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Walnut Woods State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 804 Google reviews · Running trail in West Des Moines, Iowa · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 16.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Walnut Woods State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
260-acre nature reserve with trails, camping, river boating & fishing & a 1930s lodge for rentals.
What runners say about Walnut Woods State Park
“Well-Maintained Facilities The campground at Walnut Woods is meticulously maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.”
“This 260-acre park is surrounded by the scenic Raccoon River and Iowa’s largest stand of black walnut trees, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.”
“The campground is shaded by mature trees, providing a cool and peaceful environment, especially during the hot summer months.”
“Nestled just 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines, Walnut Woods State Park Campground offers a serene escape into nature without straying too far from the city’s conveniences.”
Spring Bluebells of Walnut Woods are most spectacular. Creating an enchanting forest walk for hikers going bye as Saturday sketch club Des Moines Iowa members create paint sketch and watercolor the splendor of it all! Oh what a joy, an awesome gift of nature revealed to us for a few weeks each year.
Small, quiet, spacious sites, $20/night E only and $26 FHU. Over half the sites are shaded with large trees:) Bathroom and dump site, yes, but NO BATHHOUSE. Keep this in mind if you're staying up to their 2-week maximum. There is a host on site.
Stayed in campsite 18 for the holiday weekend. Nice quiet campground overall. It rained quite a bit and the campsite was a muddy mess with several inches of water standing on the pad under my camper. Have a lot of cleanup to do at home today on the camper.
Its a really nice place. Clean and peaceful. Good for evening walks. Sand place for kids to play, couple of slides.
Trail conditions & character
“This 260-acre park is surrounded by the scenic Raccoon River and Iowa’s largest stand of black walnut trees, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.”
“Nestled just 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines, Walnut Woods State Park Campground offers a serene escape into nature without straying too far from the city’s conveniences.”
“The campground is shaded by mature trees, providing a cool and peaceful environment, especially during the hot summer months.”
“The paved and mostly level sites make it easy for both tents and RVs to find a suitable spot.”
“Modern restrooms are available, though the campground does not have showers, it does contain a sanitary dump station.”
“It is also just three miles from the Great Western multi-use trailhead, which links Des Moines and Martensdale along its paved, 16.”
“The paved and mostly level sites make it easy for both tents and RVs to find a suitable spot.”
“Convenient Location The campground’s close proximity to Interstate 35 and the State Highway 5 Bypass makes it easily accessible.”
“It is also just three miles from the Great Western multi-use trailhead, which links Des Moines and Martensdale along its paved, 16.5-mile path.”
Plan your run at Walnut Woods State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance16.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteiowadnr.gov
- Phone(515) 285-4502
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Friday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
Running trails near West Des Moines
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Raccoon River Park
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Ashawa Park
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Great Western Trailhead
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