Cabins near Ames

33mi from Ames · 15 sites · Lodging · Waukee, IA

(3)

Discover the unique charm of Timberline Campground, where the tranquility of nature meets the convenience of urban life. Located on the outskirts of Waukee, Iowa, this gem offers a peaceful retreat while being easily accessible from Interstate 80, just a mile and a half away. Timberline Campground features a variety of spacious cabins and (New in 2025!) glamping area known as Horseshoe Bend. The newest section of our camp includes vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters from the iconic series Yellowstone. Horseshoe Bend campers each sleep up to 4 and make a fun and memorable spot for family gatherings, reunions or twinkling star getaways. Guests consistently rave about the pristine facilities and pool, weekend youth activities and special entertainment like themed grill outs, band appearances and more. You must check out Waukee Best Mascot Myrtle the Turtle in the camp store! After a day of adventure, you can enjoy local restaurants and shops that are just a short drive away. Explore nearby hot spots, including Raccoon River Valley Trail, Vibrant Music Hall, Barn Town Brewery and Jordan Creek Mall to name a few. Let your hosts at Timberline Campground show you how to enjoy country camping with all the conveniences of city life!

6. Cabin in the Woods

19mi from Ames · 1 site · Lodging · Bondurant, IA

(5)

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)!

7. Spruce Tiny Cabin

Pilgrim Heights is an oasis of natural beauty and outdoor recreation for all ages! We sit on 100 private wooded acres with an 80 acre recreational lake complete with a beach, and stunning views from our private cabins. From fishing to canoeing to hiking, the center is bursting with enriching activities. 100 private wooded acres 80-acre recreational lake Beach Fishing Boating Swimming Hiking Campfires Challenge Course Frisbee Golf

8. Black Oak Tiny Cabin

Unique tiny cabin experience! Black Oak Cabin has been recently updated and sleeps up to four people. Relax, unwind, and take a break from technology. It features a stunning view of our lake and private deck for sipping your cup of coffe in the morning. Commune with nature on our private trails, beach and more! Black Oak Cabin features a mini fridge, mircowave, and coffee maker. Hot water, A/C and heater.

Camper favorites near Ames

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa

39mi from Ames · 7 sites · Lodging · Newton, IA

Discover the unique charm of our centrally located KOA, where you immerse yourself in the beauty of an open, rolling landscape. We offer spacious cabins and the cutest vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters in the popular series Golden Girls (we are lovingly referred to as the Silver Sisters). Take a refreshing dip in our pool, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or relax by our catch and release fishing pond, full of bluegill, bass, and channel catfish. We are close to many Central Iowa attractions and events, including Alta House Wedding and Event Center, the Iowa Speedway, Knoxville Nationals, Pella Tulip Time and downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. Our campground features spacious RV and tent sites too; check out the Newton/Des Moines East Campground listing on Hip Camp for more information. It's always a Great Day at Newton/Des Moines East KOA!

Timberline Cabins, Waukee

33mi from Ames · 15 sites · Lodging · Waukee, IA

(3)

Discover the unique charm of Timberline Campground, where the tranquility of nature meets the convenience of urban life. Located on the outskirts of Waukee, Iowa, this gem offers a peaceful retreat while being easily accessible from Interstate 80, just a mile and a half away. Timberline Campground features a variety of spacious cabins and (New in 2025!) glamping area known as Horseshoe Bend. The newest section of our camp includes vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters from the iconic series Yellowstone. Horseshoe Bend campers each sleep up to 4 and make a fun and memorable spot for family gatherings, reunions or twinkling star getaways. Guests consistently rave about the pristine facilities and pool, weekend youth activities and special entertainment like themed grill outs, band appearances and more. You must check out Waukee Best Mascot Myrtle the Turtle in the camp store! After a day of adventure, you can enjoy local restaurants and shops that are just a short drive away. Explore nearby hot spots, including Raccoon River Valley Trail, Vibrant Music Hall, Barn Town Brewery and Jordan Creek Mall to name a few. Let your hosts at Timberline Campground show you how to enjoy country camping with all the conveniences of city life!

Cabin in the Woods

19mi from Ames · 1 site · Lodging · Bondurant, IA

(5)

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)!

Spruce Tiny Cabin

Pilgrim Heights is an oasis of natural beauty and outdoor recreation for all ages! We sit on 100 private wooded acres with an 80 acre recreational lake complete with a beach, and stunning views from our private cabins. From fishing to canoeing to hiking, the center is bursting with enriching activities. 100 private wooded acres 80-acre recreational lake Beach Fishing Boating Swimming Hiking Campfires Challenge Course Frisbee Golf

Black Oak Tiny Cabin

Unique tiny cabin experience! Black Oak Cabin has been recently updated and sleeps up to four people. Relax, unwind, and take a break from technology. It features a stunning view of our lake and private deck for sipping your cup of coffe in the morning. Commune with nature on our private trails, beach and more! Black Oak Cabin features a mini fridge, mircowave, and coffee maker. Hot water, A/C and heater.

