Dallas County Fair Campgrounds

For Iowans, the essence of summer often revolves around community events, outdoor adventures, and creating cherished family memories. Nestled in Adel, the Dallas County Fair Campgrounds offer a unique blend of these experiences, making it an appealing destination for locals seeking convenience, comfort, and a touch of excitement. This isn't your typical secluded wilderness campground; instead, it provides a well-manicured, amenity-rich environment right at the heart of local action, yet still offering a peaceful atmosphere when events aren't in full swing.

The Dallas County Fair Campgrounds are more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent. With nearly 80 sites, including options with full hookups, it caters to a wide range of campers. What truly sets it apart is its location on the Dallas County Fairgrounds, offering immediate access to a variety of family-friendly attractions and the potential for exciting events throughout the season, from dirt track races to rodeos. Even when no events are taking place, the proximity to the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the North Raccoon River ensures ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

This article is specifically designed for you, the Iowa resident, to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Dallas County Fair Campgrounds. We will delve into its precise location and accessibility, detail the services and features that make it stand out, and provide essential contact information to help you plan your next memorable visit. Our aim is to give you a factual and enticing glimpse into what makes this Adel gem a truly suitable destination for your next Iowa adventure.

Dallas County Fair Campgrounds are strategically located at 28057 Fairground Road, Adel, IA 50003, USA. While the provided address listed "US-169, Adel, IA 50003," the Fairgrounds Road address is more precise for the actual campground entrance. This prime location places it approximately 6 miles north of Interstate 80 (I-80) via Exit 110, specifically using US-169. This provides exceptionally easy access for Iowa residents traveling from various parts of the state, especially those commuting from the Des Moines metropolitan area, which is roughly 27 minutes away.

The campground's position within Adel means visitors are within close proximity to local amenities. Campers can conveniently walk to the North Raccoon River, and grocery stores and local restaurants in Adel are also nearby, ensuring all essential needs are easily met during a stay. This blend of accessible location near major transportation routes and close proximity to town services is a significant advantage for campers who appreciate convenience.

Furthermore, being situated on the Dallas County Fairgrounds means campers are directly connected to a hub of local activity. This unique setting provides immediate access to fairground events when in season, adding an extra layer of entertainment and convenience for those looking to experience local Iowa culture and recreation without extensive travel.

Dallas County Fair Campgrounds provides a range of services designed to offer a comfortable and functional camping experience for both short stays and longer visits. While some aspects of management rely on volunteers, the core amenities are robust:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground features nearly 80 sites in total, offering variety to suit different camping needs.
  • Full Hookup Sites: There are 43 full hookup sites available, providing 30-Amp or 50-Amp electricity, water, and sewer connections. These sites are generally gravel, level, and many are considered "big rig friendly."
  • Water + Electric Sites: An additional 30 sites offer water and electric hookups (30-Amp), ideal for tents and smaller camp trailers. These are typically grassy, shaded, and mostly level.
  • Grass and Gravel Surfaces: Sites include both grass and gravel options, providing flexibility for different preferences.
• Restrooms and Showers: The campground is equipped with clean restrooms and showers, a crucial amenity that enhances comfort, especially for tent campers or those without onboard facilities.
• Sanitary Dump Station: An RV dump station is available on-site for convenient wastewater disposal.
• Wi-Fi Availability: Wi-Fi is listed as an amenity at many sites, allowing campers to stay connected if needed.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Most sites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, though some fire rings and picnic tables may be shared between buddy sites. Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome in the campgrounds, with some restrictions that can be clarified by calling the provided number. This is a great feature for Iowa locals who travel with their furry companions.
• Online Booking Available: While some reviews mention difficulty reaching staff by phone or email, the Dallas County Fairgrounds website does offer a "Book your spot NOW!" option, indicating that online reservations are encouraged and possible, even if day-of arrivals are also accommodated.

While some reviews note challenges with communication and site spacing, the listed services indicate a commitment to providing essential amenities for a comfortable stay. It's advisable for campers to utilize the online booking system or persist with phone contact for specific inquiries.

