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The best camping near Lake Ahquabi State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Ahquabi adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Ahquabi State Park.  

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Community favorites near Lake Ahquabi State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Ahquabi State Park

99%
(59)

Bend River Farms

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents50 acres ¡ Runnells, IA
Bend River Farms is nestled in the gently rolling hills of central Iowa. Camp Creek flows through the property and continues on towards the mighty Des Moines river. Native prairie restoration, regenerative agriculture and sustainable ranching are the focus of owners, Amy Buckendahl and Dave Breese. Bend River Farms was a former junk yard that has now been transformed into a cottage core dream. Cool woodland meadows provide a comforting back drop to your tent site or your glamping experience. Private showers, complimentary firewood, a jungle gym, a communal outdoor dinning area and a saltwater hot tub await! Please understand that our property is a working farm. We are not a state park campground or "all inclusive" resort. Instead, we offer your wandering heart a place to rest. Bend River Farms is a place to enjoy wild spaces and recharge. Our farm is located just 13 miles off Interstate 80. Travel to the farm is on all paved roads, with no confusing dirt roads to navigate. The property is located near the small community of Runnells, Iowa in rural Camp Township. Enjoy a cold beer or food at one of the two local taverns, or check out the local ice cream shop or our Tuesday farmer's market during the summer. Don't worry if you forget something! We have a nearby gas station and a general store. We have farm fresh honey and eggs available for purchase, check the option during checkout! Amy, our own resident biologist, will give you an opportunity to learn about livestock husbandry and the local wildlife. The farms front orchard boasts several wild bird feeding stations, with edible landscaping! A stay on our farm will provide you with an opportunity to learn about Land Management in an agricultural setting. Or learn about carpentry and welding from a master fabricator. Come learn about gardening, poultry care, horsemanship, beekeeping and even falconry! Check the extra options available during checkout. Fancy a fireside meal or homestyle dinner? Dave is a trained chef and loves to cook for our guests. Select a meal during checkout. Off-site, but nearby opportunities: miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, kayaking and fishing. The Iowa State Fair Grounds and Adventureland Waterpark is only 20 minutes away, along with big city fine dining, music and art museums are all less than a thirty miles drive; when you need a break from camping and nature. Fee based Transportation is available for guests flying in or needing a break from driving, or whenever you need a quick trip into town. Our philosophy: "Here at Bend River Farms we are passionate about regenerative agriculture. We strive to push ourselves and our partners to think of the future and the longevity of our agricultural practices. " Regenerative Agriculture is an agricultural philosophy that both acknowledges the degenerative impact of poor land stewardship, and the positive use of agricultural practices that foster restoration and productivity." Local conditions determine which practices are most appropriate. A regeneratively managed food system should improve the long-term health and function of the agricultural ecosystem and the communities that depend upon them, physically, culturally, spiritually, and economically. Regeneratively managed businesses protect and improve the natural function of our water, nutrient, and carbon cycles by taking steps to increase biodiversity in the agricultural system, works to minimize reliance on external inputs, and avoid the use of synthetic chemicals whenever possible.”
from 
$18
 / night
97%
(200)

Nature Heaven

8 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Knoxville, IA
This seclude, beautiful pet friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on top of hilly land is rare in Iowa. It has close view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table and a solar light . The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on site. The RVs need to be self contained. There are tons of nature features, you may see deer, rabbits and other game birds by your campsite. The camping sites has good distances to keep privacy for each sites A recently built a 20ft diameter geodesic dome tent is for those who want more climate controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent nature's gifts. for surrounding areas, the White breast beach is very close, a lot of water and hunting activities in the lake red rock year round. For our campers safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come for hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public deer hunting grounds are near our camping ground. The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on a top of hill. Our campers will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and lake view while enjoy the great nature, and have a comfortable stay . And cell phone signals are good to use your hotspot remote working at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^. Hope you will find joy, peace and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock lake areas. A little history of this land: This 40 acres of land was a surface mining site. The reclamation works done during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Masters and PhD in soil and environment health background, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds and tall grass... The site is totally different from what the Google map shows now.
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$25
 / night
97%
(431)

Come Enjoy the Beauty

61 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres ¡ Earlham, IA
This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and mature beautiful trees.
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$28
 / night
95%
(38)

Comfortable Camping near Des Moines

2 sites ¡ RVs3 acres ¡ Carlisle, IA
Once a piece of farmland, now this is home to a historic church rectory and a whole lot of chickens (real and fake ones to be clear.) Learn more about this land: BEFORE BOOKING - if you are traveling with a dog be sure to message us BEFORE booking to make sure that we can accommodate you. IMMEDIATELY AFTER BOOKING please send a message introducing yourself and confirming how many are in your group and how large your camping set up is. We live on just over 3 acres of land. Some of it is a flat grass area, some is hilly, and some has taller brush. From any of these camping areas you can see our home but not much else besides fields, brush, and grass - and the sky! A train goes by a few times a day/night. We are located on a paved rural road, so while you will hear cars go by, there is no flow of constant traffic. We are located an easy two miles from a gas station and an easy 17-30 minute drive to Des Moines if you're looking to go into the city. The land is former farm land but the house is a historical church rectory that was moved to this location several years ago.
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$25
 / night
93%
(27)

The BUSS BARN woods.