Public campgrounds near Ames

Dolliver Campground

34mi from Ames · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dolliver Memorial State Park

A cabin, in the woods, by the river, on a snowy morning. The warmth inside from the fireplace. Life is quiet, and good.

37mi from Ames · 127 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pine Lake State Park

(1)

Pine Lake Campground

Springbrook Campground

46mi from Ames · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Springbrook State Park

Union Grove Campground

47mi from Ames · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Union Grove State Park

Stories from the community

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Robin

2 weeks ago

Beautiful property, lots of trails to explore, pond and complete relaxation. Hunters Havin sleeping cabin was awesome. Great for cooler weather and beautiful surroundings for campfire. We can’t wait to return in the summer with the grandkids.

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Michael A

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Timberline Cabins, Waukee

Rented one of the cabins by the pond. From the moment arriving we were greeted with such great customer service. We enjoyed every moment of our stay especially sitting by the pond having a fire and just enjoying the stars and all the deer that were roaming bye. We will definitely be back again.

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Katie

October 2025

Gorgeous property. Booked the sight above the pond which was beautiful and peaceful. Great sunset spot.

Holly

October 2025

The host was super friendly and flexible, even when we got in around midnight. The space was safe and views were lovely the next morning. I'd recommend staying!

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Eric

October 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Absolutely love the cute little cottage and the fun playground areas.

Rayven

October 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

We had a great stay! The cabin was cozy and clean, tucked on the outskirts of Des Moines in a quiet little RV park and campground. The host was super friendly and helpful, and we appreciated that it wasn’t crowded at all. There were fun swings to discover around the property, and we enjoyed a perfect evening campfire—firewood was conveniently available on-site. Would definitely stay again!

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Arjan

October 2025

4 nights at Timberline Cabins, Waukee

We stayed a few nights in this cabin. It was nicely situated with view on the small lake. Liked the firepit. Staff was very helpful.

A

Anna

September 2025

With kids

My kids and I stayed here while just passing though the area on a road trip. We ended up staying in “The Loft” and we loved it! Perfect for kids. The little cabin was clean, cozy and the host was so kind and accommodating with our late arrival. The surrounding property is beautiful and it was the perfect place to stop after a long day of driving. We only wish we could have stayed longer. Will for sure be back!

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Kyra

September 2025

With pets

I was only able to stay one night on my road trip, and I wish I had alloted another for this site! Linda was so so sweet and set me up with her favorite spot and it didnt disapoint <3

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Nolan

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

Great place to have a camping trip close to Omaha. Plenty of open space, fishing, hiking, and the sights are awesome. We were blown away at the brightness of the stars. Thanks Linda!

Allie

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

I love Rock N Ranch! The property is beautiful & well taken care of. I appreciate the quiet and feel of isolation. Linda is easy to reach and so helpful. My family and I have camped here multiple times and we’ll keep coming back!

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CJ

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

We were only there for one night, but the whole setup of the land was really cool and our tent sites were out of the way and secluded for the most part. Other than the bugs trying to eat us alive, and the heat, it was a great campsite, and perfect stopping location for our trip across the US!

Devon

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

The Ranch is a hidden paradise for a person like myself!! Very peaceful with a Creek,Pond, and Trails!!!! We had a Full moon during the stay and it’s amazing view every night! 10/10!!! 5 Star!!! MUST SEE!!!

Our barn dormitory with 7 bedrooms, a lounge, men's and women's restrooms with showers, and kitchenette on the lower level. The upper level has a full kitchen, a large dining hall/dance hall, and a stage.

Richard

August 2025

5 nights at Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

Our stay at the TLC Learning Center was an incredible experience. I only wish I had more time to explore and take advantage of the many available activities. And next time I would bring more friends and family to enjoy the experience. There’s room for everyone!!

MICHAEL

August 2025

3 nights at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

This place is a hidden gem and we will continue to come back year after year. The family is very kind and we absolutely love coming to camp here.

T

Tyler

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

My girlfriend and I booked Hunter’s Havin for a 2 night stay with our dog and it was amazing. The quiet atmosphere with tons of privacy was exactly what we were looking for. We were greeted by Linda with a big smile and a tour of the land. We were able to unwind and relax to our heart’s content. On the 2nd day, the heat became unbearable for us and our dog, and Linda was very accommodating, allowing us to move to the Honeymoon Cabin for our final night, which included air conditioning. We will definitely be back in the future, and highly recommend Rock N Ranch and Linda to anyone looking for a quiet getaway out in nature.

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Toni

July 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

We were in town for the Midwest National Softball tournament and found this little place to make our home for 3 nights. It's out of the way....but pretty close to interstate traffic noise. Although with the air conditioning running, it wasn't an issue. The entire compound was very clean and set up to be private Nice hot showers only a short ways from the cabin. We fell in love with the small town of Earlham. It's like the perfect quintessential town depicted in movies. The downtown bar and grill has great food. And short drives on dirt roads to visit the covered bridges of Madison county. We would certainly recommend Shady Brook to others considering a stay in the Des Moines area.

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Diane

July 2025