The best beach camping near Ames

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.