Dallas County Fair Campgrounds offers a unique array of features and highlights, particularly due to its location on active fairgrounds, that distinguish it as a multi-faceted destination for Iowa locals:

• On-Site Fairground Attractions: A major highlight is the immediate access to fairground amenities. These include a large bounce pillow, a vintage merry-go-round, swings, and a slide, offering plenty of entertainment for children and families right within walking distance of campsites.
• Proximity to Fairground Events: During the fair season (e.g., Dallas County Fair, typically in July) and throughout the year, campers are at the center of exciting events like dirt track races, rodeos, and RC races. This offers a dynamic and entertaining atmosphere that is rarely found at other campgrounds.
• Access to the North Raccoon River: Campers are within walking distance to the North Raccoon River, providing opportunities for fishing and enjoying the river environment.
• Connection to Raccoon River Valley Trail: The campground is very close to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which is described as the "longest paved loop trail in the USA," spanning nearly 90 miles and passing through 14 Iowa communities. This non-motorized trail is fantastic for biking, walking, and jogging enthusiasts.
• "Big Rig Friendly" Sites: While some reviews indicate challenges with tight spacing for very large rigs, the campground officially lists that many of its full hookup sites are "big rig friendly," accommodating larger RVs on gravel, level pads.
• Well-Manicured and Clean Environment: Customer reviews consistently praise the campground for being "well manicured and clean," contributing to a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: The location near Adel means easy access to other notable Iowa attractions such as the Bridges of Madison County and John Wayne's birthplace, making it a convenient base for exploring central Iowa's heritage.
• Peaceful Atmosphere (outside of events): Despite being on fairgrounds, when events are not occurring, the campground is noted to be "peaceful" and "quiet," offering a relaxing retreat.

These features combine to offer a versatile camping experience, appealing to those seeking both active recreation and the excitement of local events, all within a well-maintained setting.

As a fairgrounds campground, Dallas County Fair Campgrounds primarily operates on a published rate structure, with prices for full hookup sites at $30 per night and water + electric sites at $25 per night (as of available data, subject to change). While specific commercial "promotions" or "special offers" like discounts or package deals are not explicitly advertised, the inherent value comes from its unique combination of amenities and access to fairground events. During the actual Dallas County Fair or other large events, camping spots are often in high demand, and the "offer" is the convenience of being on-site for the festivities. Any seasonal variations in pricing or specific event-related packages would best be confirmed directly with the Dallas County Fairgrounds management.

For Dallas County Fair Campgrounds, located at 28057 Fairground Road, Adel, IA 50003, USA, direct contact is available. While some customer reviews indicate challenges with phone and email response times, these remain the primary avenues for inquiries.

• Address: 28057 Fairground Road, Adel, IA 50003, USA (The most precise address for navigation.)
• Phone: (515) 993-3728 (Primary contact number for the Dallas County Fairgrounds, which manages the campground.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 515-993-3728 (This is the same number, provided for mobile dialing convenience.)
• Alternate Contact (Text): Some sources suggest texting a number (515-201-0100) for questions, indicating a potential alternative communication method, especially for booking inquiries.
• Email: dallascountyfairgrounds@gmail.com (Email contact for the Dallas County Fairgrounds.)

Given the feedback about phone and email responses, it is highly recommended to utilize their online booking system through the Dallas County Fairgrounds website (dallascountyfair.com/campground/) to secure a site. For specific questions that require direct communication, persistence with phone calls or utilizing the suggested text number (if applicable) may be necessary.

Dallas County Fair Campgrounds in Adel, Iowa, offers a truly distinctive and highly suitable camping experience for Iowa locals, blending convenience, comprehensive amenities, and a vibrant community atmosphere. For residents across our state, this campground provides an accessible and engaging escape that goes beyond typical outdoor recreation.

Its primary appeal lies in its multifaceted nature. The presence of a bounce pillow, vintage merry-go-round, and easy access to the North Raccoon River and the Raccoon River Valley Trail ensures there's a wide array of activities for families, active individuals, and nature lovers alike. For those who enjoy the excitement of local events, being situated directly on the fairgrounds means unparalleled access to dirt track races, rodeos, and the annual Dallas County Fair, creating a dynamic and memorable stay.

Furthermore, the campground offers practical benefits for a comfortable experience. With nearly 80 sites, including full hookups (30-Amp and 50-Amp), water, and sewer connections, it caters well to modern RVs and trailers, even boasting "big rig friendly" options. The availability of clean restrooms, showers, and Wi-Fi further enhances the stay, ensuring that campers can enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing essential comforts.

While previous feedback has noted some challenges with communication and site spacing, recent reviews indicate continued improvements and the presence of helpful staff like Victoria. The overall well-manicured and clean environment, combined with the sheer variety of on-site and nearby attractions, makes Dallas County Fair Campgrounds an excellent choice for any Iowa local seeking a convenient, amenity-rich, and activity-packed camping adventure that truly embodies the spirit of an Iowa summer.