit card, please have your credit card information handy.
For camping stays during the peak season of May 1 through September 30, a customer is limited to reserving 5 campsites
for a weekend stay at a particular campground. There is no limit on the number of campsites a person could reserve for
a stay during the week (weekdays).
For camping stays during the off season, there is no limit to the number of campsites a person could reserve.
There is no limit to the number of camping trips a person could reserve as long as the stays occur within the
reservation window.
During the peak season of May 1 through September 30, there is a minimum two-night stay (Friday/Saturday) for the weekends.
During the holidays, a three-night minimum stay is required. (An exception to this is when the 4th of July lands on
a Sunday, Tuesday or Wednesday; however, the two-night minimum applies to a weekend stay.)
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All checks, money orders and camping coupons should be mailed to: (Beginning December 31, 2007)
Iowa State Park Reservations
502 East 9th Street
Des Moines IA 50319-0034
Please be sure to write down your confirmation number in the memo section of your check.
Payments must be received no later than 10 days from the date of the initial reservation.
8:00 am to 4:30 pm (CST) M-F
Closed on State Holidays
The phone number for the reservation call center is 1-877-427-2757.
Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. on reservable sites.
Check-out time is 3:00 p.m. on reservable sites.
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Yes, a peson can change a reservation once the reservation has been paid in full. A $5.00 change fee and processing fee
will apply for each reservation item (ie: campsite) that is changed. A reservation cannot be changed until the reservation has
been paid in full.
Yes, a person can cancel a reservation at any time up to the day of arrival. A $5.00 cancellation fee plus processing fee applies
for each reservation. Additional penalties may apply depending upon when you cancel your reservation. The cancellation policy
can be found at
www.reserveiaparks.com under "learn about making a reservation".
Most ADA campsites are available for reservations. A reservable ADA campsite may only be reserved and occupied by a
party that can display a persons with disability parking permit or license plate. The camping unit or vehicle must
be used by a person with a disability either as an operator or passenger.
Persons reserving these campsites will be required to provide the parking permit number at the time the reservation
is being made.
All youth group campsites are reservable and for use by chaperoned organized youth groups only.
A chaperoned organized youth group is defined as a group of persons 17 years of age and under which is sponsored by
and accompanied by adult representatives of a formal organization including, but not limited to, Boy Scouts and Girl
Scouts of America, churches, Young Men's and Women's Christian Association. Chaperoned organized youth group DOES
NOT include families of members of a formal organization.
Any camper may camp in an equestrian campground, but must pay the equestrian fee of $3/night.
A customer will receive a confirmation letter for each campsite/cabin/shelter/lodge that is reserved. The letter will have information
about the reservee, name of park where reservation is, the facility reserved, the number of nights and the dates of
the reservation and the amount due or the amount paid. The letter contains the change and cancellation policy and basic
information about camping/cabin/shelter/lodge rentals.
If a customer gives an e-mail address, the confirmation letter will be automatically be sent via e-mail. If no
e-mail address is given, a hard copy letter will be mailed out.
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