We have never traveled to the Quad Cities area before. Found this KOA close to the airport and highway and decided to stay there for a month. We made it 10 days (10 days too long). Upon entering the park, you can see the hot tub and pool area. People were sitting in the hot tub smoking. YUCK! Checked in and were escorted to our site. After parking the RV I specifically asked if the traffic was "always this bad". I was told that it calmed down at night and that it is only local traffic. Um...NO! All hours of the day and night you see and hear the roar of traffic. I (fortunately) got to leave for 6 days while he stayed there. Upon my return, I walked the grounds like I do every morning and I could not believe the trash scattered about. The "private" area is unsightly and the backside of the lake is storage for old trailers and RV's. On the other side of the maintenance shed is supposed to be more walking area but the trailers of trash and debris and the unkempt areas made the bugs and stink so bad I had to turn back. I walked through the middle area of the campground, which I guess is reserved for nightly campers, and it seemed okay. Tight spots, some concrete and some pull through. Upon returning from my walk, I went to do some laundry. The doors are locked with a keypad (says open 24 hours). I walked back to the RV and then up to the store to inquire. After battling my way through a cloud of cigarette smoke (not 25' from entrance as per law), they were not there - said out on the property or something. Would have been nice to have the code when we came in. Ended up going to the laundromat that night. On the website they indicate an entrance gate. Not operational at all while we were there and the exit was not for the most part either. Don't worry about sleeping in on Saturday mornings, the trains will get you up early enough. Very few spots (except maybe the private area) has a view of the lake - the map is deceiving. I think that is enough said about the property. Needless to say, we got out of there as soon as we found another place to go.
We have stayed at Griff's intermittently for several months. Some of the sites are gravel and some are concrete, all of them have full hook-ups. There are two shelter houses that have showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. These are SUPER clean. One of the shelters has an exercise room with all of the latest machines and a big screen TV with satellite. The second is more like a clubhouse with a large gathering area, kitchen and den type space. There is a pool table, shuffleboard and darts. Nice pond in the middle of the park has fishing and a paddle boat with beautiful landscaping. Do not be intimidated by the directions, it is easier than it looks and the roads are nice. We had full Verizon signal for our entire stay. The staff was friendly and kept the park clean. As hard as these folks work on this park, some of the guests need to be more conscientious about their noise and their dogs.
Rates are based on how long you stay - monthly, weekly, daily. Reservations are highly recommended.
Small, out-of-the-way city park. Full hook-ups...FOR FREE! There is a donation box and we did leave a donation to help with the upkeep of the park. There is a city pool but it was closed for the season. The park also has a bath house (we did not use), playground, basketball court, hiking and historical sites. If you walk up the HUGE hill from the RV parking, you can see clear across the town - beautiful scenic view. No fire rings, gravel sites, small town friendly and super quiet. We were one of two RVs parked there for the two days. A couple days is what the city requests, the maximum stay is 3 days.
This casino is a great stopover site on I-80 near Omaha. The RV parking is free and has a designated area. Security patrol drove by the lot several times. The lighting makes it a bit bright but I am not complaining for a free parking spot. We did patronize the casino by spending $10.00 on penny slots and buying coffee in the morning.
EASY access to I-80 and I-29.
*Follow the RV signs that point to the North parking lot.*
Parked at Cherry Glen for the last 2 weeks of April. Gravel sites, some level and some not. Restrooms and showers - we did not use but they are available. Plenty of shade. Bike trail connects all of the lake to the city. Clean and peaceful this early in the year - but got extremely crowded on the weekends. If you do not have a reservation, you will not get a spot here Thursday night to Sunday during peak season.
Getting There:
From I-35 north of Des Moines: Take exit 90 (Ankeny Industrial Parkway) to Hwy 160 west 2.4 miles which becomes Hwy 415. Take Hwy 415 north 4.1 miles. At the brown campground sign get into left turn lane, take NW 94th Ave for .6 miles to the campground.
Camped early spring at this park. Self-registration, no attendant on duty since they do not "officially" open until May 1st. We paid $14.00 per night off-season rate for full-hookups.
Our site was a level, large concrete pad with picnic table. Rear faced towards woods. Super quiet - heck, I was there by myself 80%(+/-) of the time! Clean restroom if needed.
Hiking trail goes around the river and is fairly easy. (http://www.iowadnr.gov/parks/images/maps_pictures/walnutwoodsmap.pdf). Bird watching area, boat ramp and dump station. No amenities nearby.