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Norwalk, IA
Learn more about this land:Woods/Timber camping. Fire rings provided. Camp in the woods (tent) or camper in field. Kybo (satellite) toilets provided. Rental of ATV (single) Firewood for purchase on site. Axe throwing targets on site.  Other accommodations can be made as needed.
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$39.99
 / night
100%
(4)

Cabin in the Woods

1 site ¡ Lodging18 acres ¡ Bondurant, IA
Cabin in the Woods is located on 18 wooded acres. Small stocked pond right outside your front door! Enjoy the wildlife and peacefulness of nature all around. Secluded area, yet 15 minutes to restaurants, shopping, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Adventureland and more! The cabin is a small one room space, with a loft for extra storage or sleeping. There is electric, but no running water. Gallon of water will be available. There is an attached outhouse with toilet. Small fridge and microwave. TV with DVD player. Please note that the cabin does share a driveway with our house, so there may be cars that drive by. We do have animals on our property, so you may encounter dogs, cats, chickens and goats (all friendly)!
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$120
 / night
98%
(64)

Greenhouse Camping

2 sites ¡ RVs5 acres ¡ Ankeny, IA
We love this beautiful land that has been in our family since 1917, and think you will too!   We are located 1/2 mile off I-35 at the north border of the City of Ankeny.  Here you'll find the best of both worlds just fifteen minutes away from your quiet campsite - Boating, skiing, jet-skiing, fishing at Saylorville Lake.   Canoe,  kayak and paddleboat rental at Big Creek State Park.  Swimming & waterplay for all ages at the Ankeny Aquatic Center.  Upscale shopping and dining at the District.  Or venture out a bit further to concert venues in Ames & Des Moines, local farmers markets, Des Moines' beautiful riverwalk and exciting nightlife, or the Iowa State Fair.  It's the best of country and suburban living!  End your day with a quiet stroll along the mowed walking path that overlooks one of the most beautiful areas of Four Mile Creek in Iowa, which circles right back to your cozy campfire.   Learn more about this land:You'll love this relaxing space to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors!  Very easy access,  we are just 1/2 mile off of Interstate-35.  Our farm is bordered by nature on three sides and the city of Ankeny on the south.  This is a single campsite, private and quiet. Your campsite has an adjoining mowed private walking trail overlooking Four Mile Creek, and is also within walking distance of Ankeny sidewalks for biking, walking, jogging.  It’s the best of both worlds - town and country! We're a 15 minute drive from Big Creek and Ledges State Parks, Jester Park and Saylorville Lake where you can enjoy fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and the beach life.  You'll find unique shopping experiences, delicious dining, a good movie, a thriving live music scene just 15 minutes away in downtown Des Moines, downtown and campus town Ames, and  at The District in Ankeny.  Upon your arrival you'll find the greenhouse mini-fridge is stocked with 4 complimentary bottles of water and everything you'll need for making S'mores.  One free bundle of wood is included with each booking.  
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$35
 / night
100%
(5)

The Point at Lake Red Rock

1 site ¡ Lodging32 acres ¡ Knoxville, IA
Our 32 acres is a unique property on Iowa’s largest lake, Lake Red Rock. It features 17 acres of woods and 15 acres of native pollinator flowers and plants. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching and much more! Gorgeous sunsets and quiet surroundings will give you a memorable get away!
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$99
 / night
100%
(4)

The Waypoint

5 sites ¡ RVs18 acres ¡ Earlham, IA
A vanlife destination located at the confluence of I80 and I35. 18 acres of land featuring a limestone quarry pond, perfect trees for hanging hammocks, flat ground for parking vans and so much space for community. If you’re interested, we are happy to coordinate introducing you to our small herd of alpacas and Great Pyrenees dogs.
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$25
 / night

The best camping near Lake Ahquabi State Park guide

Overview

About

Lakeside livin’ at its finest. Meaning “resting place” in the Sauk and Fox languages, Ahquabi is certainly one heck of a spot to simply kick back and relax. When you’ve had enough of chilling out at your campsite, miles and miles of trails wander around Lake Ahquabi that are totally perfect for hiking, biking, and wintertime cross-country skiing. In the summer, water spots are pretty darn popular. Take out a boat or paddle along the peaceful lake on a canoe and you’ll soon understand why—Lake Ahquabi State Park feels like a total haven away from the world. The best part? It’s located just under an hours drive from the big city of Des Moines.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as campsites can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, especially close to your desired dates, as plans can change.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding a great site.

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Ahquabi State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it can be busy. Winters are quiet but can be quite cold, making it less ideal for camping and outdoor pursuits.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's official website for any alerts or closures before your visit.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and bring plenty of water.
  • Be mindful of local wildlife and maintain a safe distance at all times.
  • Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring essentials.
  • Remember to pack out all trash and leave the park as pristine as you found it.

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