The Grimes Brief

Guide · Camping

Where to camp near Grimes.

There is camping close to Grimes, but it helps to know which is members-only and which is open to anyone. Here is the lay of the land.

The short version

Grimes has a large private camping club, Cutty's, that is members-and-guests only. For public, drop-in camping, the nearest is Big Creek State Park near Polk City.

In Grimes

Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club

Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club (2500 SE 37th St, Grimes) is a large private club with hundreds of sites, pools, and a fishing lake, but it is members and guests only, not a public campground you can just book for a night.

Public camping

Big Creek State Park

For public camping, head north to Big Creek State Park near Polk City, the nearest state park with camping, a lake, and trails. Reserve Iowa DNR campsites in advance in peak season.

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Sources: Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club; Iowa DNR state parks. Confirm reservations and membership rules before you go. Preview build, September 2026.