Beach Camping Near Ames, Iowa, US: 20 Best Beach Campsites 2026

In Ames, you’ll find over 1,000 places to pitch a tent or park your camper right near the water. Beach camping here means waking up steps from the shore, with quick access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails that weave through dunes and lakeside woods. Most spots welcome pets, let you build a campfire, and have toilets close by. If you’re looking for a site with plenty of sand and space, Ames makes it easy to claim a spot that fits your style—whether you want to cast a line at sunrise or just relax by the waves after a hike.

100% (17) • 10 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ames

Rooted Timbers

1. Rooted Timbers

100%

(20)

46mi from Ames · 1 site

We're Ben, Trinh, Camille, and Sage. We purchased this 12 acres in Fall '20 as a way to share our love of the outdoors with our friends and family. As time went on, we noticed a need in making outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive to those outside our network. Rooted Timbers was created with the intention of making it easier for you to disconnect from business and connect with stillness.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

from

$45

/ night

Ledges State Park

2. Ledges State Park

100%

(4)

State park 14mi from Ames · 94 sites

Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Saylorville Lake

3. Saylorville Lake

100%

(9)

Park 20mi from Ames · 446 sites

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

4. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

State park 31mi from Ames · 252 sites

Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Pine Lake State Park

5. Pine Lake State Park

100%

(1)

State park 37mi from Ames · 127 sites

Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Springbrook State Park

6. Springbrook State Park

State park 46mi from Ames · 111 sites

Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Union Grove State Park

7. Union Grove State Park

State park 47mi from Ames · 22 sites

Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

In Ames, you’ll find over 1,000 places to pitch a tent or park your camper right near the water. Beach camping here means waking up steps from the shore, with quick access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails that weave through dunes and lakeside woods. Most spots welcome pets, let you build a campfire, and have toilets close by. If you’re looking for a site with plenty of sand and space, Ames makes it easy to claim a spot that fits your style—whether you want to cast a line at sunrise or just relax by the waves after a hike.

100% (17) • 10 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ames

Rooted Timbers

1. Rooted Timbers

100%

(20)

46mi from Ames · 1 site

We're Ben, Trinh, Camille, and Sage. We purchased this 12 acres in Fall '20 as a way to share our love of the outdoors with our friends and family. As time went on, we noticed a need in making outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive to those outside our network. Rooted Timbers was created with the intention of making it easier for you to disconnect from business and connect with stillness.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

from

$45

/ night

Ledges State Park